Summit Agenda Speakers
Rajan Datar
Broadcaster, BBC
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Rajan Datar is an award-winning international broadcaster and conference moderator. A current affairs journalist who is now one of the most recognisable faces on international media and TV travelogues. |
Participating Talks and Sessions
Alessandra Priante
President, Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT SpA), Italy
Alessandra is the President of ENIT SpA, the Italian Tourism Board. In this role, she Presides the Board of Directors, designs the strategy and represents the Company abroad.
As an Economist with extensive international and diplomatic experience, she served as Director for Europe at the United Nations Agency for Tourism (UN Tourism), being the first woman and first Italian in the agency’s history to hold such a prestigious position. In this role, she managed the agency’s most significant region, comprising 43 Member States representing 51% of the global tourism market. During her tenure, she enhanced Member States’ satisfaction by introducing dynamic and effective projects and work methods, engaging the global private sector significantly, thus contributing to increased financial contributions to the agency.
Alessandra also adeptly managed the pandemic period – the most severe crisis for the global tourism sector – spearheading impactful initiatives such as the Global Tourism Crisis Committee and various global technical committees, positioning UN Tourism at the heart of European and global institutions. During this productive professional period, she positioned Italy at the center of global initiatives, from the global communication campaign for tourism recovery (#RestartTourism) launched on July 1, 2020, in Rome, to the organization of the first World Summit of Youth on Sustainable Tourism in Sorrento.
She is a graduate of Bocconi University in Business Economics, with two Master degrees including an executive MBA from Luiss Guido Carli University, fluent in six foreign languages (bilingual in Italian and English) and with a great passion for the public sector, she resumed the reins of the national tourism policy in 2015 after an exceptional five-year diplomatic mission in the Persian Gulf as a special envoy of the Government. The diplomatic project, that she herself conceived, aimed at promoting Italy’s cultural and educational heritage in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The mission stemmed from Alessandra’s excellent results achieved in the early 2000s in the field of cultural heritage and audiovisuals, where she served as head of studies and international relations.
Upon her return, she quickly restored Italy to a central position in key international platforms, from UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) to OECD, Europe, and the BlueMed, Eusair, and Eusalp strategies. As an expert in policy, particularly in economic and financial analysis, Alessandra coordinated the construction of a robust national database and contributed to the drafting of the national strategic plan 2017-2020, governance reforms, and the challenging transition of tourism from culture vs. agriculture in 2018. In addition to this demanding role with the government in 2018-2019, she served as head of international relations and protocol at MiPAAFT.
Author of numerous publications, she has taught at various Italian universities and is currently an associate professor at Luiss Business School and a Research fellow at the Corporate Strategy Research Center at Luiss Guido Carli University. She is passionate about music, cinema (also a member of the European Film Academy), art, and good cuisine. She loves her work, reading, traveling, her family, friends, and AS Roma!
Participating Talks and Sessions
Joseph Boschulte
President and CEO, The West Indian Company Limited (WICO)
Joseph Boschulte is the former Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Mr. Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. Mr. Boschulte has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth.
Mr. Boschulte is currently serving as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO). He is the former Chief Financial Officer of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chair of the VI Public Services Commission.
Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City. He is also a member of the US Travel Association.
As the former Commissioner of Tourism, Boschulte has progressively led the Department of Tourism to expansive heights, rebuilding the territory’s brand, expanding the market reach, and increasing consumer visitation. Named the 2023 Caribbean Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal, Mr. Boschulte’s leadership in the US Virgin Islands expanded the depths of traditional destination branding, elevating the territory as a leading destination in the region.
Mr. Boschulte earned his BBA from William and Mary and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. A family man first, Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha and the proud parent of children Jaeden and Janae.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Steven Small
Vice President, Events, Routes
Participating Talks and Sessions
Ged Brown
CEO, Low Season Traveller
Ged founded Low Season Traveller in 2018 as the world’s first organisation completely dedicated to the promotion of travel during the off-peak seasons in each destination as a way to alleviate the growing issues of 'over-tourism'.
A passionate advocate of the advantages of tourism, Ged has spent his entire career of over 30 years working at senior director level with leading travel and tourism organisations such as Thomas Cook, MyTravel, Kuoni, Routes, ForwardKeys, Travel Weekly and AviaDev. He is dedicated to ensuring that there is a sustainable tourism offering for future generations which protects and nurtures destinations, their people and their cultures. As such, he is frequently called upon to present keynote speeches at several travel industry events throughout the year and regularly writes articles and publications on the industry.
In addition to his role at Low Season Traveller, Ged is the Founder and CEO of the Tourism Seasonality Summits which are a series of events which bring together leaders from the travel and tourism sector to formulate strategies relating the the challenges and opportunities which seasonality brings. In 2025 the World Tourism Seasonality Summit and European Tourism Seasonality Summit are in partnership with Routes (Informa). Ged is also proud to hold an active role on the management board of The World Tourism Association of Culture & Heritage since 2018.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Leslie Vella
President, Malta Tourism Authority
Participating Talks and Sessions
Tom Jenkins
CEO, ETOA
Participating Talks and Sessions
Sudeep Ghai
Director Network Planning, TUI
Participating Talks and Sessions
Emilio José Inés Villar
Head of International Tourism, The Data Appeal Company
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jochen Schnadt
CEO, FLY4 Airlines
Participating Talks and Sessions
Emma Valahu
Founder, Inbox Journeys
Participating Talks and Sessions
Marc Fisher
Head of Networks, SunExpress
After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Transport Economics, Marc gained his first experience in airline network planning and revenue management at Condor. He joined SunExpress’ – a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines – Network Planning team in 2018, quickly progressing to Manager Network Planning in 2023 and assuming the role of Head of Network Planning, Scheduling, and Airline Partnerships in 2025. During the COVID period, he expanded his theoretical foundation by earning a Master’s degree in Controlling and Finance. Marc is passionate about aviation fundamentals and airline economics, playing a key role in driving SunExpress’s strong network expansion – doubling the fleet between 2019 and 2025 – and shaping its evolution from a purely touristic carrier between the DACH region and Türkiye into one of Europe’s leading leisure airlines.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Anastasios Konstantaros
CEO, Visit Rhodes
Participating Talks and Sessions
Yrjötapio “Y.T.” Kivisaari
CEO, Visit Oulu
Yrjötapio “Y.T.” Kivisaari is a distinguished leader in the tourism and hospitality sector, currently serving as President and CEO of Visit Oulu, a leading Destination Management Organization in Finland. He holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Sustainability, along with a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University programme.
Mr. Kivisaari serves in several positions of trust, including the Chamber of Commerce and Destinations International. As a passionate advocate for community engagement, sustainability, year-round tourism development, and social inclusion, he excels in leadership and promoting hospitality. Known for his storytelling skills and expertise in navigating change, Mr. Kivisaari is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field. His work emphasizes creating inclusive, accessible, and accountable tourism practices, reflecting his deep commitment to social sustainability.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Stacey Liburd
CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority
Stacey A. Liburd is the newly appointed CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority and a respected leader in Caribbean tourism. With over 15 years of experience, she previously served as Anguilla’s Director of Tourism, where she led the island to record-breaking visitor arrivals and global recognition through award-winning campaigns. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Stacey brings a proven track record of innovation and impact. She holds multiple certifications in tourism management, sustainability, and governance.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Reinald Frankewitz
Head of Airport and Network Relations, Eurowings
Participating Talks and Sessions
Debbie Hindle
Chair, International Centre for Responsible Tourism global (ICRT global)
Debbie Hindle is Chair of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism global (ICRT global), a non-profit focused on education and training, founded with the world-leading expert Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin.
ICRT global runs two ten-week, masters-level, online training courses – a Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism and a Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism and Managing Success. A third course on Creating Shared Value will launch in 2026.
ICRT global also shares news of best practice by running the annual free-to-enter Responsible Tourism Awards and acts as a hub for an independent network of industry practitioners including ICRT Latin America, ICRT Africa, ICRT Europe, ICRT Indian Subcontinent and ICRT Southeast Asia.
Debbie has focused on tourism communications and sustainability for more than three decades. Before launching ICRT global she ran travel specialist marketing and communications agencies working for tourist boards, transport and accommodation providers, tour operators, travel agents attractions and online travel businesses. Debbie is currently a Special Board Advisor and Treasurer for The Travel Foundation charity, is a Non-Executive Director of the travel business Responsible Travel, and a Special Advisor to the Inclusive Travel Forum. Debbie is the recipient of the Travmedia Outstanding Contribution award to the travel industry.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Richard Lindberg
Founder and CEO, One Planet Journey
Richard is a serial entrepreneur and proven change-maker, leveraging 15+ years of leadership in sustainable finance and tourism for innovative solutions in the travel industry. As the founder of One Planet Journey, the authority on deep travel, he helps brands and destinations future-proof their operations by connecting them with the high-value, conscious traveller.
His mission is to make deep travel experiences the norm. He believes in an industry where authenticity, personalisation, sustainability, immersion, and exclusivity define successful hospitality and travel.
Richard’s keynote will focus on how the Deep Travel movement tackles the challenge of tourism seasonality by driving extended stays, geographic dispersion, and sustained, high-yield revenue throughout the calendar year.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Ivana Kolar
Founder & CEO, Tourism 365
CEO and Founder of Julius Rose Business Consulting, specializing in business strategy, investment project management, and value creation, with a strong focus on consulting and project leadership in the tourism sector.
European HTI Summit Director – representing HTI (Health Tourism Industry), the leading European platform for health travel and tourism business that connects medical, spa, and wellness professionals, service providers, decision makers, industry associations, and destinations through high-level events and initiatives supported by prominent European and global institutions.
Founder and Organizer of the International Conference TOURISM 365, tourism leaders gathering event in SEE on sustainable and innovative year-round tourism, destination development and the future of the sector.
President of the Croatian National Health Tourism Association at Croatian Chamber of Economy that connects providers of healthcare, tourism companies, travel agencies and other professionals dedicated to health tourism development.
Management Advisor at Terme Tuhelj, a role preceded by serving as the CEO of Terme Tuhelj since its early beginnings. During that time, led the company’s strategic development and major investments to transform and position Terme Tuhelj as a trendsetter in Croatia’s spa and wellness tourism.
Actively engaged in various national and international organizations and associations dedicated to the advancement of tourism and economic development. A strong advocate for year-round tourism and the sustainable growth of the tourism sector, and international collaboration. Lecturer, conference speaker, author of articles on tourism.
Mantas Vrubliauskas
VP Network Management, airBaltic
Participating Talks and Sessions
Natalia Boveda
Marketing Executive, Costa del sol Tourism
With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Natalia Bóveda is the Marketing Executive at the Costa del Sol Tourist Board, promoting the province of Málaga globally through marketing campaigns, trade fairs, conferences, and strategic partnerships.
Her background across the leisure, cruise, airline connectivity, sustainability, and technology sectors provides her with a broad understanding of global tourism trends. Passionate about sustainability, she actively contributes to initiatives developed by the Costa del Sol Tourist Board, such as Sabor a Málaga, the Carbon Footprint Calculator, and the Huella Cero project with Green Destinations. She frequently represents the destination at major international events including WTM, Seatrade, Routes, Matka, TBEX, and Spain Talks.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Andrea Grisdale
CEO, IC Bellagiio
Andrea Grisdale spent her formative years in England’s gorgeous Lake District, before embarking on a career in the travel industry in the 1990s. After traveling the four corners of the world as an overseas representative for a British tour operator, she ended up in Northern Italy as a guide and tour manager in the Dolomites and Lake Como. Just before the start of the new millennium, Andrea decided to strike out on her own and form IC Bellagio, a travel company providing Italian experiences for high-end travelers ranging from villa rentals and exclusive guided tours to luxury hotels. Andrea is a very vocal advocate of the travel industry, inspiring students at colleges and universities to follow in her footsteps with her many speaking engagements. She is also very conscious of the role inspiration plays for her staff as well, encouraging IC Bellagio staff to travel abroad and offering exciting career development opportunities.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Manila Di Maira
Founder & CEO, Emotional Sicily
Manila Di Maira is the founder of Emotional Sicily, an award-winning travel design studio recognized by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
A passionate storyteller, she has produced tourism films awarded at international film festivals, using visual narratives to highlight the people and places behind meaningful travel.
She has led several European projects dedicated to slow and regenerative tourism, including Immersive Sicily, Redefining Business Events which explores innovative, place-based approaches for the MICE sector.
Manila is also the founder of Sustainable Sicily, a platform that promotes responsible tourism practices and connects a growing network of local projects and communities that stand out for their creativity, authenticity, and regenerative impact.
Her latest initiative in Pantelleria reimagines business events as immersive, collaborative experiences that strengthen the connection among participants while engaging them deeply with the island’s culture, community, and natural rhythms. Through her work, Manila promotes a vision of tourism as a driver of regeneration, creativity, and meaningful connection year-round.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Peggy Croes
Curacao Airport, Senior Vice President
Participating Talks and Sessions
Maria Kouroupi
Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communications, Hermes Airports
Participating Talks and Sessions
Bastien Hiller
CEO, Teejit
Tarek Habib
CEO, Murmuration
Tarek comes from an aerospace engineering background. He cofounded Murmuration in 2019 to provide measurable environmental indicators for sustainability in the tourism industry. Building on the wealth of satellite data and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, Murmuration delivers innovative tools to support destinations and private businesses to integrate the environment into their operational workflows. Murmuration has been recognized by leading institutions such as UNTourism which underlines its operational ability and value in supporting the transition of the tourism sector towards more sustainability. The team is based in Toulouse, France, and works with leading destinations and businesses across the globe.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Saverio Bertolucci
Account Manager, VDB Luxury Properties
Bridging the gap between academia and industry, Saverio stands out as one of the most distinguished rising talents in the European tourism scene. At just 25, he became the youngest keynote speaker at the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS2023) in Seville and the youngest contributor to The Good Tourism Blog.
A quadrilingual Italian, Saverio quickly gained international recognition for his diverse content, innovative ideas, and thoughtful insights across the tourism spectrum. His extensive academic background has produced several highly cited papers published in Q1 journals—the highest ranking for scholarly manuscripts—leading to direct collaborations and discussions with prominent national tourism and political institutions. His in-depth analyses of tourism flows, infrastructure, and socio-economic development, based on two years of field research in the Faroe Islands, directly contributed to the formulation of the country’s 2030 National Tourism Plan.
Saverio’s recent interviews with key academic figures such as Dimitrios Buhalis and Valeria Minghetti, along with his work on the Faroe Islands, will also feature in the upcoming book Tourism Horizons: Travel for the Millions. Now based in Barcelona, Saverio applies his expertise in real estate and hospitality as Account Business Development Manager for VDB Luxury Properties, the city’s leading boutique service agency.
Through numerous collaborations, partnerships, and multi-million-dollar deals that enhance guest satisfaction and company profitability, Saverio embodies his core mantra: “customer obsession and quality over quantity.” These principles, first highlighted during his speech in Seville, emphasise the importance of product excellence and attention to detail over technological tools—a message that resonated deeply in a panel focused on tech trends.
The continued growth of VDB Luxury Properties reflects how this boutique model successfully blends real estate with hospitality, redefining excellence in the sector. Do not miss Saverio at The Tourism Seasonality Summit 2026 in Rimini and discover the meaning of “Extended Capacity” as he shares his vision on tackling seasonality via collaboration, extended capacity management and sustainable development, illustrated with clear examples from his findings across Iceland and the Faroe Islands.