Greg Takehara has stepped down as CEO of Tourism Cares after serving in the role since 2019, following several years on Tourism Cares' board, including as its chair.
During his tenure, Tourism Cares expanded its Meaningful Travel Program via industry summits, fams, training and resources that connect travel professionals with community-led enterprises and local changemakers.
The program is anchored by the Meaningful Travel Map, which links travel professionals and travelers to vetted, purpose-led tourism businesses worldwide. The interactive map has grown to include nearly 800 organizations across six continents, according to Tourism Cares.
"Greg's dedication and belief in the power of tourism to create positive change have helped shape Tourism Cares into the organization it is today," said Shayna Zand, board chair and managing director of Host Agency Reviews.
"Through every chapter, I have believed deeply in the same thing: That travel has an incredible ability, and a responsibility, to be a force for good in the world," Takehara said. "What I am most proud of is not any one program, partnership or accomplishment, but the community we have built around that belief."
Tourism Cares' board will conduct a search for a new chief in the coming months. To support the group's transition period, industry veteran Malia Asfour has been appointed interim CEO and will "provide continuity for Tourism Cares' staff, members, partners, donors and the communities it serves."
Asfour has previously served as director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America and has been involved in Tourism Cares' leadership and governance. She is also co-founder of Imagine It Tourism Group, which helps emerging destinations access the North American travel market.
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has worked for more than 20 years to foster a culture of impactful and responsible travel as well as advance the social, environmental and economic impact of the travel industry. The organization is a founding member of the Future of Tourism Coalition.