Sustainable tourism expert Costas Christ is to join Six Senses as sustainability ambassador – reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The announcement of Christ’s role follows the recent appointment of Amber Marie Beard as vice president of sustainability for Six Senses.

Christ is renowned for helping to officially define the term eco-tourism, as a founding member and former chair of the International Ecotourism Society.

As sustainability ambassador, he will advise the vice president of sustainability and represent the company as its global spokesperson on sustainable tourism.

Christ said: “We're at a new turning point as more travel businesses and destinations adopt sustainable tourism principles to help safeguard our planet and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

“I look forward to supporting Six Senses in their commitment to advance these efforts worldwide.”

Since 2004, he has also served as the chair for the World Travel and Tourism Council - Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognise sustainable tourism best practices. In 2012, Costas was recognised with Richard Branson, Ted Turner, and Jane Goodall as one of 53 sustainability visionaries working to save the planet.

Six Senses’ president, Bernhard Bohnenberger added: “We're honoured to have Costas serve as our sustainability ambassador as we enter a new and exciting phase of growth for Six Senses, while staying true to our founding principle of care for the environment, support for the well-being of local communities, and helping to protect cultural and natural heritage for future generations.”