María Ester Guðjónsdóttir

Responsible and Diversified Tourism Offerings

Trainer

María Ester Guðjónsdóttir

Sjálfbær Ferðaþjónusta / Iceland Travel

Sustainable Tourism Coach & Auditor / Tourism & Sustainability Specialist / Sales & Sustainability Representative

Iceland, Denmark

Responsible and Diversified Tourism Offerings

Description

Hi, I’m María Ester Guðjónsdóttir, a tourism professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. My expertise lies in sustainable tourism, where I actively work with businesses to integrate responsible practices and develop long-term sustainability strategies. I have a background in tourism and sustainable development, along with hands-on experience in various roles, including operations, management, sales, supplier negotiations, and customer relations—from working at campsites and hotels to managing tours and excursions. I have completed training and certification exams with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and hold a personal certification in their sustainability criteria, as well as a license to conduct audits in sustainable tourism. Additionally, I have completed Travelife training in sustainable management for tour operators and I'm an Travelife Coach and Auditor. I am passionate about helping tourism businesses turn sustainability goals into practical actions, ensuring a responsible and resilient industry. If you’d like to connect or learn more about my work, feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile!

Discover my work

"Many tourism businesses already engage in sustainable practices—whether it’s reducing waste, supporting local communities, or preserving natural and cultural heritage. However, I have encountered companies where these efforts remain undocumented, making it difficult for them to strategically improve, communicate their impact, or gain sustainability certifications such as Travelife or align with GSTC criteria. I have worked directly with such businesses, assisting them in structuring their sustainability actions into clear policies, measurable goals, and practical implementation plans. Without formal documentation, sustainability often remains an informal commitment rather than a strategic priority. By helping businesses put their existing efforts on paper, they can strengthen their credibility, secure partnerships, and enhance their contribution to responsible tourism. "

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Why Join PHOENIX 4.0?
Become part of an engaged European community of innovative SMEs and expert partners working together to shape the future of tourism. PHOENIX 4.0 offers tailored support, access to advanced technologies, and collaboration opportunities within a dynamic network. Together, we are building a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive tourism sector.