USTOA Future Lights

Photo Credit: Polish Tourism Organization

MEET THE 2025 USTOA FUTURE LIGHTS
OF THE TOUR INDUSTRY!

These individuals are recognized as champions of responsible travel efforts within their own companies, and now, among all members of USTOA and the greater tour and travel industry.

The USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry was launched in 2022 during USTOA’s 50th anniversary to mark the association’s commitment to focus on the people, issues, and opportunities that will shape and improve the tour industry for future generations. Each of the USTOA Future Lights will help lead us into a more sustainable, responsible, and equitable future. Join us in tipping our hats and raising our collective glasses to toast their achievements and promise.


ALEXANDRA MICHAT

CHIEF PURPOSE OFFICER AT EXO TRAVEL

Alexandra Michat is a sustainability leader passionate about using travel as a force for good. At EXO Travel, she has helped develop systems to measure carbon emissions and track experiences that create a positive impact for local communities and the environment across Asia. She also leads the EXO Foundation, where she worked to advance responsible tourism practices, support grassroots initiatives, and strengthen the link between travel and community development. Her work focuses on building strong partnerships, engaging suppliers, and empowering teams to make responsible choices in their day-to-day work. As a Future Light finalist, she is proud to share her experience and continue learning from others who are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for the travel industry.

ØISTEIN NILSEN

DIRECTOR CULINARY AT HURTIGRUTEN

Over the past years, Øistein Nilsen has led Hurtigruten as they redefine their culinary program to serve as a platform for sustainability, local value creation, and cultural storytelling. In close partnership with regional producers, indigenous communities, and internal teams, they have developed food concepts that reflect the Norwegian coastline, reduce food waste, and prioritize short-traveled ingredients. Without the contribution of local suppliers, Norway's Coastal Kitchen would not be possible. As part of their Towards Zero Food Waste initiative, they have implemented circular practices such as onboard composting, streamlined sourcing, and creative use of underutilized ingredients, turning surplus into sought-after dishes. This approach not only strengthens local food systems but also reduces environmental impact and supports resilient coastal communities. The result is a dining experience rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and collaboration. Hurtigruten is proud to be recognized for this work and to stand as a leading voice in shaping a more sustainable future for the global cruise industry.

MATHILDE SIX

SALES MANAGER & SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR AT MAGIC TRAVELS

At just 21, Mathilde Six led the first successful sustainability certification for her company's UAE office—no small feat in a 200-employee organization with over 40 years of history. As a young professional in a global DMC, she overcame internal resistance to align local operations with broader sustainability goals, particularly in supplier selection and product development. Today, as Sales Manager at Magic Travels, Mathilde continues to champion responsible tourism across Europe and the Middle East. She actively promotes ethical practices through partnerships with travel agencies and uses her voice to advocate for sustainability, gender equity, and the empowerment of young professionals in tourism. She is committed to driving positive change across the industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.


The Search for the USTOA Future Lights

USTOA active and associate members are invited to nominate a coworker in their company, someone who is seen as a champion in leading and making change, as a potential USTOA Future Light. Each of the many nominations were carefully considered by a panel of USTOA Active and Associate members and members of the USTOA Sustainability Committee that included Emma Cottis, General Manager of Business Systems at Goway Travel, Hege Vibeke Barnes, Managing Director at Innovation Norway USA, Greg Takehara, CEO at Tourism Cares, and Genevieve Lawrence, Chief Sustainability Officer at Way to B. 

We look forward to welcoming and recognizing these three outstanding USTOA Future Lights at the USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace in National Harbor, Maryland later this year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEXANDRA, ØISTEIN, AND MATHILDE!

USTOA thanks Crum & Forster for their generous support of the USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry program.

Crum & Forster

HERE'S A LOOK AT THE PAST FUTURE LIGHTS

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