The conference themes reflect the priorities of Oman and the developing agenda of the Responsible Tourism Movement internationally. There are international, regional, and Omani speakers who will address the themes presenting both theoretical perspectives and practical examples.

Dawid de Villiers the Chair of the UNWTO's Global Ethic's Committee with be in Oman and the placing the theme of responsibility in the context of the Global Code of Ethics. During the conference we shall be discussing different approaches to mainstream sustainable tourism policies. Whose responsibility is it? How do we engage the cvarious stakeholders and get them to take responisbility?

The Conference has four themes

1. Tourism, Livelihoods, Local Economic Development and Human Resources
   Local community benefits and the creation of employment opportunities for locals are key objectives of tourism development in Oman as elsewhere. Omanisation is proceeding rapidly. Human Resource development in Oman is a fundamental priority for the modernisation of the country and the conference provides an opportunity to discuss tourism and livelihoods, through employment and micro-enterprise, in Arabia and around the world. How can the benefits of tourism be spread to benefit local communities and geographically?
   
   
2. Responsible Tourism in a World of Finite Resources
   Whose responsibility is it to ensure that the tourism industry and tourists reduce the consumption of the world's finite resources? There are many challenges, water, waste, fossil fuel, climate change and biodiversity - how should tourism stakeholders respond: governments, the industry and tourists?
   
   
3. The Responsible Tourist, Tangible and Intangible Heritage
   What is expected of a responsible tourist in Oman and around the world? How can tourism contribute to the maintenance of tangible and intangible "living" heritage, through its economic contribution and enhancing local pride? How best do we conserve our built heritage and enable tourists to experience and enjoy it without damaging it?
   
   
4. Responsible Destinations and Marketing
   Tourism in destinations is managed by national and local government agencies working together, in a co-ordinated whole of government approach, with other stakeholders including the industry, communities and tourists. Destination marketing plays a significant role. Destination management is a good deal easier if the destination attracts the kind of tourists who will have significant positive impacts and minimal negative ones: choose the guests to suit the destinations and the hosts.