From 18 to 22 May, the Ravenala Attitude hotel hosted the annual meeting of a unique network: the Eco Resort Network, a network of professionals working to promote sustainable tourism. This was the third edition of the meeting, and the first outside Europe.
PHOTO DR: The agenda included a two-day conference, a welcome reception, networking as well as excursions to visit Mauritian ‘eco-resorts’: Oboē and Anbalaba (Nomadic resorts).
Previous editions of Eco Resort Network’s annual meeting have taken place in Slovenia (2022) and Montenegro (2023), and followed a similar format of conferences and site visits. This is the first time the event has been held outside Europe, with Mauritius chosen due to the “many interesting resorts”, as well as the presence of two network members on site, Oboē and Anbalaba, from Nomadic Resorts. The Eco Resort Network 2024 was attended by 60 people, “in order to maintain an intimate atmosphere”, say the organisers.
Speakers and delegates included hotel entrepreneurs and project managers with a focus on sustainable tourism. The agenda included a two-day conference, a welcome reception, networking and excursions to visit Mauritian eco-resorts: Oboē and Anbalaba (Nomadic resorts). The topics discussed at the conference included greenwashing, the changing world of entrepreneurship and the fight against climate change. According to the conference organisers, there is a growing demand for sustainable tourism offers, and the major hotel brands are becoming aware of this. In terms of trends to watch, it is the wellness sector that stands out. According to their findings, well-being needs to be integrated into the design and DNA of projects. The next annual meeting of the Eco Resort Network will be held in Greece.
