Geerte Udo new chairman National Council for Recreation and Tourism
Geerte Udo has been appointed independent chair of the National Recreation and Tourism Council (LRRT), of which CELTH is a member in behalf, with effect from 1 August.
About Geerte Udu
Udo is an experienced and inspired leader in the public-private domain, known for her connecting and creative approach to complex social issues. As former director of amsterdam&partners, Geerte knows how to build bridges between governments, businesses and knowledge institutions, cultural institutions and social initiatives - locally, regionally, nationally and internationally - to achieve sustainable results. During the years she was Public Order and Safety Advisor at Twynstra Gudde, Geerte worked on organisational change projects throughout the Netherlands. She also holds a board position at Stichting VVV Groep Nederland and was an active board member of the European network CityDNA.
New phase for National Council
With this appointment, the council enters a new phase of further building on the implementation power and cooperation of the leisure sector. This appointment marks an important step in the further development of the council. The National Council expresses great appreciation for Rob van Gijzel, who as quartermaster guided the council in the start-up phase. Thanks to his efforts, there is now a solid foundation on which the council can build. His connecting role and experience have been invaluable in this early period.
Before the 11 April meeting, the council was a guest of member HISWA-RECRON, where the Plans of Action were discussed. These plans set out joint actions within the industry. Themes being worked on include: reducing regulatory pressure, accessibility and broad prosperity. The national Perspective 2030 for Destination Netherlands forms the ambition and guideline for the plans.
On 15 May, the National Council for Recreation and Tourism held a discussion with the Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts on the major challenges and opportunities within recreation and tourism. Director Jos van der Sterren attended on behalf of CELTH. For the Netherlands to succeed, overarching cooperation and action across sectors is key. Minister Beljaarts gave a clear message: digitalisation and specifically AI offers huge opportunities, especially for SMEs as a labour-intensive sector in this tight market.
Introduction at Tourism Summit
Geerte Udo will work with vice-chairman Riemer Rijpkema (Gastvrij Nederland), board secretary Yvonne Nassar (NBTC) and all councillors within the National Council for Recreation and Tourism. During the Tourism Summit on 22 September in theatre and conference centre Spant!, Geerte will be present for introductions.
About the National Council for Recreation and Tourism (LRRT)
The National Council for Recreation and Tourism unites parties inside and outside the sector who, based on an integral approach, set to work on the opportunities and challenges of the recreation-tourism sector. Government, education, business and social institutions are represented in the council and are committed to serving the common interest of the hospitality sector. The National Council is a do-council, which will deliver concrete solutions for a future-proof leisure sector.