Global Sustainable Tourism Council Appoints Chief Executive Officer, Opens Madrid Office at World Tourism Organization
![Mauro Marrocu, Chief Executive Officer](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/images/new%20headshot02032013006.jpg)
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 5, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauro Marrocu as its new Chief Executive Officer. Beginning today, Marrocu will lead the organization through its next phase of growth and extended global partnerships, which includes its official relocation within the offices of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid.
Marrocu is an experienced executive and entrepreneur in the travel industry. He has worked on various continents in developed and developing markets. His passion for travel will lead the organization in encouraging public and private sector partnerships necessary to build sustainable travel systems, strategies and policies for future growth and prosperity.
Marrocu brings a rich and diversified C-level background to the role, having held various leadership roles in the Travel & Transportation industry. He was President and Chief Operating Officer the Verona Valeria Catullo Aiport in Italy, Senior Vice President Head of Hub at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and General Manager of Alitalia in South Africa and Southern Brazil. He was Chief Operating Officer of Chiari Sommariva SPA Tour Operator and Chief Executive Officer of ItaliaTour Tour Operator, both in Italy. Most recently, Marruco led an independent management consulting business in Brazil.
“Mauro brings valuable experience from the aviation industry and tour operator industry, as well as entrepreneurship and turn-around experience to the role,” GSTC Board Chair Kelly Bricker said. “He is full of enthusiasm and energy, which he transmits to all who meet him.”
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to shape and lead the future direction of the GSTC”, Marrocu said. “The organization plays a vital role in working with governments, private industry partners, trade associations and other coalitions to help grow the world’s largest industry, whilst implementing global frameworks for sustainable and responsible travel.”
GSTC is also in the process of moving to the UNWTO offices in Madrid. “This move is an important part of GSTC’s new direction,” Luigi Cabrini, Director-Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary-General on Sustainability said. “Hosting the GSTC within UNWTO’s premises is a clear sign of our organization’s engagement and commitment to this unique global initiative, which provides guidance as well as needed services to enhance sustainability within the tourism industry.”
Marrocu and several GSTC board members will be attending and presenting at ITB-Berlin this week.
About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. The GSTC works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; 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, are the keystone of this initiative. For more information visit www.gstcouncil.org.
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