By convening tourism professionals from across the sector, the STC enables structured dialogue among diverse stakeholders. The 2025 edition attracted over 150 participants, including leaders from hotels, attractions, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions), cruises, academia, and government agencies. This represents significant growth from 50 in-person attendees in 2022, reflecting increasing sector-wide commitment to sustainability.

The platform has also catalysed cross-sector partnerships. One example is the collaboration between hospitality group The Ascott Limited and SG Enable. Following their introduction at STC 2023, The Ascott Limited began incorporating inclusive practices, including inclusive hiring, across its properties in Singapore and internationally. In 2025, the hospitality group further strengthened this partnership by publishing the Holistic Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector, a pioneering open-access guide providing hospitality operators with a practical framework for advancing disability inclusion.

STC 2025 also introduced a foyer showcase featuring local brands offering sustainable products, facilitating new connections between these enterprises and tourism stakeholders.

Proving the Business Case for Sustainability

The STC provides a platform to demonstrate that sustainability delivers both environmental and economic value. Beyond advancing social and environmental objectives, improved resource efficiency can strengthen financial performance. For example, a highlight of the 2023 edition was a session moderated by STB’s Chief Sustainability Officer featuring leaders from Gardens by the Bay, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, and Marina Bay Sands.

The discussion focused on how sustainability investments can reduce operational costs and enhance business models. By sharing practical experiences in green architecture and resource management, these organisations provided tangible examples for smaller operators. Similarly, the Sentosa Development Corporation has used the platform to convene island partners to explore collaborative decarbonisation strategies. Such examples help clarify the transition to sustainable practices, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and profitability can be mutually reinforcing.

Another core objective of the STC is to share practical tools and resources with the industry. STB collaborates with relevant government agencies to present existing schemes and programmes that support implementation. For instance, in 2025, STB worked with the Singapore Food Agency to feature the Farm to Table Recognition Programme, which highlights establishments that incorporate local produce in menus. STB has also partnered with organisations such as SG Enable to co-create discussions on accessible tourism, underscoring that a sustainable destination must also be inclusive and equitable.

Measurable Impacts and the Path Forward

By facilitating industry exchange and communicating clear sector priorities and direction, the STC contributes to the advancement of a more sustainable tourism industry. For regional governments and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) seeking to strengthen their own tourism ecosystems, the Singapore model illustrates the value of continuous dialogue, shared knowledge, and collective innovation in driving sustainable transformation.