Bringing Global Vision to Local Outdoor Recreation
With over 20 years of experience across 75 countries, Chris Seek, CEO of Solimar International, has consistently demonstrated how sustainable tourism can be a powerful engine for conservation and economic development. Whether enhancing trails in U.S. National Parks or supporting protected area planning in the Himalayas, Chris has helped ensure that outdoor recreation benefits both people and the planet.
His recent leadership on two projects—one in Colorado and another in Bhutan—illustrates this global-local impact.
In Colorado, Chris led the creation of the state’s first Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan with the Colorado Tourism Office. Over a 15-month process, his team engaged more than 1,000 stakeholders through surveys, workshops, and interviews to shape a statewide and regional vision for sustainable outdoor recreation. The result? A suite of strategic plans that prioritize long-term resilience, accessibility, and a balance between visitation and conservation.
“This wasn’t just about tourism,” says Chris. “It was about ensuring Colorado’s communities and landscapes thrive together.”
Explore the full stewardship plan and learn more about this landmark project at ctostewardship.com.
More recently, Chris collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Royal Government of Bhutan to support the development of outdoor recreation visitor facilities across the country’s protected areas. Drawing on lessons from the U.S. and other markets, the project focused on aligning visitor infrastructure with conservation goals in some of the most ecologically and culturally significant areas on earth.
From the Rockies to the Himalayas, Chris’s work exemplifies the power of thoughtful planning, inclusive engagement, and strategic investment in outdoor recreation. His career continues to inspire cross-sector partnerships that make outdoor spaces more welcoming, resilient, and beneficial for all.