Rob holmes, glp films

How do you feel that your history best prepares you for service on the ATCF Board? 

I have over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, with a unique and diverse entrepreneurial background in multimedia production, storytelling, global strategic marketing, sustainable tourism, social responsibility, wildlife conservation, and business startups. I am the Founder & Chief Content Strategist of GLP Films, an award-winning content marketing agency dedicated to sustainability and storytelling for the travel industry. My work with GLP over the last 10+ years has spanned over 40 countries and five continents, creating 200+ authentic short videos, and promoting sustainable tourism best practices. Before launching GLP Films in 2008, I was one of the original owners of Trails.com, the #1 outdoor and adventure travel website. I wrote the original business plan, then supervised all sales, marketing, advertising, and business development. We successfully sold Trails.com in 2006 to Demand Media. I have also directly worked, volunteered or been a Board Member with over 10 different travel or conservation organizations, from The Nature Conservancy to Sustainable Tourism International (see next question for complete list). In line with my dedication to sustainable tourism, I have a B.A. in Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology, and an M.B.A. in International Business, Marketing and Environmental Management. I love working in the travel industry and see the power of travel to create positive impacts across destinations, communities, and stakeholders. Therefore, I look to work with like-minded, high caliber individuals and organizations to help advance the industry, and I feel strongly that ATCF has the opportunity to make huge positive impacts, and I would be honored to lend my expertise in this journey.

Describe prior experience you have working with nonprofits and conservation groups? 

Yes, I have over 30 years of experience working directly with nonprofits and conservation organizations in the USA and abroad. First, I think it is important to note that I an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology from Hobart College (New York, USA). As part of my degree, I studied Wildlife Management in Kenya. So from the science perspective, I have extensive experience working to volunteering with various conservation organizations. 

Second, from a work experience point of view, I have directly worked, volunteered or been a Board Member with over 10 different nonprofits and conservation organizations over the years, including -- The Nature Conservancy (4 different offices), Appalachian Mountain Club (5 years), Woodland Park Zoo (Board Member), Maine Huts & Trails (Board Member), Sustainable Tourism International (Board Member), Global Ecotourism Network (Board Member), International Ecotourism Society (Board Member), Snow Leopard Trust, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and the New England Aquarium. 

Third, my content marketing agency (GLP Films) regularly works with local to global nonprofits and conservation organizations to produce award-winning multimedia content to showcase and celebrate examples of sustainable tourism around the globe. A mission-based company, GLP is fully committed to using storytelling, digital content and global distribution campaigns to support and grow these nonprofit and conservation organization partners within the entire travel industry.

Outline the specific skills you bring or contributions you hope to make to the ATCF Board.

First, I have been involved with the outdoor industry for over 20 years now and directly saw the powerful impact that the Conservation Alliance had within the entire industry. Therefore, I was a quick advocate and supporter from replicating CA’s model for the travel industry. And quite honestly, I think ATCF is one of the best new and innovative organizations for the entire travel industry. I could not be more excited for its long-term impact for advancing industry advocacy and support to sustainable tourism. More specifically, as I have directly shown with the number of Board Member positions I have held over the years, I would be a very vocal and proactive voice for the mission and goals for ATCF within the entire travel industry. I am happy to provide any references to support my potential active and enthusiastic participation with ATCF. As for specific skills, they can range from marketing, communications, strategy, business development, stakeholder development, storytelling, videography, public relations, fundraising and development within the business community and much more. Anyone that knows me well, knows that when I commit to something, I commit 100%. Since the mission behind ATCF lines up directly with my personal and professional goals within the conservation, business and travel industries, I could not be more enthusiastic and excited to help take ATCF to the next level. So you can count me in.

Why do you seek a position on the ATCF Board of Directors?

As I mentioned below on what skills I would bring to ATCF, I want to make a direct impact locally and globally within the entire travel industry. Sustainable tourism is the future of tourism. We need it to be the backbone of the entire travel industry. And ATCF, through its direct work with nonprofit and conservation organizations around the globe, along with the global travel trade business community, has the potential to lead this change. So I want to be a part of that necessary change for the travel industry. So the best way to make a significant impact on the issues and industry you work in is to be an active participant. Therefore, I feel ATCF can be a major driving force of change and innovation within the entire travel industry, and I could not be more excited about getting involved with ATCF.

Describe any experience with sustainable tourism.

Previous to starting GLP Films, most of my 30+ year career has been in conservation and sustainability within nonprofit organizations I mentioned above. It has been the cornerstone of my personal and professional goals, and the aspiration for my entire career.

As for GLP Films, our mission and vision is entirely dedicated to supporting, developing and advancing sustainable tourism within the travel industry. From our global media partnerships (National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, AFAR), corporate partners (LifeStraw, Timberland), operator partners (A&K Philanthropy, Intrepid) and destination partners (over 40 to date), our #1 focus is to showcase and advance sustainable tourism within destinations and the entire travel trade industry. We strive to work primarily with travel brands that are interested in advancing sustainable tourism. I've been fortunate to work with many emerging destinations (from Georgia and Kosovo to Raja Ampat, Indonesia) and have seen first hand the importance of protecting these remote and undeveloped regions while also thoughtfully designing sustainable tourism development. So I cannot stress enough, the importance of sustainable tourism for myself personally and my agency, GLP Films, and the future of the travel industry. In fact, when I first started GLP Films over 10 years ago, our initial name was “Green Living Project” and our sole purpose was to document and share stories of sustainability. At the time, the term sustainability was not the mainstream in travel, and there was a lot of greenwashing going on. So our work originally involved researching the best sustainable practices and stories of organizations, nonprofits, and individuals who were actually enacting long term sustainable practices. This has helped me recognize the importance of sustainability and built my experience in business, partnerships, and content creation strategies to ensure I (and the parties I represent) am working with reputable partners and clients that are serious about sustainability. In addition, I often speak at leading industry events such as ITB Berlin, WTM London, PATA, ETC, and more, on the intersection of sustainable tourism and storytelling or content marketing. This is a skill I have built over many years and leverage industry research and case studies as well as my own professional network and travel experiences to bring impactful thought leadership to these important international forums and discussion -- with the goal of ultimately sharing best practices to advance the sustainable tourism industry.

Describe any experience working in fundraising and development.

I am on the board of Maine Huts & Trails (www.mainehuts.org) in Maine and I have spearheaded their fundraising and development work with corporate or business sponsors. I have put together all of their sales decks, managed meetings with top donors and helped manage and coordinate outreach to current and future donor prospects. Personally, the key to success with fundraising and development is fully understanding the business and mission side of an organization. Plus, you must know how to sell authentically. So I believe I possess all of these important skills and would be motivated and excited to roll up my sleeves and do the same, or whatever is needed, with ATCF. I also have access to my team, networks, and advisors via GLP Films who have an additional breadth of experience in nonprofits and fundraising, and can tap into storytelling and content marketing resources when appropriate. For instance, we rallied to help the Okapi Conservation Project raise funds by leveraging our video storytelling to share their call to action and engage donors. I believe with strategic vision, we can accomplish a lot through our collective networks and skillsets.

Describe any experience working with indigenous/community groups.

I have worked with numerous indigenous communities from all around the globe, including the USA and Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, and more. My work directly with indigenous communities has included spotlighting indigenous voices in travel-related destination content, empowering indigenous communities to identify and market their own stories, and working with indigenous communities through speaking events, workshops, and training to help protect and promote indigenous tourism. Examples of indigenous tourism relationships and work I’ve done to date include:
- Working with the Maasai via Abercrombie & Kent’s new clean water & conservation program bringing clean water to schools on the edge of the Masai Mara in Kenya.
- Documenting the story of how Basecamp Foundation is empowering Maasai women through education and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Telling the story of the Pueblo peoples Native American tribes in the American southwest through EcoTourism New Mexico’s tourism initiatives.
- Working directly with indigenous communities of the Quechua in Peru to tell the story of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and their ancient connections to the land.
- Filming with the Mbuti Pygmies in the remote forests of DR Congo for a wildlife conservation project with Okapi Conservation Project.
- Filming with indigenous Mayan communities to tell the stories of sustainable and community tourism with Community Tours Sian Ka’an, Mexico.

Describe any experience working with nonprofits and/or conservation groups.

Yes, I have over 30 years of experience working directly with nonprofits and conservation organizations in the USA and abroad. First, I think it is important to note that I an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology from Hobart College (New York, USA). As part of my degree, I studied Wildlife Management in Kenya. So from the science perspective, I have extensive experience working to volunteering with various conservation organizations.
Second, from a work experience point of view, I have directly worked, volunteered or been a Board Member with over 10 different nonprofits and conservation organizations over the years, including -- The Nature Conservancy (4 different offices), Appalachian Mountain Club (5 years), Woodland Park Zoo (Board Member), Maine Huts & Trails (Board Member), Sustainable Tourism International (Board Member), Global Ecotourism Network (Board Member), International Ecotourism Society (Board Member), Snow Leopard Trust, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and the New England Aquarium.
Third, my content marketing agency (GLP Films) regularly works with local to global nonprofits and conservation organizations to produce award-winning multimedia content to showcase and celebrate examples of sustainable tourism around the globe. A mission-based company, GLP is fully committed to using storytelling, digital content and global distribution campaigns to support and grow these nonprofit and conservation organization partners within the entire travel industry.