In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, the CSTC 2020 committee only accepted UK-based Chinese agents, carried out strict ‘travel history’ surveys, provided a thermal scanner at check-in, provided plenty of hand hygiene gel at the conference, and encouraged a ‘hand-shake free’ conference.
Keynote speeches from Cambridge’s leading tourism organisations (Visit Cambridge & Beyond, Cambridge BID and Discover Newmarket) were followed by panel discussions with Chinese tourism operators and the leaders of Cambridge, Ely and Saffron Walden and Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises; helping both sides to identify specific challenges and what could be done to turn them into sustainable and beneficial opportunities.
Panel discussion 1: Cambridge Sustainable Tourism, what has been done and what can be done?
Panel discussion 2: The ongoing Coronavirus outbreak hits the tourism industry – How are we facing the challenges & preparing for the future?
Making the event a unique opportunity, the CSTC 2020 included exhibitions and 10+ pitching slots for destination & brand presentations to an audience of industry professionals focused on Cambridge and Beyond.
At the second half of the conference, the attendees had the option to participate in one of four familiarisation trips organised by Visit Cambridge & Beyond and Cambridge BID, Discover Newmarket and Palace House, Ely Cathedral and Visit Saffron Walden.
The conference is also a fundraiser to support the healthcare system fighting the Coronavirus outbreak. The fund raised at CSTC 2020 will be donated to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
The organisers say: "In tough times, it is more important than ever that we stay together and stay strong!
"We look forward to seeing you at the Cambridge Sustainable Tourism Conference 2021!"
Image: Left to right: Emma Thornton (CEO of Visit Cambridge & Beyond), Ian Sandison (CEO of Cambridge BID), Judith Thompson (Officer at Visit Saffron Walden), Lesley Thompson (Director of Communications and Commerce at Ely Cathedral), Len Dunne (CEO of Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises).