Speakers

Costas Christ is one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism experts, whose work and travels have taken him to more than 125 countries across six continents. He serves as Chairman of Judges for the World Travel and Tourism Council - Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and is the Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler, where his travel column focuses on sustainability and tourism issues around the world. In addition, Costas also serves as Director of Sustainability for the Virtuoso global travel network. His articles and essays on travel and tourism have appeared in many leading publications, including the International Herald Tribune,  Sunday Times (London) and New York Times. He is one of the pioneers of ecotourism, helping to officially define the term and serving as both a founding member and former Chairman of The International Ecotourism Society.

Costas has appeared on CNN International, BBC World, Travel Channel, Good Morning America, NBC Today Show and National Public Radio, among others, to discuss sustainable tourism trends and developments. He is the owner and president of Beyond Green Travel, an international consultancy firm that provides sustainable tourism services to travel companies and tourism boards. He is also a special adviser to travel philanthropy organizations, including the Spirit of Big Five Foundation, The Bodhi Tree Foundation, and The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation. In 2008, Costas was recognized as a ‘Tourism Visionary’ by the International Restaurant and Hotel Awards.