Seleni Matus
About Seleni Matus
Seleni Matus serves as the Executive Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at The George Washington University School of Business, where she has worked since 2016. She has held various leadership roles in sustainable tourism, including positions at Sustainable Travel International and Conservation International, and has contributed to significant publications in the field.
Current Role at The George Washington University
Seleni Matus serves as the Executive Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at The George Washington University School of Business. She has held this position since 2016, contributing to the advancement of tourism studies and sustainable tourism practices. Her role involves overseeing various initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism and enhancing educational opportunities within the field.
Previous Experience in Sustainable Tourism
Matus has extensive experience in sustainable tourism, having worked as Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at Sustainable Travel International from 2011 to 2014. She also served as a Board Member for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council from 2010 to 2012. In 2015, she briefly held the position of Vice President for Global Programs at Sustainable Travel International. Her work has focused on developing sustainable tourism strategies across various regions.
Educational Background and Research
Seleni Matus has a strong academic background in tourism and management. She earned a Master’s degree in Corporate Strategy & Governance from the University of Nottingham. Additionally, she is a Ph.D. candidate at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, where her research area focuses on Tourism Governance and the Role of Networks in Destination Management. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management from Viterbo University.
Contributions to Tourism Development
Matus has made significant contributions to tourism development, including the creation of Belize's tour guide training and certification program early in her career. She has also assisted multinational corporations, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., in developing corporate strategies for destination stewardship. Her involvement in various committees, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Committee, highlights her commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices.
Publications and Academic Contributions
Seleni Matus has co-authored several publications that address the intersection of tourism, conservation, and community engagement. Notable works include 'Linking Communities, Tourism & Conservation: A Tourism Assessment Process' and 'Tourism & Biodiversity: Mapping Tourism’s Global Footprint'. These publications reflect her expertise in sustainable tourism and her dedication to promoting responsible practices within the industry.