Oliver Martin

Oliver Martin

I'm Oliver, a tourism development expert, focusing on advanced research analysis with over 20 years of experience in the global travel and tourism industry. I’m passionate about the intersection of destinations, business, and society and how we can develop a more sustainable tourism social license to operate.

As a Senior Director with Skift Advisory, I work with destinations and organizations around the world to design, analyze, and socialize primary research to make more informed decisions around experience development, market and segment selection, and investment attraction.

Prior to co-founding Twenty31 with Greg Klassen, which was acquired by Skift Advisory, I previously served as the Director of Global Development at international sustainability and reputation strategy firm GlobeScan, and as the Associate Director of Pacific Asia Travel Associations’ Strategic Intelligence Centre. I started my career at Destination Canada in the Strategy and Planning team and Office of the President.

I’ve been a regular panelist on CNBC Asia’s morning business program Squawk Box and on CBC’s flagship news program, The National discussing the business case for sustainability in tourism development, and have facilitated panels at World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market, MATKA Travel Nordic Fair, and the PATA Summit.

I've worked in over 50 countries in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, and lived in Canada, Zimbabwe, Thailand, the UK and Germany.

I hold a Graduate Certificate in International Marketing from University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Politics from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a former participant on the 52nd International World University Service of Canada Seminar at the University of Zimbabwe.

I’ve been an advisor on CSR engagement for Save the Children Canada, the Chair of the Governance Committee on the Oxfam Canada Board of Directors, a member of the Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and the Chair of the PATA Foundation. I am based in Berlin with my wife and son.


I’m passionate about the intersection of destinations, business, and society and how we can develop a more sustainable tourism social license to operate.