A Global Network
Planeterra is made up of a dedicated team of individuals who work in Canada, United States, Indonesia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, India, Argentina, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Austria, Ecuador, Peru, Italy and Albania with frequent travel in the field. Our entire global community – including our in-country partners, board, and advisors – are integral to the success of our work.
Our Team
Jamie Sweeting
President
Jamie has spent the last 25 years working in tourism, conservation, development, and business management. He is passionate about Planeterra because in his decades of traversing the globe, he has yet to encounter another organization as effective at using tourism to improve the lives of some of the most under-resourced people on this planet — especially marginalized women, disadvantaged youth, and rural communities (with a priority focus on Indigenous communities).
Prior to his role at Planeterra, Jamie was Global Chief Environmental Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and led the travel industry program at the Center for Environmental Leadership in Business at Conservation International. He was formerly Chairman at Sustainable Travel International and has served on the boards of The International Ecotourism Society, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Travel.
Jamie has developed, led, and managed many community tourism, ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation projects throughout his career. While Program Manager of Conservation International’s Ecotourism Program he played a pivotal role in implementing 36 ecotourism initiatives in 18 different countries.
Tricia Schers
Director, Partnerships and Development
With over 20 years of experience in tourism, nonprofit organizations, and international development, Tricia purposefully chooses to work for organizations that make a positive impact. As the Director of Partnerships and Development, Tricia is responsible for developing and stewarding strategic partnerships, executing fundraising, and overseeing communications activities for Planeterra.
Tricia’s love of travel began the moment she peered out the airplane window on her first trip abroad. Years later while living in Paramaribo, Suriname she saw first-hand the potential of the tourism industry to create economic opportunities, especially for women. Returning to Canada, Tricia knew that someday she wanted to combine her experience in international development with her love of travel. Tricia joined the team at UNICEF Canada raising funds and awareness to help advance the rights of children and youth around the world before setting her site on an opportunity in the travel industry. She spent nearly 10 years promoting adventure travel experiences in northern Canada and telling the world how her home province of Manitoba is the best place to see polar bears and beluga whales and experience the breathtaking northern lights.
Tricia is a proud graduate of the Creative Communications program at Red River College and has a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.
When Tricia isn’t supporting Planeterra’s mission to uplift communities through tourism, she can be found planning her next travel adventure, and ever since that first plane ride, she has always opted for the window seat.
Joel Callañaupa
Director, Regional Programs
Joel has over 10 years of experience in community tourism development, leading community tourism programs for public, private and international organizations. He has worked with several Indigenous communities in Latin America, including Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Belize, providing management support, technical assistance, training, and capacity-building help.
He holds a degree in Tourism Development and a Master’s degree in Cooperation for Development. Currently, he works as Planeterra’s Program Manager for the Americas, overseeing more than 25 community projects which include rural, women and Indigenous communities. Joel has a proven and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and to achieve results alongside Indigenous communities and different stakeholders.
Joel has led projects such as Tour Operator’s Plan for Sustainable Tourism, co-financed by the IDB as well as G Adventures. During the last 10 years, he has led more than 15 community tourism projects in Latin America for Planeterra.
KELLY GALASKI
Senior Director, Operations & Head of Impact
Kelly Galaski is a sustainable tourism professional with over 20 years of experience across the hospitality and tourism for-profit and non-profit sectors, with degrees in both business and environmental studies. She returned to Planeterra in 2024 to serve as Senior Director of Operations and Head of Impact to support the global team with financial management, policies, systems, and strategy – to scale and demonstrate Planeterra’s wide-ranging impact.
Kelly was previously with Planeterra from 2009-2020 serving in operations and programs roles, most recently as Director of Global Programs from 2017-2020, and during that time worked with rural and Indigenous communities on community tourism development in more than 25 countries. During that time Kelly also managed sustainability projects including the development of responsible travel policies and processes such as the Ripple Score, to guide and measure local impact and sustainability with G Adventures.
From 2022 to 2024, Kelly worked with the Travel Foundation, a global non-profit focused on destination stewardship and climate action in tourism, leading the organization’s North America programs and working with destination management organizations on capacity-building programs and destination stewardship planning. Prior to that role from 2020-2022, she worked with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), a destination management organization in the region in which she is based in British Columbia, Canada renowned for its responsible tourism leadership, leading its tourism research division.
Kelly is passionate about the role tourism can play in community development, empowerment of marginalized and Indigenous communities and women, conservation & restoration, and climate resilience, and how Planeterra works to achieve these goals every day all over the world.
Thomas Armitt
Senior Manager, Climate and Biodiversity
Tom is the Senior Manager, Climate and Biodiversity at Planeterra. He has built up his responsible and sustainable tourism experience over the last 16 years, working on field-based community and conservation tourism development projects. He currently leads Planeterra’s Global Climate & Biodiversity Initiative.
Tom started his community tourism journey while undertaking his undergraduate dissertation research in Senegal, West Africa. There he encountered community-based ecotourism projects for the first time and decided that this was what he wanted to work on for the foreseeable future. A few years later, his thirst for knowledge inspired him to take on a MSc degree in Responsible Tourism Management, and used the tools and skills he was learning to support the development of a community-led heritage trail in Sierra Leone. Since then he has worked with government agencies to develop inclusive tourism action plans in Haiti and Brazil; with large tour operators and hotel chains to successfully integrate sustainable tourism policies and practices into their operations in Cabo Verde and Croatia; and with conservation NGOs to design and manage tourism strategies in Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Throughout his journey, Tom has witnessed how tourism can be inequitable, working for a small few, while creating social and environmental issues for others. On the flip side, he has also experienced firsthand how tourism, when done in the right way, can create opportunities for people to reach their potential while protecting and regenerating sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity. His passion lies in finding ways to mainstream the latter.
Elizabeth Truffa
Development Manager
Elizabeth believes travel can be one of the most powerful tools for connection – a way to build understanding, strengthen communities, and create shared value for people and place. Her first travel experience to Tanzania sparked a lifelong curiosity about how tourism can be a force for good, shaping her commitment to ensure that travel benefits the communities who make every journey possible.
Having lived in five countries and travelled across five continents, Elizabeth brings a global and people-first perspective to her work. Her career began in Peru, where she supported community development and educational tourism programs designed to expand access to healthcare and improve food security. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she led local fundraising and development initiatives to help end homelessness before joining Save the Children to lead strategic corporate partnerships that advanced social impact globally. Before joining Planeterra, Elizabeth led sustainability and engagement at Achieve Incentives & Meetings, transforming the company’s approach to responsible travel through strategy development, impact measurement, and community-based partnerships.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology & Social Justice from the University of Mary Washington, a Master’s in International Tourism Management from EADA Business School, a Professional Certificate in Social Impact Partnership Design from Georgetown University, and a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Based in Spain, Elizabeth focuses on strengthening and growing Planeterra’s network of donors, partners, and supporters so that community-led tourism continues to generate lasting benefits for people and planet. When she’s not at her desk, Elizabeth can be found planning her next adventure, teaching yoga, or soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine in Barcelona.
PHAKAMILE HLAZO
Regional Manager – Africa & the Middle East
Phakamile is a seasoned strategist, and a hands-on operational lead. She has over ten years of operational experience in the African travel market, and nine years in change management and digital transformation consulting in South Africa’s banking and telecommunications sectors.
Having founded three travel brands, Phaka has dedicated her time to the development and marketing of emerging African experiences and destinations to domestic and international travelers. These include a small tour operating business which has hosted travelers in South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, eSwatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The global pandemic presented an opportunity to establish a non-profit aimed at exploring digital-led upskilling opportunities for micro-business owners in the tourism sector, resulting in over 1,000 enterprises receiving training, and over 37,000 courses focusing on sustainability in tourism and hospitality completed in hybrid sessions in South Africa’s most under-served communities. Phakamile has worked on initiatives with the UNWTO and IFC, lead programs on behalf of the GIZ, and served as a board member responsible for Access, Inclusivity and Diversity.
The recipient of various awards, Phaka was in 2023 named one of the Africa’s Top Under 40 in Travel at the Akwaaba Awards, Nigeria. In 2020 she was named one of the most Inspiring Women in Travel, by Travel Massive, in 2019 she was named one of the Top 100 Young South African’s by the Mail and Guardian, and the top 25 Trailblazers in Tourism by the same publication. In 2010, Phaka was awarded a Chinese Government Scholarship and subsequently spent 3 years in Shanghai, China, where she kicked off her change management career. Phaka completed her MSc International Business and Finance through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship in the United Kingdom 2006. In 2005, Phaka was named one of the Brightest Young Minds in South Africa.
Phaka is passionate about Innovation, Decoloniality, Inclusivity and Diversity in African tourism.
At Planeterra, Phakamile leads the Africa and Middle East Region. Here, community tourism development is the log that keeps the fire of her purpose blazing.
Richard Bazán
Regional Manager – Americas
Richard’s 13 years of experience include leadership in public, non-governmental, and private projects in community tourism, value chains, destination marketing, cultural identity, and food and music heritage. Over the past decade, he has combined his professional work with university teaching in Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and France, delivering more than 110 conferences and seminars nationally and internationally.
After graduating in Tourism Administration, he completed a master’s degree in Public Management and pursued studies in Marketing and Communication of Tourist Destinations, as well as Product Management. Throughout his career, he has promoted tourism as a tool for development, employing a territorial approach rooted in multidisciplinary perspectives.
With a humanistic and eclectic vision, nurtured by his journeys across 30 countries, Richard shares his passion for books, musical arts, and travel as universal languages that foster connection and respect for diversity. Inspired by his favourite philosopher, Michel Onfray, he believes in creating “countertimes” that generate new paths for tourism—linking it with culture and identity, people and their rights, and the ecological future of vulnerable communities.
Drawing on his years of experience—including leading his own foundation and company—Richard now devotes his career to Planeterra. Here, he channels his knowledge and commitment to strengthening community tourism models and projects, while continuing to uphold the values and vision that have guided his work.
Blerina Ago
Regional Manager – Europe
Blerina Ago is an award-winning leader in responsible tourism with over 15 years of experience designing and delivering community tourism initiatives across Europe.
She has collaborated with international organizations such as IUCN, UN Women, Swisscontact, USAID, UNDP and Planeterra, leading projects that bridge environmental conservation, gender equality, and local economic development in the Western Balkans.
A passionate advocate for river protection and community empowerment, Blerina supported the creation of Europe’s first Wild River National Park (Vjosa River) and has contributed to national strategies for sustainable tourism and destination management. She has led entrepreneurship accelerators, training programs, media campaigns, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that foster innovation, resilience, and local ownership.
As a certified GSTC sustainability auditor, she advises both public and private actors on aligning with international standards and embedding sustainability into policy, practice, and organizational culture. Her expertise includes product development, destination management, communications, and market positioning—always rooted in long-term impact and equity.
In her role as Regional Manager for Europe at Planeterra, Blerina is committed to strengthening partnerships, scaling community impact, and advancing inclusive tourism models that benefit both people and nature. She is fluent in Albanian, Italian, and English.
Selene Orellana
Communications Manager
Selene is passionate about using tourism to create meaningful and lasting impact. With over eleven years of experience in the sector, she has explored it from multiple perspectives—professionally, academically, and as a traveller in her native Ecuador and beyond.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism and Destinations’ Planning, where her research focused on alternative tourism models that uplift local communities and protect cultural and natural heritage.
At Planeterra, Selene leads communications, working to elevate community voices and highlight how community tourism drives social, cultural, and economic empowerment. Through storytelling, social media, content strategy, and partner engagement, she ensures Planeterra’s mission reaches and resonates with audiences. Her focus is on delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time, always grounded in respect, integrity, and shared purpose.
Outside of work, Selene enjoys creative hobbies, spending time outdoors, and, of course, travelling.
Nicole Toyama
Development Officer
Nicole is passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities through collaboration and capacity-building. Before joining Planeterra, she worked at United Way Greater Toronto, supporting over 200 charities across the GTA through programs and development. With a background in grassroots organizing, she has led initiatives focused on food security, housing insecurity, policy development, and nonprofit capacity-building.
She holds a degree in Political Science, Urban Planning, and Equity & Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto. As a Japanese-Canadian, Nicole developed a deep appreciation for travel and cultural exchange, which continues to shape her perspective on community-building and equity.
JULIA PITCHER
Global Impact Specialist
Julia knows that when done responsibly, tourism has the power to create positive change for all those involved. From travellers experiencing new cultures and perspectives to communities celebrating and protecting the places, they call home. She is passionate about exploring and supporting partnerships to create a more equal and just tourism industry.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, Julia focused on supporting Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada. While working for an Inuit-owned tourism social enterprise in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, she saw firsthand how transformative community tourism could be for communities and travellers alike.
As the Communications and Development Coordinator, Julia is involved in fundraising and communications to grow Planeterra’s network of supporters and assists in new opportunities to uplift community tourism. She loves connecting with individuals and organizations over the belief that, together, we can turn travel into impact.
María Luisa Burbano
Global Coordinator
Maria Luisa was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, and serves as a Global Coordinator, bringing a unique perspective shaped by her international academic and professional background. With Bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality and Finance, and a Master’s degree in Hotel Development, she combines a strong foundation in organizational and analytical skills with a deep passion for development through sustainable tourism.
In this role, Maria Luisa supports Planeterra’s global operations by coordinating many programs and partnerships related functions and ensuring seamless communication between teams and stakeholders.
Having lived and worked in Latin America, the U.S. and the U.K. across diverse industries, Maria Luisa has gained invaluable insights into cross-cultural collaboration and adaptability. This global experience allows her to approach her role with a fresh perspective, fostering innovative work at Planeterra.
Maria Luisa is inspired by the transformative power of tourism to drive positive change and is dedicated to supporting programs that empower communities worldwide.
Outside of work, Maria Luisa enjoys hiking and trail running, but she also loves to travel and explore local cuisine and coffee wherever she may be.
Donna Rivas
Global Coordinator
Donna is from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. She brings a wealth of experience in operations management across both the banking and NGO sectors, along with a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of New Brunswick, as well as an Associate Degree in Management with honors.
With over 14 years of professional experience, Donna is deeply committed to creating structure, clarity, and ease for the teams she supports. She is known for her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for people and process.
In her role at Planeterra, she works to support smooth day-to-day operations while continually looking for ways to strengthen systems and improve how teams work together.
Outside of work, Donna enjoys travelling, reading, spending time with loved ones, and soaking up the sun and sea, which helps keep her grounded and inspired.
Precious Phyllis Apolot
Communications Coordinator
Precious Phyllis Apolot is a communications professional who enjoys telling stories that bring people, ideas, and communities together, with a special interest in supporting community tourism and the people who make it possible. She has experience in strategic marketing, digital content creation, social media, program communications, youth-centred initiatives, and research across Africa and beyond.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Marketing) and a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing, where she explored global strategy, market research, and digital consumer behaviour.
At Planeterra, Precious contributes to global communications through content development, social media, digital asset management, and partner coordination. She helps share the experiences of communities and highlights how tourism can strengthen local livelihoods, culture, and collective wellbeing. Her work supports Planeterra’s mission by helping ensure community stories are shared with care and reach the people who need to hear them.
Away from her desk, Precious enjoys travelling and photography, especially capturing everyday life and culture.
In the Field
Planeterra’s team extends into the field, with part-time staff members around the world assisting our partners in their regions. At Planeterra, we call these individuals Community Development Specialists, and they are an integral component of our regional work. These individuals can communicate with Planeterra’s partners in local languages, understand local customs, and their proximity to the communities they work alongside means Planeterra can be more effective as a global organization.
Carlota Morales
Global Community Tourism Network Coordinator, Americas
Carlota Morales has more than 10 years of experience in community development, with communities all over her home country Costa Rica, and across Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Carlota has experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors in both development and project management. Her approach to community development is supported by her degree in psychology and a Masters’s in Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development.
As a Community Development Specialist for Planeterra, Carlota coordinates and stewards the relationship between Planeterra, community projects, and stakeholders in the region, ensuring smooth operations, that community needs and goals are being met, the impact goals, and monitoring and acting as the main point of contact for Planeterra on the region.
JAHEL RAMÍREZ CABEZAS
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Central America and the Caribbean
Jahel is a programs and community development professional with 12+ years of experience at the intersection of education, tourism, and sustainability. Her formation spans Business Management, Talent Management, Experiential Learning, Permaculture, and Expressive Arts for Social Intervention—a toolkit she applies to design regenerative, human-centered initiatives.
She began her journey as a Spanish–English interpreter, where she discovered a natural ability to bridge languages, cultures, and expectations. Over time, she transitioned into non-formal education, program coordination, and community tourism—facilitating workshops, guiding transformative learning experiences, and building systems that help teams and communities thrive. Her work in Central America has included designing capacity-building programs, co-creating regenerative projects rooted in local knowledge, and strengthening partnerships that connect community enterprises with market opportunities.
At Planeterra, Jahel leads community tourism enterprises across Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean—focusing on capacity building, climate and biodiversity stewardship, and inclusive prosperity.
Rosselin Rodriguez
Community Tourism Development Specialist, South America
Rosselin holds a degree in Tourism from the National University of Cusco, and has more than 10 years’ experience in the travel industry, focused on responsible travel and quality service. She has worked in hospitality, tour operations, and as a tour leader leading tours in Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil, working directly with community tourism enterprises selecting and giving technical advice to their experiences.
As a Community Development Specialist for Planeterra in South America, Rosselin coordinates and stewards the relationship between Planeterra, community projects, and stakeholders in the region, ensuring smooth operations, that community needs and goals are being met, and acting as the main point of contact for Planeterra on the continent.
YULISSA CASTAÑEDA
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Europe
Yulissa has a strong commitment to human rights and gender equality in tourism. She believes that sustainable travel can contribute to creating more equitable societies, which is why she is passionate about Planeterra’s mission.
With over 9 years of experience, Yulissa has worked on the design, implementation, and supervision of projects related to community tourism and rural entrepreneurship. Her work has extended to Indigenous communities, where she collaborates with public organizations and NGOs in Peru, Guatemala, and Spain.
She holds a degree in Tourism Management and a master’s in Development Cooperation from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, as well as another master’s in Gender Studies from the Complutense University of Madrid. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Gender Studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Yulissa is based in Madrid, Spain, where she works as a Community Tourism Development Specialist for Europe and the Middle East at Planeterra.
Athena Vries
Global Community Tourism Network Coordinator, Africa & Middle East
Athena is a self-motivated, passionate, and goal-driven worker. She has a hotel, tourism, hospitality, and marketing management background. With ten years of experience in the field, she knows that when executed accurately, her expertise can contribute positively to the development of the tourism industry.
She has actively worked on outreach programs to educate her community on creative marketing on their various media platforms. Athena is a Community Tourism Development team player committed to connecting people with authentic experiences.
Through Planeterra, she is working tirelessly to play her part in the betterment of the social and economic status of communities in tourism. When she’s not out and about exploring Southern Africa, you can find Athena in her hometown of Harare, Zimbabwe providing virtual mentorship to communities in the tourism industry.
Souad Kadi
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Middle East & North Africa
Souad Kadi is a passionate and results-driven project management professional with over five years of experience empowering communities through education, women’s economic inclusion, and grassroots development. Known for her ability to design and implement transformative programs, Souad has worked extensively across Morocco and internationally, partnering with local organizations and global networks to create lasting, meaningful impact.
Her journey is grounded in a deep belief in the power of community engagement. Souad has collaborated closely with women in rural areas, leading workshops, mentorship programs, and training sessions designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to become active contributors to their societies. Her dedication to advancing social progress is complemented by her academic achievements, including a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Sussex, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Souad is a creative at heart. She finds joy in music and design, often blending these passions into her personal and professional projects. She is also an avid explorer of historical spaces and cultures, with a curiosity for languages that reflects her commitment to intercultural understanding.
Hardam Saputro
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Asia Pacific
Hardam began his journey in tourism as a tour guide, where he discovered a passion for sustainable travel and cultural exchange. With over more than 7 years of experience, he has led a diverse array of projects focused on community development, environmental sustainability, and tourism certification.
Throughout his career, Hardam has collaborated with international organizations such as UNESCO, Purpose Campaign, and Green Destinations, spearheading initiatives that promote sustainable tourism, environmental advocacy, and cultural preservation. These projects have strengthened his dedication to driving positive change through tourism.
Holding a Master’s degree in Tourism Development and Planning of Territories from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris, Hardam is committed to developing tourism initiatives that create meaningful impacts for local communities across the Asia Pacific region with Planeterra.
Federico Baggio
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Americas
Passionate about fostering sustainable change through tourism, Fede has dedicated his career to creating projects that celebrate cultural heritage and encourage environmental stewardship. His work focuses on purposeful initiatives that connect travellers with local culture while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both communities and visitors.
With a background in education and heritage conservation, Fede brings a holistic perspective to his projects, aiming to inspire meaningful connections and long-term impact. Guided by the belief that “we are the people we’ve been waiting for,” he seeks out opportunities to work with teams who share a vision for positive transformation.
Based in Buenos Aires, Fede is continually drawn to experiences that immerse him in diverse cultures and landscapes, reinforcing his commitment to making tourism a tool for good.
Nabiha Tasnim
Community Tourism Development Specialist, South & Central Asia
Nabiha’s endless curiosity for cultures and communities across the world has inspired her to live a life where travel finds centre stage (she has travelled to 5 continents and swam in 3 Oceans). Growing up in an ecologically-fragile region, Nabiha has witnessed first-hand how community tourism can aid in preserving local ecologies and sustaining traditions.
Nabiha comes with years of experience in communications and community management, working across sectors like travel, arts and culture, and education, backed by a Bachelors Degree with Majors in Sociology and Minors in Journalism. She has worked with partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, UN Tourism, UNEP, and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, to further the mission of sustainable tourism through public-private interventions as well as build a community of responsible tourism champions. In her role at Planeterra, she hopes to bring positive change through travel to more communities across the world.
Nabiha is a Founding Shaper at the Global Shapers Community, a global network of young changemakers initiated by the World Economic Forum. She is a trained Indian sign language interpreter and a firm supporter of disability rights and inclusivity for the differently-abled. When not travelling, Nabiha can be found lost in the world of books, attending concerts, trying out different cuisines or hosting friends and family.
Thanawut Supangkaratana
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Southeast Asia
Thanawut is passionate about using tourism as a tool for positive change. Based in Bangkok, he has spent years working with local communities, social enterprises, and government partners to create meaningful travel experiences that empower people and protect the planet.
He believes that every journey can inspire connection, preserve culture, and support sustainable livelihoods. Through his work with Planeterra, Thanawut is excited to help communities across Southeast Asia grow stronger through tourism that truly makes a difference.
When he’s not working with communities, you’ll likely find him exploring local food scenes, sipping a good cup of coffee, watching and playing football, or meeting new people who share his love for travel and sustainability.
Evisi Kopliku
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Europe
Evisi Kopliku brings over 15 years of experience across the public sector, non-governmental and international organisations, and academia in Southeast Europe. Her work focuses on policy design, programme development, and project implementation in sustainable tourism, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, creative industries, and entrepreneurship support.
She has extensive expertise in EU affairs, including accession reforms and EU programmes such as the Small Business Act for Europe, COSME, and Horizon 2020. Evisi has coordinated national and regional initiatives supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs, working closely with organisations including the OECD, EBRD, ETF, and partners across the public, private, and academic sectors. Her career is marked by strong multistakeholder and regional collaboration, leading to impactful policy initiatives and community projects.
Evisi holds an MA in European Economic Studies from the College of Europe (Belgium) and an MSc in Banking and Finance from Eastern Mediterranean University (Northern Cyprus). Fluent in Albanian, English, Turkish, Italian, and French, she is passionate about communication and its role in community development and regional cooperation.
Trevor Chomumwe
Community Tourism Development Specialist, Africa
Trevor Chomumwe works at the intersection of community development, tourism systems, and culture, supporting community tourism initiatives that are locally grounded and economically viable. At Planeterra, Trevor supports community tourism enterprises across Africa by working with partners and stakeholders to strengthen enterprise capacity, improve operational readiness, and contribute to tourism models that deliver long-term value for communities.
Trevor’s background is rooted in community development practice and applied tourism systems work across Southern and East Africa. He has worked closely with community-based enterprises, cooperatives, and small tourism operators to navigate governance, product development, and market readiness, with a strong focus on community ownership and sustainability.
Drawing on experience spanning grassroots initiatives and regional partnerships, Trevor brings a systems-oriented approach to community tourism—bridging local priorities with the operational and commercial realities of the tourism sector.
