Constantine Venetopoulos is a third-generation partner in Variety Cruises, an award-winning boutique cruise line established in 1949 that designs, builds, owns, and operates a fleet of 11 small ships. As Brand Director, he has played a key role in shaping the company’s global identity, leading visionary marketing strategies that blend personalized hospitality with a commitment to sustainability and cultural immersion.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Cass Business School in London and a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Surrey, grounding his creative leadership in strong academic foundations. Raised within the traditions of the cruise industry, Constantine brings a deep-rooted understanding of guest experience and heritage-driven innovation.

His background in filmmaking infuses the brand with cinematic storytelling, and his award-winning films -often focused on human rights and mental health- demonstrate his commitment to meaningful, inclusive narratives.

Constantine stands at the intersection of legacy and reinvention -where family tradition meets modern storytelling- with a mission to promote regenerative travel and authentic connection that resonates far beyond the sea.

Paul Cohen is consistently recognized as one of the most creative leaders in the tourism industry bringing over thirty years of experience in the global travel and tourism industries and a distinguished career of working with tourism marketing organizations, connectivity partners and channel managers, travel suppliers, and others to solve problems and generate results.

Over the years, Paul has helped to drive tourism arrivals, spend and investment to dozens of destinations, including those in the U.S, China, the British Virgin Islands, Iceland, Botswana, Seychelles, Uganda, South Africa, Nicaragua, Italy, Tanzania, Qatar, Greece, Nigeria, Jamaica, Egypt, Israel, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Bhutan and Vietnam.

He has used his experience and vast network to develop measurable integrated marketing campaigns for the destinations while expanding the roster of key travel suppliers who actively sell the region.

Over the years Mr. Cohen has invested his valuable time and passion in working with destination stakeholders throughout the world to develop new tourism product, upgrade existing assets and most importantly, training the in-market labor.

In addition to destination marketing services, he has also provided strategic consulting for Fortune 500 corporations and ancillary partners in the travel space.

In 2008, he served as vice chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa Tourism Committee, leading a team of industry leaders to deliver policy recommendations to the Obama administration regarding travel & tourism.

In 2005 and 2006, he was honored to work with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the China National Tourism Administration on the historic memorandum of understanding regarding two-way tourism between the U.S. and China.

In the early 1990’s, he began his professional career as the director of marketing and strategic alliances for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, working closely with senior executives from the leading hotel companies and hospitality suppliers.

Paul is very fortunate to have had so many opportunities to travel and learn about the world and sincerely believes in the oft-quoted phrase, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” With this thought in mind, he has also volunteered his time to often serve as a guest lecturer at the George Washington University Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the University of Florida, Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute.

In 2007, he received the prestigious Tourism Industry Leadership Award from the Niagara University College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Rika Jean-François, holding a Master degree in Social Anthropology & Cultural Identities, started her career in tourism as a tour guide and incoming specialist in her 2^nd home country Greece.

After university and research positions, she was engaged in the development aid sector. In 2004, Rika started to work for Messe Berlin’s ITB Berlin, the leading global travel trade show. She built up the fair’s social & environmental responsibility and was appointed Head of CSR, positioning ITB as a leading competence platform for sustainable & responsible tourism.

Working intensely with global associations, like PATA, GSTC, Roundtable for Human Rights in Tourism, the Institute for Tourism & Development, the Code for the Protection of Children in Tourism, IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation as a member of their Boards of Directors as well as a jury member for international responsible tourism competitions Rika gained extensive experience and recognition in the field.

vAdditionally, Rika oversaw ITB’s main sponsoring Host Country Program and business relations with India and South Asia. During her time at ITB she also spearheaded the implementation of the Medical Tourism segment and the LGBTQ+ travel segment, expertizing in the areas of diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI).

Transitioning from ITB in spring 2024, Rika joined Queer Destinations S.L., a company specializing in sensitization training & consulting programs as their appointed Head of International Business Relations and also founded her own company, MissionRespo, developing and supporting responsible tourism strategies worldwide and speaking passionately at global events.

Anula is the co-founder and Managing Director of Travindy, sustainable tourism consulting agency and a news platform. Since 2012, Anula has been providing strategic advice and training to tourism destinations, hotels and tour operators from over 80 countries, helping them improve their sustainability operations and marketing.

Anula is an experienced trainer, coach and auditor for GSTC-recognised certification schemes. Lately, Anula has been working on sustainable development projects in Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia.

Anula holds a Master’s Degrees in Sociology and in Responsible Tourism Management. She is frequent speaker at international tourism events and conferences, including ITB Berlin, WTM London, Arival Event, Web in Travel, among others.

Anula is amazed by the world’s beauty and wants everyone else to experience it too. That’s why she promotes tourism as a tool for bringing more joy and wealth to people and places.

Expert in Strategic Communications, Tourism Branding, Trade, and Investment Promotion

Linda Fernando, a dynamic creative professional from Mozambique, is a seasoned Brand Strategist and Industry Leader with more than 20 years of extensive experience across communications, marketing, PR, corporate events, media production, project management, and business development. Her strategic insights and innovative approach position her as a key driver in shaping brands and fostering impactful connections.

As a visionary in brand strategy and storytelling, Linda specializes in developing powerful narratives that resonate with audiences, elevate brand equity, and drive business growth. She is passionate about crafting compelling brand identities that inspire trust, engagement, and long-term loyalty.

Her mission is to empower executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders to master and implement high-impact branding, marketing, and digital strategies that not only enhance their market presence but also cultivate sustainable business success.

Linda is a firm believer in the transformative power of storytelling as a catalyst for economic development, trade expansion, and investment promotion in Africa. She is committed to empowering African women and youth in business, advocating for gender equality, inclusion, and capacity building within the industry.

Driven by collaboration and strategic partnerships, she actively fosters synergies between tourism, trade, and investment, ensuring that Africa’s vast potential is showcased on the global stage.

Over the years, Efi has been connecting the dots between teams and projects, destinations and communities, and has extensive hands-on expertise in destination management and the meetings industry.

Currently serving as the Regional Director for Europe at ICCA, she drives sustainable community growth through collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem stewardship.

Efi’s experience includes roles at the Greek National Tourism Organisation, IATA in Spain, This is Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau.

She thrives when working in nimble teams, organizations with human-centered cultures, diverse environments, and on projects developed with a forward-looking mindset.

Amira Idris Ibrahim is a creative entrepreneur and marketing specialist with a BSc from the University of Reading, UK.

She currently serves as a Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

With over 10 years of experience in the creative sector, she is an advocate of the arts who is passionate about creative innovation and marketing that aids in building a better world.

Eric Dresin is the Secretary General of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), an influential organization representing and promoting the interests of travel agents and tour operators across Europe. In his role, Eric is responsible for guiding the strategic vision of ECTAA, strengthening ties with key stakeholders, and championing policy initiatives that enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the European travel sector.

Early Insights and Professional Path

While details of Eric’s early life and education are not widely publicized, his career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, industry collaboration, and policy development. Before joining ECTAA, Eric gathered extensive experience in European and international affairs—an ideal background for navigating the regulatory landscape of one of the world’s most vibrant travel markets.

His expertise in stakeholder engagement and policy negotiation became increasingly evident as he took on leadership and advisory roles in associations and institutions dedicated to travel and tourism. This foundation prepared him for the complexities of representing diverse business interests—ranging from large tour operators to small, independent travel agencies—within a unified framework.

Role at ECTAA

As Secretary General, Eric stands at the forefront of ECTAA’s efforts to:

• Advocate for Effective Regulation: Working directly with European Union institutions and national authorities, Eric ensures that legislation and policies address the evolving needs of the travel sector, from consumer protection regulations to the impact of emerging technologies.

• Foster Collaboration: Recognizing the fragmented nature of Europe’s travel market, Eric prioritizes partnerships and open dialogue among members, helping them share best practices, navigate challenges, and benefit from collective knowledge.

• Drive Sustainability Initiatives: With sustainable tourism an ever-growing focus, Eric guides ECTAA’s commitment to environmentally responsible policies and practices. Under his leadership, the organization actively promotes green standards and engages with travel stakeholders on carbon reduction and responsible tourism campaigns.

• Enhance Industry Visibility: By representing ECTAA on various advisory boards, conferences, and public forums, Eric amplifies the collective voice of European travel agents and tour operators, championing their role in delivering reliable and customer-focused travel experiences.

Contributions and Impact

Since assuming his position, Eric has been instrumental in broadening ECTAA’s engagement with policymakers, ensuring the travel sector’s perspective is heard during critical legislative discussions—particularly relevant in times of rapid change, such as digital transformation and post-pandemic recovery.

He is also recognized for his communication skills, which enable him to effectively highlight the value of travel agencies and tour operators in Europe’s broader economic and cultural tapestry. His leadership has reinforced ECTAA’s reputation as a key player in shaping the future of European tourism, emphasizing balanced regulations that protect both consumers and businesses.

Vision and Leadership

A forward-thinking strategist, Eric envisions a resilient and innovative travel industry—one that leverages digital solutions to better serve travelers, integrates sustainable practices, and fosters meaningful connections between destinations and visitors. His approach balances economic viability with a sense of corporate responsibility, aiming to position the European travel sector as a global benchmark for quality, safety, and ethics.

Dr Ioannis PAPPAS, Founder & CEO of GREEN EVOLUTION SA, is Director for Mediterranean Region of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and EU Destinations Stewardship.

He is a Mechanical Engineer, with PhD in Applied Mechanics, with over 30 years’ experience in several fields of science, focusing in Sustainability for Tourism, Energy and Environmental Efficiency in Infrastructure and Buildings, Advising in standardization of companies and technological implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation methodologies.

He is GSTC Assessor for Destinations, Consultant for Sustainable Tourism Certification Standards, focusing on Hotels, Tour Operators and Destinations, and Approved Trainer and Assessor for GSTC in South East Europe Region.

He was an invited speaker in a number of conferences, seminars and webinars, including European Commission, Governments, Universities, GSTC and Google.

Since 2025, he is selected as European Climate Pact Ambassador by European Commission and EUI Innovation Actions Expert.

Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece, is an accomplished finance and academic expert with a Doctorate in Strategic Management. He studied economics at the University of Liverpool, earned a master’s in international business economics from City University London, and completed a PhD at Brunel University London. His dissertation explored the impact of asset divestitures on acquisition performance in Greece.

Mr. Giannopoulos has over a decade of experience in the banking sector in Greece and the UK, focusing on credit risk management in investment banking and portfolio consolidation across emerging Europe. He played a key role in supporting Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Fund – Greece 2.0, collaborating with European and Greek government bodies.

From 2013 to 2019, he advised New Democracy’s Secretariat for International Relations & EU. He has published extensively in international journals and taught at Brunel University and the Hellenic Open University, specializing in Strategic Management and Business Economics.