Meet IGTOA’s New Treasurer, Ted Martens

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new Treasurer, Ted Martens!  Ted is the Sustainability Director for Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA), an ecotourism company offering the world class nature expeditions. He is also adjunct faculty at Metro State University in Denver, CO, where he teaches classes in sustainable tourism. Ted began his career in the tourism industry as a researcher and instructor at Arizona State University's Tourism Development and Management program, where his work focused on ecotourism development in Central America. Trading the Arizona desert for the mountains of Colorado, he became the Director of Outreach and Development for Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit focused on bringing sustainability solutions to the tourism industry. Today, Ted heads up conservation and sustainability efforts at NHA, pushing the company to further its leadership in responsible tourism. He holds a B.S. from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in Tourism Development from Arizona State. In his free time, Ted can be found playing music or exploring the slopes and trails of Colorado's backcountry. 

Of his new role at IGTOA, Ted says “It is a true honor to join such an esteemed group of industry leaders on the board of IGTOA.  I am very excited to contribute to IGTOA’s mission and crucial work to support conservation and sustainable tourism development in the Galapagos.  These islands are one of the planet’s most precious resources, and as tour operators, it is our pleasure to introduce travelers to their wonders, and our duty to work collectively to ensure the long-term success and viability of the destination.  IGTOA is positioned to play an important role in this process, and along with fellow board and association members, I look forward to contributing to the complete and lasting protection of the Galapagos.”   

Ted is taking over from Doris Welsh of Galapagos Network. We again extend our heartfelt appreciation for her years of dedication, insight and enthusiasm.