Proven experience in developing and sustaining high performing teams, shaping and implementing strategies that increase organizational impact, and setting and achieving destination-level objectives and outcomes
Guyana tourism authority
Brian was hired by the Government of Guyana to lead the Guyana Tourism Authority for a period of two years with the aim of increasing the organization’s capacity and impact, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, and scaling up localized economic impacts. During his tenure, tourism became one of Guyana’s top investment sectors and the second largest export sector, and the destination gained global prominence and recognition in the tourism marketplace and among governmental leaders.
As the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Brian:
Led the development and implementation of the Guyana Tourism Strategic Action Plan: 2018-2025 and national tourism policy 2019-2020
Initiated inter-ministerial and multi-sectorial collaboration through structured partnerships with 15 sister governmental agencies, tourism private sector partner organizations, and NGOs
Created and completed a successful pilot of the award-winning Guyana Community-led Tourism Framework
Implemented an integrated Marketing & Communications Strategy and a new national tourism website
Received recognition as a leading sustainable destination via six awards from ITB Berlin, LATA, CTO and WTM
Secured US$160M in advertising revenue equivalent in earned media. Increased social media following by more than 100%
Supported a 16% increase in visitation in 2018 and a 9.75% increase in 2019
Markedly increased organizational capacity, efficiencies and effectiveness and improved employee morale
Secured more than $1M in commitments from donors for projects that support capacity building and enterprise and community development
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
In 2002, Brian founded Sustainable Travel International which became one of the world’s leading organizations focused on improving people’s lives and protecting places through travel and tourism. By working with governments and multinational corporations, Sustainable Travel International helped more than 100 travel destinations and hundreds of corporations to increase their financial viability and resiliency by protecting the natural and cultural assets they depend upon. In doing so, it’s enhanced the experience of millions of visitors and improved the livelihoods of millions of people living in tourism destinations globally.
As the CEO and founder of Sustainable Travel International, Brian:
Managed program and organizational budgets up to $2.2M
Raised more than $10M for projects in destinations worldwide to support better-managed travel and tourism and benefit hosts communities
Evaluated and strengthened policy frameworks—measuring, monitoring and reporting on key indicators and metrics
Designed and funded multi-year and regional initiatives with budgets from $100,000 to $1M
Secured and managed multiple donor and government-level contracts up to $750,000
Established and managed strategic partnerships with leading airlines, cruise lines, hotel chains and tour operators
Led participatory assessment and action and investment planning, and implemented tourism development and capacity building initiatives in iconic destinations around the world
Helped to mainstream and advance sustainability in the travel and tourism industry
U.S. TRAVEL & TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD
Brian served two terms on the U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board. Established in 2003, the U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board serves as the advisory body to the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry in the United States. In 2012, President Obama launched the first-ever National Travel and Tourism Strategy, establishing the goal of welcoming 100 million international visitors to the United States and having them spend $250 billion in 2021.
Due to changes in policy that the Administration made, which stem from the recommendations the U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board made during Brian's tenure, 70 million people from around the world visited the United States in 2013, a record and a five percent increase over 2012. In 2014, nearly 75 million international visitors visited the U.S., spending about $221.6 billion on hotels, cars, food, and entertainment, and supporting 1.1 million American jobs (source and additional information).
HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
Himachal Pradesh in northern India’s Himalayas is among the country’s most popular destinations, with millions of visitors annually coming to partake in its physical and spiritual beauty. However, the region is challenged by overcrowding, ad hoc development, pollution and safety risks.
As project manager and lead implementer for Sustainable Travel International, Brian led a World Bank team that worked with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to strengthen its policies, plans, training and monitoring in order to move towards a more inclusive and sustainable green growth development model.
The team’s recommendations to the Amendment of the Himachal Pradesh 2005 Tourism Policy and the Dharamshala Sustainable Tourism Action Plan were approved by Cabinet on November 13, 2013. Following the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approval, the Government of Himachal Pradesh committed to operationalizing and scaling up the approaches and methods for sustainable tourism development state-wide. In 2014, the team provided the government, local communities and the private sector with technical and advisory support for long‐term climate-smart planning and tourism development in the districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti. The net results are an estimated 128,000 people benefitting from this support and guidance.
PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Brian has led a number of other high impact projects worldwide independently and on behalf of Sustainable Travel International. Additional examples include:
Assessing the Economic Potential for Tourism in Central Africa, and Identifying Impediments and Proposing Solutions to Tourism Development in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Republic of Congo on behalf of the World Bank
Implementing the System for Measuring Excellence in Destinations with the World Centre for Excellence in Destinations in Guangzhou, China
Advancing Tajikistan’s Tourism Industry on behalf of the U.S. Department of State
Establishing the Sustainable Destinations Alliance for the Americas with Sustainable Travel International, Organization of American States, US Government through its Permanent Mission to the OAS, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the Central America Tourism Integration Secretariat, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization to maximize the benefits of tourism for local communities and residents, protect the region’s natural and cultural assets by conserving its land and marine resources, and embed sustainability practices in the day-to-day management and marketing of destinations
Developing and pilot testing of the Global Baseline Sustainable Tourism Criteria and Indicators for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to advance destination stewardship worldwide
Designing and implement destination development and sustainable tourism initiatives for Travel Oregon that increase traveler spending, employment, and earnings
Tourism situation analysis and needs assessment in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on behalf of UNESCO and the Ngorngoro Conservation Area Authority to identify and help address key issues
Partnering with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and providing thought leadership to improve its environmental strategy and profile and lower its impact in destinations
Sustainable tourism development for the Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya to increase investment and visitation in order to support community development and conservation in the region
Working with the USDA Forest Service to establish a self-sustaining voluntourism program
THE WORLD OUTDOORS
In 1997, Brian assumed ownership of The World Outdoors and was responsible for managing 25 employees and numerous subcontractors worldwide. Under his leadership, the company discontinued unprofitable programs, developed and executed effective online and offline marketing strategies, and implemented industry leadership programs. The company followed the tenets of ecotourism and provided tens of thousands of guests with the “experiences of a lifetime”.
As the President and owner of The World Outdoors, Brian:
Doubled revenues to $1.5M and generated a profit annually
Secured contracts with affinity groups and companies such as the American Hiking Society, Cabelas, EMS, and The Smithsonian Institute
Expanded into 29 countries on all seven continents
Sold the company for a seven times return on investment
VOLUNTARY LEADERSHIP
Brian serves and has served on a number of other high profile boards and committees that support sustainable development, environmental conservation, and economic development through travel and tourism.
World Economic Forum. Travel & Tourism Expert Group (2016–present) and Future of Travel & Tourism Council member (2015–2016)
United Nations. 10YFP Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (2014–January 2017)
U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (2013–2015)
MFAT. Tourism Panel for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2014–present)
Caribbean Tourism Organization. Sustainable Tourism Technical Committee (2011–2013)
The Travel Corporation. TreadRight Foundation Advisory Panel (2006–2012)
Adventure Travel Trade Association. Adventure Travel Guide Standard Governance Board (2016–March 2018)
Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance. Board of Directors and Advisory Committee (2016–March 2018)
Transformational Travel Council. Advisory Board (2017–present)
Ecolodges Indonesia. International Advisory Group (2010–2013)
Protected Areas Commission of Guyana. Appointed Observer of the Board of Directors (June 2018–April 2020)