Washington, D.C. (September 11, 2014) The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announces the winners of its 2014 Board of Directors election. The 21-seat board consists of 12 elected seats, of which 7 were open for election or re-election this year.
Three current board members were re-elected: Jane Ashton (TUI Travel, United Kingdom), Guy Chester (EcoSustainability, Australia), and Leilani Latimer (Sabre Holdings, United States).
Four new members were elected: Judy Kepher-Gona (STTA, Kenya), Beatriz Barreal Danel (Sustainable Riviera Maya, Mexico), Susana Conde (Agrotravel Turismo Responsible, Spain), and Jorge Moller (Darwin Trails, Chile).
GSTC bylaws reserve one board seat for a representative from Certification Bodies. Melinda Watt of Earthcheck was the winner in a three-way race for that seat.
Commenting on the election, Board Chair Luigi Cabrini stated: « I am very pleased to welcome the newly elected members of the Board. The GSTC can count on a vibrant, committed and respected group of professionals ready to engage with all its members and to strengthen our organization as a global leader on sustainable tourism. »
GSTC CEO Randy Durband adds: « We are pleased that eighteen dedicated and qualified candidates sought positions on our board of directors. Our members have stated their preferences, selecting eight outstanding leaders in sustainable travel and tourism. The release in 2013 of the GSTC Destination Criteria for sustainability ushered in a new era for the organization, and we look forward to benefiting from the expertise and energy of our new and re-elected board members as the GSTC continues to play its important role in travel and tourism. »
The GSTC would like to thank David Brown at Solimar International for his support in the election process. GSTC Member, Solimar International, provides technical support for the voting process during GSTC elections.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. Housed within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the GSTC works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; and educates about and advocates for a set of universal principles, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe, is the cornerstone of our initiative. For more information, visit www.gstcouncil.org.
