The 3rd Annual Conference of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Business (ACSTHB) 2024, held in Padang, Indonesia, brought together leading experts from across the globe to discuss the future of sustainable tourism. This landmark event, hosted by Universitas Negeri Padang’s Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, focused on ”Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism: Driving Towards the SDGs,” highlighting the impactful contributions, even small ones, that can drive global change.
University Leadership Paves the Way for Sustainable Tourism
The conference was inaugurated by Ir. Krismadinata, Ph.D., Rector of Universitas Negeri Padang, and Prof. Dra. Asmar Yulastri, M.Pd., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality. Both leaders underscored the university’s commitment to embedding sustainability into the tourism industry, not only in Sumatra but across Indonesia.
“We remain dedicated to educating future tourism professionals who will champion sustainability,” said Prof. Yulastri, reinforcing the university’s mission to lead by example.
First-Ever 2030 SDGs Game on Sumatra
A highlight of the conference was the first-ever playthrough of The 2030 SDGs Game on the island of Sumatra. Facilitated by Dr. Scott, this interactive session introduced participants to the complexities of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the tourism sector. The game spurred lively conversation and encouraged practical action among attendees, ranging from business leaders to students.
Pak Pasaribu, M.Si.Par., CHE, Head of the Tourism Department at Universitas Negeri Padang, shared his thoughts on Dr. Scott’s contributions: “Dr. Scott’s presentation on best practices for implementing the SDGs in event tourism was truly inspiring. His leadership during the SDG Game—our first time experiencing it here in Indonesia—was both engaging and insightful. The interactive nature of the game brought a fresh perspective, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.”
Unexpected Partnerships Spark New Sustainable Networks
Dr. Smith’s time in Padang was made even more memorable by an unexpected and meaningful encounter at Hotel Santika Premiere Padang. Following a tour of the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, Dr. Smith was deeply impressed by the efforts led by Mr. Hendriv Febriadi, Executive Chef, Miss Marshela Nora, Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Muhammad Al Jihad, Pastry Chef. The trio’s commitment to eco-friendly practices inspired Dr. Smith to invite them to the conference the following day, which they cheerfully accepted.
This spontaneous collaboration has now formed a new network between Padang’s newest 4-star hotel and Universitas Negeri Padang’s leading tourism school, setting an example of how local businesses and educational institutions can join forces in the sustainability movement.
“Little by Little, a Hill is Made”
Among the conference attendees, Miss Rahma Risa Asri captured the spirit of the event with a heartfelt reflection:
“This year’s theme gives me an understanding that there is no need to think about doing something that has a big impact on the world, just start by making small changes from any sector. Like the Indonesian proverb ‘sedikit demi sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit,’ which means ‘little by little, eventually it will become a hill (more and more).’ If not ourselves, who else?”
Her words resonated strongly with the participants, underlining that collective action begins with individual responsibility.
APIEM and Dr. Scott’s Contribution to Sustainable Tourism
Dr. Scott Michael Smith, Ph.D., from Assumption University of Thailand was invited to