Klaus EHRLICH

Klaus Ehrlich studied Economics - Business Administration at the University of Siegen (Germany) from 1976-1983, with one year at the University of Sevilla (81/82). Co-founder and manager of several entrepreneur associations related with rural tourism in Spain (RAAR, AHRA) from 1991 until 2006. Since 2002 he has been responsible for the management of EuroGites – European Federation of Rural Tourism as general secretary. Involved in working groups and consultative bodies at the European Commission related with tourism and rural development. Professional experience relates to managing private trade organisations that cover a wide array of tasks, representing and providing advisory services to micro- and nano tourism services. Special expertise in fostering sustainable local development through tourism, engagement and cooperation with the local communities, promotional services using internet and ICT, vocational training concepts and activities related with rural tourism and rural development, research and follow-up of visitor’s quality perception, and development of nature or culture-based tourism products. Overall responsible for the organisation and content of the 6 editions of the European Congress on Rural Tourism www.europeanrtcongress.org since 2003, and of the conferences con Sustainable Tourism for Rural Development http://strd2019.org . Participation in working groups and consultative bodies of the European Union such as the Civil Dialogue Group on Rural Development, the Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Europe, work group on rural businesses, skills in tourism, and other expert groups. Professional contacts in 25 countries, including transitional and developing economies, which allows drawing on a wide scope of both theoretical and practical experiences at all stages of sustainable tourism development.