As the Sustainability Manager at Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Gisela takes a national view of how the visitor sector can take a regenerative approach to support the environment, local communities and mana whenua while growing economic sustainability too. She appreciates the challenges and opportunities this brings to individual tourism operators as well as those guiding destination stewardship.
Gisela has an MA in international development and a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. She has led and been involved in successful sustainable capability building tourism projects around NZ for many years. She led the creation of the first zero carbon holiday itinerary in NZ, a project which won a national tourism award for outstanding collaboration.
Gisela loves to explore NZ’s backcountry, particularly in the Top of the South and she has volunteered as a DOC hut warden in a variety of locations, connecting with Te Araroa walkers along the way. She welcomes the opportunity to be involved with Te Araroa as this mahi brings together her passions at both professional and personal levels.