GSTC Announces the Results of its 2026 Board of Directors Election

GSTC has finalized the 2026 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.

Election Outcome
- Four members re‑elected to serve a new 3‑year term (starting Sept 1, 2026):
- Zainab Ansell – Founder & CEO, Zara Tanzania Adventures & Zita Tanzania Wild Camps
- Dr. David Ermen – Managing Director, Destination Capacity
- Andrew Leary – Principal, Coraggio Group
- Dr. Ioannis Pappas – President, CEO & Co‑Founder of Green Evolution, GSTC Regional Director for Europe

Key Messages from Leaders
- Luigi Cabrini (Board Chair): Welcomed the directors, stressing their role in strengthening GSTC’s sustainability standards and supporting adoption across public and private tourism sectors.
- Zainab Ansell: Highlighted tourism’s power to transform lives and protect heritage, with a focus on Africa’s sustainable tourism potential.
- Dr. David Ermen: Emphasized advancing global sustainability standards and bringing a Pacific/destination‑stewardship perspective.
- Andrew Leary: Stressed that sustainability must be embedded in strategy, funding, and KPIs to build lasting trust.
- Dr. Ioannis Pappas: Pointed to the importance of governance, capacity building, and data spaces to support Europe’s tourism resilience and digital transition.

Takeaway
The re‑elected directors bring diverse expertise—from African safari operations to European sustainability strategy—ensuring GSTC continues to expand its global impact in setting credible tourism sustainability standards.