Artisanal Collective™ is excited to announce that Dr. Jens Thraenhart, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the UNWTO Affiliate Members, has joined the organization as our Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships.
This strategic appointment reflects Artisanal Collective’s™ commitment to deepening its efforts in sustainable tourism development and building partnerships that will support the economic empowerment of artisans in remote communities.
Dr. Thraenhart brings over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, with a particular focus on sustainable development and the integration of cutting-edge technology into tourism practices. As Vice-Chairman of the UNWTO Affiliate Members, he plays a crucial role in influencing global tourism policies and working with international stakeholders to foster responsible tourism practices worldwide.
Charles Kao, Founder of Artisanal Collective™, has known Dr. Thraenhart for over two-and-a-half decades, during which they have worked together to tackle the intersection of tourism and climate change. “I have had the privilege of knowing Jens for more than two decades, and throughout that time, his unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and climate-conscious practices has been a guiding force,” said Charles. “Our shared history of innovating for positive change—especially in the face of climate challenges—makes Jens an ideal fit for Artisanal Collective, where we are working towards sustainable tourism that uplifts communities while preserving their cultural heritage.”
In addition to his work with UNWTO, Dr. Thraenhart is renowned for his work in High-Yield Tourism. This innovative approach focuses on driving competitive advantages in the tourism industry by helping partners deconstruct their visitor economies and leverage critical dynamics and evolving consumer trends in High-Yield Traveler markets. By integrating supply and demand dynamics, his work aims to increase economic value and tourism profits—goals that perfectly align with Artisanal Collective’s mission of sustainable economic empowerment for artisans.
Dr. Thraenhart’s leadership and expertise will be critical in shaping Artisanal Collective’s Encounter Journeys™ program, which aims to develop sustainable tourism ecosystems within remote artisan villages. His involvement will ensure that these communities, in partnership with local governments and the private sector, can leverage tourism to create economic mobility while maintaining the cultural integrity of their heritage.
“I am excited to join Artisanal Collective™ in this important work,” said Dr. Jens Thraenhart. “Having worked with Charles for many years to address the challenges that tourism faces in a climate-conscious world, it’s inspiring to see how Artisanal Collective is blending sustainable tourism with artisan empowerment. I look forward to helping craft a future where tourism benefits local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and supports sustainable development.”
With Dr. Thraenhart’s expertise, Artisanal Collective™ is well-positioned to enhance its global impact, fostering partnerships that integrate sustainable tourism with artisan empowerment, ensuring that cultural preservation and economic development go hand-in-hand.