MOVING FORWARD
AN INNOVATION FESTIVAL BY WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE
15 – 16 Nov 2021 | Andermatt, Switzerland
Connect in person
with participants from around the world
in Andermatt
All speakers
Adeeb Ahamed
Timo Albiez
Fernanda Barrence Mutz
Martin Barth
Ulrich Bensel
Marcus Bernhardt
Hester Bosma
David Bosshart
Martin Bütikofer
Urban Camenzind
Puneet Chhatwal
Achilles Constantakopoulos
Christine Demen Meier
Koen Deryckere
Dinesh Dhamija
Peter Fankhauser
Niall Ferguson
Fränggi & Maria Gehrig
Andreas Goeldi
Urs Gredig
Shannon Guihan
Hassan Kadbi
Stephanie Kaudela-Baum
Aradhana Khowala
Simon Lehmann
Doris Leuthard Hausin
Alexander Limpert
Paras Loomba
Naomi MacKenzie
Wybcke Meier
Laura Meyer
Stephanie Nägeli
Stephen Neff
Liz Ortiguera
Reto Ringger
Bernhard Russi
Adam Sacks
Gudrun Sander
Samih Sawiris
John Scanlon
Josef Settele
Christina Spindler
Teo Ah Khing
Matt Welle
Hannah Wise
Reto Wittwer
Meet the Finalist from the Start-up Innovation Camp 2021
Teo Ah Khing
Founder & Chairman Desert Star Holdings
Teo Ah Khing is an acclaimed architect, entrepreneur, businessman, racehorse owner and breeder, Philanthropist, educator and thinker. He has founded and continues to chair a portfolio of companies, lifestyle and hospitality facilities.
Teo has also been an advisor to Heads of States for two decades and mostly recognised for his master planing nation building projects.
Teo has used his platform to create and support social programmes, charities, scholarship programmes and educational/vocational programmes.
Dinesh Dhamija
Member of the European Parliament, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Dinesh Dhamija is the founder of ebookers.com, one of the leading European online travel specialists and pioneers in travel e-commerce. Dinesh has seen it all from building a Nasdaq listed company, to graduating from Harvard Business School, to being listed in the top 100 Philanthropy leaders worldwide (Indiaspora). He has worked and lived in 14 countries and loves to do yoga in his free time.
Ulrich Bensel
Chief Human Resources Officer Deutsche Hospitality
Ulrich Bensel is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Deutsche Hospitality, having global responsibility for all HR topics, while managing over 100 employees. Ulrich has over 17 years of international experiences across multiple markets and industries. He's passionate about giving HR a new face through digital transformation and service ideas. He's an Assessor iuris and loves to play piano.
Achilles Constantakopoulos
Chairman TEMES
Achilles Constantakopoulos is the chair and CEO of TEMES, a leading investor, developer and operator in the high-end tourism sector in Greece with Costa Navarino as its flagship development. Achilles is a board member of AEGEAN AIRLINES and the Greek Tourism Confederation, as well as the non-profit “The Hellenic Initiative”. He graduated from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne.
Adeeb Ahamed
MD Twenty14 Holdings
Adeeb Ahamed is a prominent hotelier and serial entrepreneur, who owns several iconic properties across Europe, Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. Adeeb recently joined WTFL's Advisory Board as key solutions architect of the Forum's Think Tank to solve the biggest challenges the industry is facing today. He has won several awards, including the Global Business Leader Award from NDTV.
Andreas Goeldi
Partner btov Partners
Andreas Goeldi is an Internet technologist, serial entrepreneur and startup investor with over 25 years of experience. Andreas co-founded and helped build several global technology startups in e-business services, social media analytics and video marketing. He holds degrees from MIT and the University of St. Gallen, as well as four U.S. patents. He lives with his family in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Gudrun Sander
Professor University of St. Gallen
Gudrun Sander is a professor of Business Administration with a special emphasis on Diversity Management at the University of St. Gallen. Gudrun is a well-known and passionate expert in the field, directing the Research Institute for International Management and the Competence Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. With her team of dedicated experts, she supports companies on their D&I journey.
Niall Ferguson
Senior Fellow Stanford University
Niall Ferguson is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and a professor at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard. Niall is an award-winning and best-selling author of fifteen books, as well as an Emmy-winning filmmaker for his series "The Ascent of Money". He is married to the women’s rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali and has four children.
Stephanie Kaudela-Baum
Professor Lucerne School of Business
Stephanie Kaudela-Baum is a professor of Leadership and Innovation at the Lucerne School of Business. Stephanie has led several research projects in the field of creativity and innovation management and is program director of the MAS Leadership and Management Organization, among others. She has written numerous textbooks and articles and is a passionate advocate for innovation.
Fernanda Barrence Mutz
CEO & Co-Founder The Trip Boutique
Fernanda Barrence Mutz is the CEO and co-founder of the award-winning travel tech startup The Trip Boutique, an AI-powered travel advisory platform that instantly designs travel itineraries. Fernanda is also a board director at the Impact Hub Zurich and an advisory board member at WTFL. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Design.
Christina Spindler
President & Founder inclusivevents
Christina Spindler is the president and founder of inclusivevents, a Swiss-based association to support inclusion in the event industry. Christina has broad experiences in the event industry as general manager, consultant and member of the board. "Just do it" from Nike best represents her attitude: she wants to get ideas done. Christina holds a Bachelor's degree and loves Arts in her free time.
Matt Welle
CEO Mews
Matt Welle is the CEO of Mews, a hospitality software that provides support and automation of boring admin tasks, in order to create more time and serve customers better. Matt worked for over 10 years for Hilton and has vast knowledge of the sector, especially in understanding the flaws in technology systems for hotel management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hotelschool The Hague.
Christine Demen Meier
Managing Director Les Roches
Dr. Christine Demen Meier combines over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience in hospitality and is currently the managing director of the renowned Les Roches Hotel School. Christine is a member of the Innovation Council of Innosuisse, supporting science-based innovation projects for the industry and society at large. She holds a PhD in Management Science from Caen Normandy University.
Liz Ortiguera
CEO Pacific Asia Travel Association
Liz Ortiguera is the CEO of PATA and a senior executive with over 25 years of global experience across diverse industries, ranging from travel, lifestyle, technology, e-commerce or financial services. Liz is passionate about innovation and community building. She is an advocate for poverty eradication programmes and education initiatives across the region and an alumna of the Stanford University.
Aradhana Khowala
CEO & Founder Aptamind Partners
Aradhana Khowala is a global authority in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries with two decades of experience across 70+ countries. Aradhana is not only the CEO and founder of Aptamind Partners, but also a board member of WTFL and chair of the Red Sea Project Saudi Arabia. In 2014, she was featured as one of the 50 most Influential Next Generation leaders in the industry.
Hassan Kadbi
CEO Hapimag
Hassan Kadbi is the CEO of Hapimag, managing 56 different resorts − by the sea, in the mountains and in Europe’s major cities. Hassan's astonishing career started out as a dishwasher in the hospitality industry, working his way up in various well-known international hotel chains such as Hilton and Concorde. He holds a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management and loves cooking.
Alexander Limpert
CEO and Co-Founder GuestReady
Alexander Limpert is the CEO and co-founder of GuestReady, the leading urban short-term rental management company in Europe and the Middle East. Alexander is passionate about starting and growing businesses, especially in the fields of property, technology and travel. He is an investor and board member of several startups and holds a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics.
Fränggi & Maria Gehrig
Swiss Music Duo
Fränggi and Maria Gehrig are a Swiss music duo, blending traditional folk music with classical, jazz and other musical styles to create unique rhythms and sounds. As a brother and sister duo, they give free rein to the impressions and experiences they have gained throughout the years. A true cultural highlight from two musicians who have been making music together their whole lives.
Simon Lehmann
CEO AJL Atelier
Simon Lehmann is the CEO at AJL Atelier and a world leading expert and opinion leader in the digital travel industry. Simon's focus has been the private accommodation and vacation rental industry, serving as CEO of one of the world’s largest vacation rental companies, as well as being on the board of Homeaway. He holds a BBA from the GSBA, Zurich with focus on sales and marketing.
Laura Meyer
CEO Hotelplan Group
Laura Meyer is the CEO of the Hotelplan Group with broad international experiences. Laura has been working at McKinsey for many years, as well as being Head of Digital Distribution & Analytics at UBS. Her interest in digital and data, combined with a never-ending curiosity, helps her to push the boundaries of her industry. She holds a Master degree in law, is married and has two children.
Stephen Neff
CEO myclimate Foundation
Stephen Neff is the CEO of the myclimate foundation, a prominent provider for sustainable solutions and pioneer in voluntary carbon offsetting, based in Zurich. Stephen held various management positions in the technology and cleantech industry, most recently as the CEO of Neurobat AG. Canada born and raised, he holds a diploma in Engineering & Technology from British Columbia.
Paras Loomba
Founder Global Himalayan Expedition
Paras Loomba is the founder of Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE), taking travelers to the remote villages of Himalayas to provide local communities with access to clean energy and education. His initiative has been instrunmental in electrifying 131 Himalayan villages, impacting over 60.000 lives. GHE’s work has been awarded by UNWTO and highlighted by the BBC and National Geographic.
Hannah Wise
Journalist and Moderator
Hannah Wise is a seasoned international journalist with 19 years of experience in front of the camera. Hannah worked for BBC in London, was the anchor for CNNMoney Switzerland and is a guest lecturer at the University of St. Gallen. She loves to tell the stories behind the businesses that shape our economy as well as the challenge of a live and demanding interview.
Doris Leuthard Hausin
President of the Swiss Digital Initiative
Doris Leuthard Hausin is the president of the Swiss Digital Initiative and board member of the Coop-Group. From 2010 to 2018, Doris was leading the Federal Department for Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication, representing Switzerland at different UN institutions, the Paris climate negotiations and the OECD. She studied law at the University of Zurich.
Martin Barth
President and CEO World Tourism Forum Lucerne
Martin Barth is the president and CEO of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, promoting tourism globally with heads of state, ministers, chief executives, investors, academia and the next generation. As a practitioner turned researcher and professor turned entrepreneur, Martin continues to consult for various organizations in the tourism industry and is an Alumni of the St. Gallen University, Switzerland. Martin is married with one son named Seraphin.
Timo Albiez
Deputy Director Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern
Timo Albiez is the deputy director at SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern, managing all educational programs. Timo has been lecturing various subjects since 2007, thus taking part in shaping the future of international hospitality and tourism by educating future industry leaders. His business acumen is balanced by his artistic achievements seen in his animated drawings and sketches.
Hester Bosma
Senior Project Manager Etventure
Hester Bosma is a senior project manager at etventure and proud member of the EY family, supporting companies in mastering digital transformation. Hester started her career at the TUI Group, where she has gained deep insights of the tourism sector in various European countries. She holds a Master of Science in Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from Lund University, Sweden.
Reto Ringger
Founder and CEO Globalance Bank
Reto Ringger is an entrepreneur being active at the junction between the financial markets and sustainability. As the founder and CEO of Globalance Bank, Reto is specialized in sustainable investments and has launched the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Zurich and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Club of Rome.
Reto Wittwer
Chair World Tourism Forum Lucerne
Reto Wittwer is the chair of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne and is the only “Hotelier” executive who served as the CEO of 3 luxury hotel groups for more than 3 decades. Reto was voted amongst the "Top 50 most influential Swiss" and has been titled “Hotelier of the Century”. He has a strong passion for the future generation of hospitality leaders, providing unique opportunities for young people.
Adam Sacks
Founder and President Tourism Economics
Adam Sacks is the founder and president of Tourism Economics, dedicated to understanding the relationship between travel and the economy. For more than two decades, Adam has been a leading authority in the areas of opportunity and risk assessments, policy analysis and economic impact. He is currently a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Travel & Tourism Advisory Board.
Bernhard Russi
Olympic Skiing Legend
Bernhard Russi is a Swiss skiing legend who won the Olympics and the World Championship. As a renowned slope architect, he designed some of the most famous slopes in the world, from St. Moritz to Peking. Being part of the Board of Directors at companies such as Bogner, he advices various businesses in strategic matters.
David Bosshart
Futurist, Chairman Adele & Gottlieb Duttweiler Foundation
David Bosshart is the CEO of the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute for economic and social studies, championing the future of retail and consumption. David holds a Ph.d. in philosophy and political theory and is the author of numerous publications, as well as a speaker at international events in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
Koen Deryckere
Global Lead at Accenture
Koen Deryckere is the Global Lead for Industry Networks and Programs at Accenture. Throughout his career, Koen has embraced technology and applied intelligence to deliver tangible business outcomes through large transformation programs across multiple industries. He graduated from the University of Leuven, Belgium with honors.
Naomi MacKenzie
Co-Founder KITRO
Naomi MacKenzie is the co-founder of KITRO, a Swiss startup dedicated to reducing food waste in the hospitality sector. Driven to leave a positive footprint, Naomi tries to bring back the value of food. She holds two Bachelors in Business and Hospitality Management and has various experiences, ranging from dance instructor to finance coordinator. A true multi-talent.
Orit Farkash-Hacohen
Israel's Minister of Tourism
Orit Farkash-Hacohen is Israel's Minister of Tourism and has been the first woman ever to chair Israel's Public Utility Authority for Electricity. Orit holds a Master from Harvard University in Public Administration and is a visiting fellow at the Consortium for Energy Policy at Harvard. Throughout her career, she has been pushing the industry towards renewable energy.
Puneet Chhatwal
CEO Indian Hotels Company Limited
Puneet Chhatwal is the Chief Executive Officer at the Indian Hotels Company Limited with over three decades of leadership experience at acclaimed global hotel groups. Puneet is a graduate of both the Delhi University and ESSEC Paris. He was rated one of Europe’s 20 extraordinary minds in Sales, Marketing and Technology and won the prestigious Carlson Fellowship.
Stephanie Nägeli
Executive Board SV Group
Stephanie Nägeli is the Chief Strategic Business Development Officer at the Swiss Food Company SV Group and is part of its executive board. Stephanie is responsible for the innovation strategy, focusing on new digital business models. She's been nominated Ad Age’s “40 Under 40” and has been the founding member of the Nestlé Silicon Valley Innovation Outpost.
Urs Gredig
Talk Show Host
Urs Gredig has been a journalist for 20 years, currently hosting his own weekly talk show "Gredig direkt" and the news magazine "10vor10" on Swiss television. Despite major career achievements, such as being the program director at CNN Money Switzerland, he published his "summa cum laude" thesis about the spa town of Davos during the Second World War as a book.
Wybcke Meier
CEO TUI Cruises
Wybcke Meier is the CEO of TUI Cruises with various strategic experiences in marketing and sales in leading companies within the tourism industry. Starting out as a travel agent, she worked herself up to being member of the management board and management director. In her free time, the Helgoland native loves to do yoga.
Peter Fankhauser
Director PETRAF Ltd
Peter Fankhauser is a seasoned international executive with unique business development and M&A experiences. As the former CEO of Thomas Cook, Peter has tested every water going from high growth to corporate restructuring. He is an honorary professor at the University of St. Gallen and a mentor for startups, who loves to develop people into leaders.
John Scanlon
Chair Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime
John Scanlon is the Chair of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime. After starting his career in law, John served as Chief Executive of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs and as an adviser to state and federal environment ministers. He has been awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to wildlife conservation and protection.
Martin Bütikofer
Chair Lucerne Tourism
Martin Bütikofer is the director of the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, Switzerland's biggest and most visited museum of its kind. Martin's vision is to make cultural mediation more accessible to the public. He studied electrical engineering and business administration and is a board member of various companies. Martin is married and has three children: Tobias, Dominik and Julia.
Josef Settele
Co-Chair Global Assessment of the Intergovernmental Platform of Biodiversity and Ecosystem IPBES
Josef Settele is a professor at the Martin-Luther-University and works at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. Josef holds a PhD in agriculture, while his research focusses on the interface of land use, climate and biological diversity. He repeatedly has been among the highly cited researchers in Web of Science and coordinated major international research projects.
Urban Camenzind
Head of Economics of the Cantonal Government of Uri
Urban Camenzind is a member of the cantonal government of Uri since 2012 and head of the economics department. In 2020, Urban has been elected president of the cantonal government by the people of Uri. He is also the president of the conference of cantonal directors of economic affairs and held various political and business functions throughout his career.
Samih Sawiris
Chair Orascom Development Holding
Samih Sawiris is chair and CEO of the Orascom Development Holding (OHD) establishing OHD as the leading touristic town developer in Egypt and the Middle East. With the prestigious award-winning El Gouna town on the Red Sea, Samih laid the foundation stone for OHD. He holds a diploma in economic engineering and pushes projects to offer affordable housing all across Egypt.
Marcus Bernhardt
CEO Deutsche Hospitality
Marcus Bernhardt is the CEO of Steigenberger Hotels being responsible for 6 brands with the goal to establish Deutsche Hospitality as one of the top 3 hotel groups in Europe. Marcus has experiences with leading people in 140 countries across multiple industries. He is member of several advisory and supervisory boards holding a MBA from the business school in Zurich and San Francisco.
Shannon Guihan
Chief TreadRight & Sustainability Officer
Shannon Guihan is the Chief TreadRight & Sustainability Officer for The Travel Corporation, being responsible for the groups intention to make travel matter. Hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, Shannon started as a sea kayak guide at 16 and has worked in tourism development and delivery since. She is guided by the belief that sustainability is critical to the resiliency of our industry.