Robin Mason, Executive Director

Robin is an expert in sustainable tourism. She is experienced in destination management, business analytics, product development, and managing international development projects in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. During eighteen years with the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), Robin contributed to the design and implementation of a Global Development Alliance program and served in numerous roles in USAID headquarters and field missions. She has been a tourism strategic advisor and evaluation specialist to national governments, international organizations, and tourism industry organizations.

Robin has traveled extensively around the globe, and resided in and developed deep networks in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
She holds two Master of Arts in Tourism Administration (George Washington University) and International Development (American University).

Robin has had the privilege to travel to numerous countries, cities, and villages, scaling mountains, kayaking rivers, cycling long winding roads, participating in group tours and solo tours, roughing it camping, and enjoying pinnacle luxury. Her spirit of adventure has no bounds, but her passion is helping others experience excitement and wonder on their travels. Equipped with vast experience and knowledge, she seeks to help tour operators, destinations, hotels, and other hosts highlight what makes them unique and special. Connecting these businesses with the community and the land enables them to deliver an authentic experience to travelers, who will go away with a sense of awe and respect for where they’ve been.

Robin has extensive experience with Adventure Travel and cultural heritage tourism. From 5-star hotels in popular destinations, to bare-bone huts in remote locations, Robin can provide insight on how to add value to a tourist experience from social, environmental, and economic perspectives. Her goal is to help hospitality and tourist businesses incorporate regional communities and work with local entrepreneurs.

Robin hopes to make a contribution to sustainable tourism in partnership with the hospitality industry. If she’s not working on public-private partnerships, strengthening tourism value chains, or improving opportunities for small and medium tour operators, you can find her embarking on her next big adventure as a responsible tourist!