Randy Durband

Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Randy Durband is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a UN-created NGO that establishes and manages global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The GSTC Criteria include guidelines for minimizing negative environmental, cultural, and social impacts while maximizing travel and tourism as a force for good.

He brings a unique blend of skills and experience based on two career paths he has taken in travel and tourism – nearly 30 years in the private sector, mostly in senior leadership positions with major tour operators including President of Travcoa, INTRAV and Clipper Cruise Lines, (brands within TUI Group), and Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. His second career, now in its 2nd decade, began with economic development projects through tourism in developing countries in Southeast Asia and South America relating to emerging destinations including CBT and rural tourism, with UNESCO and ILO. He became CEO of GSTC February 2014.

Mr. Durband is a frequent speaker on sustainable tourism and has served on many tourism boards in Europe, North America, and Asia; and sustainable tourism awards judging panels including the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, UN Environment Inspire Awards, and the PATA Gold Awards.

123-word version:

Randy Durband is CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the UN-created NGO that manages global standards for sustainable tourism, and President of GSTC Asia Pacific. He brings a unique blend of skills and experience based on two career paths he has taken in travel and tourism, spanning 40 years – in senior leadership positions with major U.S. outbound tour operators, including as President of Travcoa, Clipper Cruise Lines, Executive VP of Tauck – and now a second career in sustainable tourism. He is a frequent advisor and speaker to governments and businesses on sustainable tourism policies and implementation. He has served on many tourism boards and committees in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa, and as a judge for leading sustainable tourism awards.

shorter:

Randy Durband is CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the UN-created NGO that manages global standards for sustainable tourism. He brings a unique blend of experience from two career paths in tourism spanning 40 years – in senior leadership positions with major U.S. outbound tour operators, including as President of Travcoa, Clipper Cruise Lines, Executive VP of Tauck – and now a second career in sustainable tourism. He is a frequent advisor and speaker to governments and businesses on sustainable tourism policies and implementation. He has served on many tourism boards and committees and as a judge for leading sustainable tourism awards.