Hanni Tran – Founder & CEO of GapEdu | Chief Sustainability Officer at WTFI | Editor-in-Chief, World Magazine
Hanni Tran is a visionary leader in sustainable tourism, business innovation, and global strategy, dedicated to transforming the tourism industry through responsible development, education, and international collaboration. As the Founder & CEO of GapEdu, she has led groundbreaking initiatives that bridge sustainability, policy innovation, and business strategy, ensuring long-term growth for destinations and enterprises alike.
A Legacy of Sustainable Tourism & Community Impact
Hanni founded GapEdu Consulting and Training in 2000, pioneering community-based tourism initiatives in Vietnam’s An Giang Province. Her work has empowered local communities, integrating them into tourism development, promoting responsible practices, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing.
Between 2010 and 2015, she expanded GapEdu’s mission to focus on tourism education, training, and communication, implementing industry-wide sustainability programs across major Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Vung Tau.
From 2015 onwards, Hanni has propelled GapEdu onto the global stage through key roles in the Global Tourism Forum and World Magazine, advocating for sustainability and forging partnerships with industry leaders worldwide.
Global Leadership & Sustainable Innovation
Hanni’s expertise spans strategic operations, ESG integration, regenerative tourism, and circular economy models. Under her leadership, GapEdu has become a trusted partner for organizations such as the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), Global Tourism Forum, ReboundTAG, and CUSSI, helping businesses align with global sustainability standards while maintaining profitability and competitive advantage.
She also serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at the World Tourism Forum Institute, driving sustainability initiatives in collaboration with governments, investors, and global tourism stakeholders. In her role as Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine, she champions innovative ideas, research, and industry insights to promote responsible tourism worldwide.
Currently, Hanni is spearheading the global expansion of sustainability initiatives in partnership with Max Rangeley & Partners, leveraging cross-sector collaborations to scale impact-driven sustainable practices on a global level.
Educational Background
Hanni’s strong academic foundation in development studies, governance, and tourism has shaped her expertise in sustainable tourism and global business strategies. She holds:
- Master’s Degree in Development Studies – Geneva Graduate Institute (2010-2011)
- Certificate in Governance and Rural Development – Wageningen University & Research (2012)
- Tourism Management Certification – Universiti Utara Malaysia (2009)
- Tourism Destination Marketing Certification – Raffles Institution (2003)
- International Promotion Studies – Chulalongkorn University (2001)
A Visionary for the Future of Tourism
At the core of her work, Hanni believes that sustainable tourism is not just a trend—it is the future of the industry. Through her leadership at GapEdu and WTFI, she continues to bridge innovation, sustainability, and business success, ensuring that tourism remains a force for positive economic, social, and environmental change worldwide.