GSTC Announces the Results of its 2025 Board of Directors Election

GSTC has finalized the 2025 Board of Directors election. With votes validated by the GSTC Election Committee, we’re excited to share the official results and welcome the new directors who will help guide our mission in the year ahead.

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 (GSTC).

One board member was newly elected to 3-year terms: Stefano Ravelli, Chair of the GSTC Italy, Working Group.

Three board members were re-elected to a 3-year term: Dr. Kelly S. Bricker, Associate Dean of the HNU-ASU Joint International College (HAIC), Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and CB (Ram) Ramkumar, Director of Green Dreams for the Planet.

Commenting on the election, GSTC Board Chair, Luigi Cabrini, stated: «I wish to congratulate the re elected and the new board members. They represent the diversity and variety of tourism stakeholders in our organization. We count on their contribution  to define the strategy and policy of GSTC.»

“It has been my great honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and our extensive network since its inception–I am humbled to be re-elected to continue this work. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of our team and partners who believe in the power of tourism as a force for good. This re-election is not only a personal privilege, but also a reminder of the urgency of our mission. The challenges facing communities and ecosystems demand that we harness tourism in ways that uplift quality of life, safeguard cultural heritage, and conserve and improve our natural environment. Our work is about ensuring that tourism does more than move people—it should transform places for the better, for generations to come. I look forward to continuing to support GSTC’s mission and to working with colleagues worldwide as we advance the actions of sustainable tourism that contribute to thriving, resilient communities and ecosystems conservation and regeneration.” – Dr. Kelly S. Bricker, Associate Dean of the HNU-ASU Joint International College (HAIC).

«I am truly honored to join the GSTC Board and to take on this new role with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility. With over 30 years of experience as Destination Manager, I am committed to contributing actively and constructively, offering a practical perspective that fosters meaningful dialogue among all board members. I will also bring in the experience of the GSTC Italy Working Group, established through the collaboration between certified destinations, operators and GSTC members who share best practices to address the evolving challenges of sustainability and tourism in Italy. Our shared goal is to reconnect tourism with local residents, making it a driver for the development of essential services that benefit the entire community.» – Stefano Ravelli, Chair of the GSTC Italy, Working Group.

«I am honoured to be re-elected to the GSTC Board of Directors at such a crucial time for sustainable tourism. This role embodies a collective commitment to advance effective standards that not only protect our planet but also celebrate local identities. Together, we will harness our diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change, ensuring that sustainability becomes the cornerstone of our industry, fostering pride in communities and resilience in destinations worldwide.» – Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

“I am delighted to have been entrusted with a Board seat again by the members. As I have always done, I will strive to push ahead the sustainability agenda that we have painstakingly crafted over the years at GSTC. The work that all of us at the Board do, is what I call generational work – what we do now will take a generation to achieve and its effects will last for generations, a sacred mission. Let’s continue to hold hands and work together, and move forward. I feel buoyant and positive about the world of sustainable tourism, and the impact that all of us can have on the planet. While global challenges remain, the collective energy of the Board will help us remain steadfast in our mission. I look forward to folding our sleeves up and plunging into the GSTC Mission with zeal, enthusiasm and sincere intent.” – CB (Ram) Ramkumar, Director of Green Dreams for the Planet.

The new term will begin on September 1st, 2025. GSTC appreciates the dedication of all candidates and the active engagement of our members.

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.