GSTC Announces the Results of its 2022 Board of Directors Election

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 released the results of the 2022 election.

Four board members were re-elected to 3-year terms: Dr. Ioannis Pappas (CEO of Green Evolution), Dr. Kelly S. Bricker (Professor of Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism & Nature-based Recreation at Arizona State University), Glenn Mandziuk (CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance), CB Ramkumar (Director of Green Dreams for the Planet).

In addition, CB Ramkumar was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and inducted into the Executive Committee.

Commenting on the election, Board Chair Luigi Cabrini stated: “GSTC will count again on the expertise, commitment and influence of four board members representing diverse regions and sectors. The GSTC board ensures that key tourism actors with different perspectives contribute to steer the strategy and policy of our organization”

“Given that Europe is one of the most important tourism regions for Global Markets, a position of representation in the GSTC is more than an honor for me. Especially in a new era for tourism after Covid-19 years, the role of GSTC in the transition of European Tourism to a more sustainable and regenerative one is crucial for setting a safe and responsible pathway towards tangible and feasible outcomes. Our organization will support this transition to a more sustainable future, and all the new members of the GSTC board of Directors are here to give all the necessary effort for that success” said Dr. Ioannis Pappas, CEO of Green Evolution.

“As a global standard-setting organization in Sustainable Tourism, the GSTC provides direction, professional development, and significant opportunities for academia in several ways – through cutting-edge research which tests, and evaluates the Criteria, implementation strategies, and sector challenges; through engaging students from various disciplines, as the next generation of leaders and stewards of our planet and profession in sustainable tourism development and management. The GSTC provides continuous opportunities to learn through changemakers, thought leaders, and action-oriented efforts of the GSTC community, and as such, I am so very proud to support the organization in any way I am able,” said Dr. Kelly S. Bricker, Professor of Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism & Nature-based Recreation at Arizona State University.

“I am proud to be on the Board of GSTC as the global standard-setter for sustainable travel and tourism. Sustainability is such a critical area of focus for the hospitality industry and their guests, clients, investors, suppliers and partners. As we continue the drive towards the harmonization of global metrics, it is vital that the industry has effective systems in place to monitor their impact, establish goals to aim towards, and be accurately recognised for their progress,” said Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

“As an emerging global player, India is playing a leading role in many aspects of sustainability in the region, as is evidenced by the climate change NDC commitments and achievements. The journey towards Sustainable Tourism is also being taken up with much gusto. GSTC is playing a big part in this journey with the formation of the India Working Group. A robust plan along with meaningful partnerships are being forged to help the country to achieve its sustainable tourism goals. I am grateful to be able to play a part in this journey with the solid institutional backing of the GSTC,” said CB Ramkumar (Founder & Chairman of Green Dreams for the Planet Foundation).

The new term began 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.