The new structure brings together distinguished professionals and experts from a wide range of countries and disciplines, further strengthening TSTT’s position as an international benchmark for reflection, analysis and knowledge generation on tourism and society.
In accordance with the organization's statutes governing the electoral process, the new Steering Committee officially took office on June 1, concluding a renewal process aimed at strengthening the institution’s strategic capacity and international outreach in a context marked by profound transformations within the tourism sector.
The new governance structure will consist of twelve members, representing a reduction in size compared to the previous committee, in accordance with the resolution adopted on February 11, 2026, with the objective of promoting a more agile, efficient and strategically aligned management model.
The Steering Committee will continue to be chaired by Mr. Antonio Santos del Valle, a professional with extensive international experience in tourism, institutional cooperation and academia, who has led numerous initiatives related to tourism research, innovation and sustainable development.
The governance structure will also include Dr. Félix José España González, legal representative of TSTT and a recognized specialist in institutional management and strategic advisory services.
The new Steering Committee brings together highly respected professionals from different countries and fields of expertise, reflecting the global, diverse and multidisciplinary nature that defines the Tourism and Society Think Tank. Its members include:
Arturo Moreno (Brazil–Spain), a professional with extensive experience in his field and a strong track record in tourism and cultural development initiatives.
María Concepción García Gómez (Spain), a specialist with broad professional experience in management and institutional relations.
Paul Anthony Beswick Báez (Dominican Republic), an international professional with experience in tourism- and cooperation-related projects.
Giulia Bianchi (Italy), an executive specializing in international tourism management and cruise operations.
Faisal Al-Harbi (Saudi Arabia), a hospitality professional with an outstanding track record in luxury hotel management and tourism operations development.
Max Haberstroh (Germany), a leading international consultant in sustainable tourism, with more than four decades of experience in tourism development projects.
Thelma Gómez Román (Colombia), a recognized expert in tourism, institutional relations and the MICE industry.
Mario Roberto Maldonado Samayoa (Guatemala), a specialist in cultural heritage and international cooperation.
Marco Antonio Abastoflor Portugal (Bolivia), an academic and researcher with extensive experience in sustainable tourism and higher education.
Hugo Marcos (Portugal), Secretary General of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) and an expert in destination audiovisual promotion.
José Manuel Gutiérrez Rodríguez (Spain), a journalist, editor and photographer specializing in tourism, with more than twenty-five years of experience in tourism communication and outreach.
Among its responsibilities, the Steering Committee will represent TSTT at national and international forums and events, provide strategic guidance to the Presidency, evaluate and monitor projects and initiatives, and identify new lines of action that contribute to the organization’s growth, positioning and impact. Committee members will also participate in the periodic assessment of the organization’s activities and undertake institutional representation duties whenever required.
With this renewed composition, the Tourism and Society Think Tank reaffirms its commitment to advancing a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive tourism model. The experience, diversity and international perspective of its members will contribute to strengthening TSTT’s role as a global reference in knowledge generation, multidisciplinary dialogue and the development of forward-looking proposals for the future of tourism.
For further information: https://eng.tourismandsocietytt.com/about-us
