The global underwater and seaside tourism industry has grown immensely over the last two decades. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the global underwater and seaside tourism industry is valued at over $100 billion with annual growth rates of 3.5 - 5%.
The Gulf of the Arabian Sea as well as the Red Sea support a wide range of marine life, with clear and relatively shallow waters, the region is a magnet for visitors and locals, but are the coastlines and the offshore habitats protected sufficiently to allow the maritime tourism boom alongside the in-water building and construction activities?
Dr. Will Bateman from CCell shares traction of our projects around the world, discusses what opportunities exist for coastal restoration in the ME and how to increase regional activity to ensure the wellbeing of the maritime world. Government officials from Indonesia and the Seychelles share the reality of challenges faced by coastal nations.
A highly skilled commercial strategist with over 20 years of experience in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Bruno Wiley has built a successful career in the hospitality industry.
Bruno began his career in sales at Accor Hotels in Paris, where he managed government accounts and corporate agreements while devising innovative ways to approach specific market segments. He then held various leadership roles in the hospitality industry, including Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hilton Rabat Hotel in Morocco, Director of Sales for the Hotel Lutetia in Paris, and Director of Sales and Marketing at the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah.
In 2010, Bruno established the MENA operation of the US-based Vantage Deluxe Travel in Cairo and later served as the Vice President of Product Planning, Development, and International Operations for the Middle East, European river and land programs, overseeing various markets including the Middle East, Western Europe, Ukraine, and Russia.
In 2012, Bruno joined Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as the Vice President of Commercial at Experience Hub, where he played a key role in promoting the destination to Asian travelers, particularly those from China. Today, Yas Island is a world-renowned leisure and entertainment destination, offering a wide range of attractions and activities including theme parks, luxury resorts, shopping centers, and a championship golf course.
When he is not busy traveling for work, Bruno makes the most of his time by spending it with his family and training for triathlons. He is also a firm believer in starting the day before 5AM and making the most of every moment.
Deputy Minister of Marketing of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia
Mrs. Ni Made Ayu Marthini is the Deputy Minister of Marketing of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia. She has extensive experience in global negotiations from her work with the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia. With her rich experience about Indonesia’s diverse market, she is equipped to bring fresh perspectives for her nation's tourism sector.
Her work ethics include being innovative with new strategies and ideas, adaptive with every condition, and collaboration with strong mission to recognise Indonesia as a world-class tourist destination. As Deputy Minister, she commits to work hand-in hand with the people of her country to boost the tourism economy of Indonesia's vast natural capital.
Principal Secretary, Tourism Seychelles
Sherin Francis is the Principal Secretary for the Seychelles Tourism Department prior to which she was the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).
Seychellois economist and finance expert, Mrs Francis is a skilled tourism expert who has headed the tourism board for eight years during which she has been instrumental in championing the digital revolution in marketing at the board amongst other achievements.
Aside from her professional achievements, Mrs Francis the loving mother of two beautiful young girls, and her fondest memories are always with family
CEO, CCELL
Will graduating Imperial College, with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, followed by a PhD in extreme ocean waves. Following time working at General Dynamics, Risk Management Solutions and Lloyds Register, he formed CCell to develop solutions for tacking coastal erosion. CCell have established partnerships across Europe, the Americas and Asia and now, due to the abundant coastal conservation opportunities that the region offers, the Middle East has now been brought into CCell's focus.
