The GSTC Board of Directors plays an integral role in the leadership of the organization. Most seats on the board are filled via annual elections of and by current members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The GSTC Election Committee has validated the votes and has released the results.

Three board members were elected to 3-year terms: Rika Jean-François (CSR Commissioner, ITB Berlin), Ameet Konkar (Sustainability Director, Airbnb), Charlotte WWiebe (Group Sustainability Director, TUI Group).

Rika Jean-François
CSR Commissioner, ITB Berlin

Ameet Konkar
Sustainability Director, Airbnb

Charlotte WWiebe
Group Sustainability Director, TUI Group

Commenting on the election, Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Board Chair stated: “Congratulations to the elected members of the GSTC Board, who represent three major actors in the tourism industry. A major goal of our organization in the immediate future is contributing to the recovery of tourism in a sustainable and responsible way. The Board will therefore have the task to steer this new phase.”

“The state of our planet needs wise but immediate action. The GSTC Criteria are a powerful tool to tackle climate change and support social justice: they enable each destination, each entrepreneur to implement change to ensure the future of an environmentally acceptable and socially responsible tourism. Therefore I am happy to be part of this distinguished board to help to create international awareness,” says Rika Jean-François, ITB Berlin CSR Commissioner.

“GSTC plays a critical role in helping the tourism industry move towards a more sustainable future, and Airbnb has supported this important work for many years. I am excited to join the team to continue this progress in sustainable tourism,” says Ameet Konkar, Airbnb Sustainability Director.

“GSTC plays a crucial role in the sustainability transformation of the travel industry. We need to work together and set ambitious targets in order to achieve change – for our customers, for communities in destinations and for the environment. I am looking forward to being a member of the Board and working with partners to drive the sustainability agenda forward.” says Charlotte WWiebe, TUI Group Sustainability Director.

The new term commences on September 1st.

Members of the GSTC Board of Directors are elected by current members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). All GSTC members in good standing are eligible to nominate candidates for the board and to cast votes in the election. Non-members are not eligible for nomination and are encouraged to become members for at least one year prior to running for board election.