Startup masterclass (by invitation only)

Welcome Cocktail (by invitation only)

Official Opening:

• Mr. Raúl García Brink, Technical Coordinator of Economic Development, Energy Sovereignty, Climate and Knowledge, Cabildo de Gran Canaria

• Ms. Isabel Maria Oliver Sagreras, Office of the Secretary- General, UNWTO

Keynote speech (video message) by Ms. Natalia Bayona, Director, Innovation, Education and Investments, UNWTO

Panels Session 1: Enhancing entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities for Island Destinations through successful governance models and technology

Moderator: Mr Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UNWTO

• Mr. Leslie Vella, Deputy CEO/Chief Officer Strategic Development, Malta Tourism Authority
• Ms. Olga Theocharous, Senior Tourism Officer, Directorate of Quality Assurance and Licensing of Tourist Enterprises, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus
• Mr. Dalibor Cvitković, Director, Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, Croatia
• Mr. Claudio della Lucia, Councilor, Italian Island Hotel Association
• Mr. Sergio Moreno, Professor, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Mr. Cosme García Falcón, Managing Director, Gran Canaria Economic Development Agency (SPEGC)

• Ms. Leticia Lauffer Jiménez, Director, Wakalua Tourism Innovation Hub, Spain

Pitching round 1: Deep Tech: New technologies applied to sustainability

Introduction: Mr. Glenn Cauwenberghs, Innovation Specialist, Innovation, Education and Investments, UNWTO

Coffee break

Panel Session 2: Harnessing innovation and digital transformation for strengthening competitiveness and building resilience in the tourism ecosystem of Islands in the post covid era

Moderator: Mr. Pablo Llinares, Managing Director, Turismo de Gran Canaria

• Mr. James Ellsmoor, Founder and Director, Island Innovation
• Ms. Jennifer Ruiz Moreno, Director, Global Tourism Innovation Hub, MasterCard
• Mr. Patricia Fraile Romero, Fund Manager, Archipélago Next
• Mr. Jost Neumann, Programme Director, TUI Foundation
• Mr. Ramon Sanchez, Head of Strategic Projects Amadeus for Destinations
• Ms. Zulay Rodríguez Castilla, Director, Digital Business and Strategy Consulting Atlantis Technology (GRUPO BINTER)

Pitching round 2: Innovation & Digitalization for Island Destinations

Introduction: Mr. Glenn Cauwenberghs, Innovation Specialist, Innovation, Education and Investments, UNWTO

Announcements of winners and award ceremony

Closing Remarks:

• Mr. Antonio Morales Méndez, President of Cabildo de Gran Canaria
• Ms. Isabel Maria Oliver Sagreras, Office of the Secretary- General, UNWTO

Lunch