Featured Commentators: Geotourism Challenge 2009
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Christina HeynigerChristina is the president of Xola Consulting, Inc. In collaboration with GW University and the ATTA, Christina has been a driving force behind the creation of the Adventure Tourism Development Index, a tool supporting entrepreneurs and governments in developing and marketing sustainable adventure tourism products and services. |
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Andreas WalmsleyAndreas is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK. He is particularly interested in Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-Sized businesses (SMEs) in tourism. |
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Kathy DragonMs. Dragon has 22 years of experience working with local operators, guides, accommodations owners, and destination managers to develop, package and market their offerings. Her marketing expertise is helping tourism providers effectively understand and create focused initiatives for priority targeted travelers. |
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Mauricio SartoriMauricio Sartori is a Brazilian and currently a MBA student at Tuck School of Business. He was elected out of 400+ candidates by Korn/Ferry International “CEO of the Future 2007.” |
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Alexia NestoraAlexia Nestora is a voluntourism industry consultant, helping providers with strategy and monitoring industry trends. Alexia previously ran the North American division of volunteer provider i-to-i and has recently helped with Mintel reports on volunteer tourism as well as articles in the WSJ, Smart Money and NY Times.” |
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Koustubh SharmaKoustubh Sharma works for the Snow Leopard Trust and assists the research and conservation programs in five range countries that include several community based initiatives for conserving the endangered species in mountainous landscapes. |
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Robert BillingtonDr. Robert Billington founded the not-for-profit Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The Council develops historic, cultural, natural, and agricultural and commercial resources using sustainable, resilient, whole place-making strategies. |
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Scott RainsDr. Scott Rains consults on Universal Design. His focus has been the tourism industry. His research on the topic of Universal Design and the travel and hospitality industry has included appointment as Resident Scholar at the Center for Cultural Studies of the University of California Santa Cruz (2004-05). |