Keynote Speaking

Professor Joseph M. Cheer is an internationally recognised keynote speaker on the future of tourism, sustainability and destination development.

Drawing on decades of research, policy engagement and advisory work with governments and international organisations, he delivers insightful, evidence-based presentations that help audiences understand the forces reshaping tourism and what they mean for destinations, businesses and communities.

Professor Cheer is a sought-after speaker for international conferences, government forums, universities and industry events across Asia-Pacific and beyond. 

His presentations combine global perspective with practical insight, making complex tourism challenges accessible, engaging and relevant for diverse audiences.

As a globally recognised tourism scholar and adviser, Professor Cheer brings a unique combination of academic excellence, international policy experience and industry insight. 

Professor Cheer has served as:

• Co-Chair, World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Future of Sustainable Tourism

• Consultant and Advisory Board Member, UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages and UN Tourism Barometer

• Consultant, Asian Development Bank

• Chair, International Geographical Union Commission on Tourism, Leisure & Global Change

• Chair, ATlAS Critical Tourism Tudies Asia Pacific

• Chair, American Association of Geographers Recreation, Tourism and Sport

• Co-Editor-in-Chief of Tourism Geographies, one of the world's leading tourism journals.

His presentations are practical, forward-looking and tailored to the needs of governments, destinations, tourism organisations, universities and industry leaders.

Professor Cheer regularly speaks on:

• The future of global tourism

• Sustainable and regenerative tourism

• Destination resilience and climate adaptation

• Tourism policy and governance

• Overtourism and visitor management

• Cultural heritage and community-centred tourism

• Tourism futures and systems transformation

• Evidence-based tourism policy and practice

• Tourism in Asia-Pacific and emerging destinations

Professor Cheer has delivered keynote presentations, plenary addresses and invited lectures for leading governments, international organisations, industry associations and universities around the world. 

Highlights include:

• Government of Kerala – Global Responsible Tourism Meet (Beypore, India, 2026)

• Tourism Sciences Annual Conference (Haikou, China 2026)

• Geographical Society of China Commission on Tourism Geography Annual Meeting (Wuhan, China 2026)

• SustainX 2026 (Gujarat, India)

• Government of India – World Tourism Day Celebrations 2025 (New Delhi, India)

• Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Global Conference 2025 (Nadi, Fiji)

• EuroAsia Tourism Studies Association Conference 2025 (Bali, Indonesia)

• UN Tourism Asia-Pacific Executive Training Programme, 2025 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

• World Economic Forum Global Future Councils Annual Meeting (Dubai, UAE)

• Distinguished lectures and invited presentations at institutions including Harvard University, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hainan University, Wakayama University, Silpakorn University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and many other leading universities worldwide.

Includes keynote speaking, conference chair, workshop and panellist roles.

Whether you are organising an international conference, industry summit, executive forum or leadership event, Professor Cheer delivers engaging, evidence-based keynote presentations informed by decades of international research, policy leadership and collaboration with governments, destinations and global organisations.

To discuss keynote presentations, conference speaking, panel discussions or moderated sessions, please get in touch.