› Past Event Archives

Speaker Luncheon: Responsible Tourism

free, lunch provided

Event full. Please email ekellaway@sandiego.edu if you'd like to be placed on a wait list.

The presentation from Gopinath Parayil will introduce different models through which innovative ideas are transforming tourism as a tool for sustainable development. Case studies shared will be from the practical experience of The Blue Yonder, a multiple award-winning India-based social enterprise. In addition, Mariska van Gaalen, a strategic consultant with The Blue Yonder, will share Northwestern European travelers' perspectives

Speaker Biography:
Gopinath (Gopi) Parayil is the founder and chief executive of The Blue Yonder (TBY), one of the most innovative responsible travel companies in India. Out of passion for the region he comes from and concern for river civilization, Gopi established the Nila Foundation in 2004, with the goal of preserving the local natural heritage. While exploring sustainable financial support for the foundation, he came up with the idea of TBY. Featured amongst 50 social entrepreneurs in India, by Outlook Business magazine, Gopi is a regular contributor to international conferences on sustainable tourism. He co-founded Responsible Tourism Networking and is currently the "Ideator" at The Blue Yonder Associates, the consulting arm of The Blue Yonder group and "Key Connector" at Isthmus Connect, the marketing arm based in Berlin, Germany.

Bio: Mariska van Gaalen
Mariska has diverse experience in the field of tourism, covering product development, marketing, tour guiding, curriculum design and tutoring for sustainable destination management in Germany and India. She holds a BA in Arts & Social Sciences from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and an MA in Sustainable Tourism Management from HNE Eberswalde, in Germany. Mariska has since pursued in-depth research on travelers' perspectives, gaining insights on sustainable destination development from their experiences. Her areas of interest include researching different perspectives within travel, tourism, writing and consulting.

*No Show Policy* Since there will be food served at this event, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you will be unable to attend. While we do not charge a fee to RSVP, these programs would not be sustainable and available to all wanting to attend, unless all registrants abide by the 48 hour notice policy. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.