Björn Svensson
Tourism Technical Advisor at New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Swedish Native or bilingual proficiency
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German Limited working proficiency
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Spanish Elementary proficiency
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Indonesian Elementary proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Joe Wood
The COVID-19 pandemic severely jeopardized Toledo Zoo’s operation in the Solomon Islands, with border closures resulting in key members of staff being unable to return to the country for a protracted period. Björn’s assistance during this time was invaluable. Working on an entirely pro bono basis, he supported the local team through significant challenges, including an outbreak of civil unrest, and acted as a point of contact with various stakeholders. He also oversaw the final phase of construction on a new conservation breeding facility, and the transfer of a group highly-threatened Santa Cruz Ground Doves (Alopecoenas sanctaecrucis). Largely as a result of his efforts, the project remained on an even keel and is now entering an exciting new phase. I cannot thank him enough.
Joseph M. Cheer
Björn Svensson is a rare breed of consultant - one of the most distinctive things about the way he goes about his business is his ability to build respectful rapport with stakeholders he works with. His current work is testimony to that where being a change maker, tact, diplomacy and a sharp sense of cultural competency is required. With a wealth of practice-based experience, Björn examines situations for practical and long-lasting outcomes. As a consultant, he is firmly focused on inclusion and resilience building beyond the life of a project. Björn delivered a guest lecture to students in the Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management program here at Monash University and the students were raving about how much they had learned. I highly recommend Björn as consultant, change maker and workshop facilitator and am happy to sing his praises.
Joe Wood
The COVID-19 pandemic severely jeopardized Toledo Zoo’s operation in the Solomon Islands, with border closures resulting in key members of staff being unable to return to the country for a protracted period. Björn’s assistance during this time was invaluable. Working on an entirely pro bono basis, he supported the local team through significant challenges, including an outbreak of civil unrest, and acted as a point of contact with various stakeholders. He also oversaw the final phase of construction on a new conservation breeding facility, and the transfer of a group highly-threatened Santa Cruz Ground Doves (Alopecoenas sanctaecrucis). Largely as a result of his efforts, the project remained on an even keel and is now entering an exciting new phase. I cannot thank him enough.
Joseph M. Cheer
Björn Svensson is a rare breed of consultant - one of the most distinctive things about the way he goes about his business is his ability to build respectful rapport with stakeholders he works with. His current work is testimony to that where being a change maker, tact, diplomacy and a sharp sense of cultural competency is required. With a wealth of practice-based experience, Björn examines situations for practical and long-lasting outcomes. As a consultant, he is firmly focused on inclusion and resilience building beyond the life of a project. Björn delivered a guest lecture to students in the Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management program here at Monash University and the students were raving about how much they had learned. I highly recommend Björn as consultant, change maker and workshop facilitator and am happy to sing his praises.
Joe Wood
The COVID-19 pandemic severely jeopardized Toledo Zoo’s operation in the Solomon Islands, with border closures resulting in key members of staff being unable to return to the country for a protracted period. Björn’s assistance during this time was invaluable. Working on an entirely pro bono basis, he supported the local team through significant challenges, including an outbreak of civil unrest, and acted as a point of contact with various stakeholders. He also oversaw the final phase of construction on a new conservation breeding facility, and the transfer of a group highly-threatened Santa Cruz Ground Doves (Alopecoenas sanctaecrucis). Largely as a result of his efforts, the project remained on an even keel and is now entering an exciting new phase. I cannot thank him enough.
Joseph M. Cheer
Björn Svensson is a rare breed of consultant - one of the most distinctive things about the way he goes about his business is his ability to build respectful rapport with stakeholders he works with. His current work is testimony to that where being a change maker, tact, diplomacy and a sharp sense of cultural competency is required. With a wealth of practice-based experience, Björn examines situations for practical and long-lasting outcomes. As a consultant, he is firmly focused on inclusion and resilience building beyond the life of a project. Björn delivered a guest lecture to students in the Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management program here at Monash University and the students were raving about how much they had learned. I highly recommend Björn as consultant, change maker and workshop facilitator and am happy to sing his praises.
Joe Wood
The COVID-19 pandemic severely jeopardized Toledo Zoo’s operation in the Solomon Islands, with border closures resulting in key members of staff being unable to return to the country for a protracted period. Björn’s assistance during this time was invaluable. Working on an entirely pro bono basis, he supported the local team through significant challenges, including an outbreak of civil unrest, and acted as a point of contact with various stakeholders. He also oversaw the final phase of construction on a new conservation breeding facility, and the transfer of a group highly-threatened Santa Cruz Ground Doves (Alopecoenas sanctaecrucis). Largely as a result of his efforts, the project remained on an even keel and is now entering an exciting new phase. I cannot thank him enough.
Joseph M. Cheer
Björn Svensson is a rare breed of consultant - one of the most distinctive things about the way he goes about his business is his ability to build respectful rapport with stakeholders he works with. His current work is testimony to that where being a change maker, tact, diplomacy and a sharp sense of cultural competency is required. With a wealth of practice-based experience, Björn examines situations for practical and long-lasting outcomes. As a consultant, he is firmly focused on inclusion and resilience building beyond the life of a project. Björn delivered a guest lecture to students in the Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management program here at Monash University and the students were raving about how much they had learned. I highly recommend Björn as consultant, change maker and workshop facilitator and am happy to sing his praises.
Credentials
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Kakadu National Park World Heritage Area Certified Tour Guide
Charles Darwin UniversityJun, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
EcoGuide Australia
Ecotourism AustraliaFeb, 2011- Nov, 2024 -
Hospitality Sector Food Handlers Certificate
William Angliss InstituteMay, 2009- Nov, 2024 -
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer & IDC Staff Instructor
PADIJan, 1993- Nov, 2024
Experience
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New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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New Zealand
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International Affairs
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700 & Above Employee
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Tourism Technical Advisor
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Feb 2022 - Present
As a technical advisor with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism I am working with tourism product development, training and COVID-19 recovery. As a technical advisor with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism I am working with tourism product development, training and COVID-19 recovery.
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Wildlife Conservation Society
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United States
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Non-profit Organization Management
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700 & Above Employee
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Tour Guide Trainer
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Nov 2021 - Feb 2022
Developed a tour guide manual and training package for guides and rangers working in protected areas in Solomon Islands. Delivered training in Kolombangara and Tetepare in Western Province. Developed a tour guide manual and training package for guides and rangers working in protected areas in Solomon Islands. Delivered training in Kolombangara and Tetepare in Western Province.
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IFC - International Finance Corporation
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United States
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Financial Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Tourism Consultant
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Sep 2018 - Nov 2021
Tourism development in Western Province focused on coordinating Solomon Islands government, donors and private sector to implement strategies outlined in the Western Province Tourism Investment Needs Assessment (WPTINA). In-country lead for the development and implementation of Western Province Registered Land Survey, which sets out to identify land suitable for tourism investment. Tourism development in Western Province focused on coordinating Solomon Islands government, donors and private sector to implement strategies outlined in the Western Province Tourism Investment Needs Assessment (WPTINA). In-country lead for the development and implementation of Western Province Registered Land Survey, which sets out to identify land suitable for tourism investment.
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Australian Volunteers Program
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Australia
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International Trade and Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tourism Quality Standards Program Advisor
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Sep 2017 - Aug 2018
• Designed a national minimum standards and classification system for tourism accommodation. • Developed training and conducted training of minimum standards assessors. • Conducted a minimum standards awareness campaign for tourism stakeholders. • Assisted the Ministry during the implementation of the minimum standards program. A significant part of this role also consists of liaising with operators and investors in regards to government regulations and support. The Minimum Standards advisor role was sponsored by the Australian Governments Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). Show less
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Nias Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Pusaka Nias)
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Nias Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia
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Tourism Development Officer
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Jun 2015 - May 2017
• Survey and documentation of existing and potential tourism sites and activities on Nias Island. • Promotional campaign aimed at raising the profile of Nias Island as a tourism destination through the development of a website (www.visitniasisland.com) and associated social media. • Assist outside investors planning tourism projects on Nias. • Capacity building and mentoring of host organisations staff (tourism & media skills). • Tourism product development and training with local operators. This assignment was sponsored by the Australian Governments development program in Indonesia. Show less
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Antarctica21
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Chile
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Travel Arrangements
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1 - 100 Employee
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Expedition Guide
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Dec 2012 - Mar 2015
Seasonal expedition field guide on board expedition cruise ship MV Ocean Nova. Daily tasks included guiding, lectures, zodiac touring, photography, expedition logistics and admin. Seasonal employment, from 2012 to 2015, in total 5 months in Antarctica. Seasonal expedition field guide on board expedition cruise ship MV Ocean Nova. Daily tasks included guiding, lectures, zodiac touring, photography, expedition logistics and admin. Seasonal employment, from 2012 to 2015, in total 5 months in Antarctica.
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Australian Volunteers International
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Australia
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International Trade and Development
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100 - 200 Employee
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Tourism Development Advisor
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Feb 2013 - Jan 2015
• Survey and documentation of potential tourism sites and activities in North Nias Regency. • Survey and documentation of potential investment opportunities in North Nias Regency. • Facilitating tourism investment and contacts between investors and local government. • Assist the implementation of national tourism initiatives locally. • Capacity building and mentoring of tourism department staff. • Promotional campaign aimed at raising the profile of North Nias (www.northniastourism.com). This assignment was sponsored by AUSAID. Show less
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Park Trek Walking Tours Australia
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Australia
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Tour Leader
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2008 - Nov 2012
Park Trek is an ecotourism company specialising in lodge-based walking tours. The tours are conducted in national parks and other natural areas across Australia. Apart from leading tours my work included: • Staff training and mentoring of new guides • Planning and developing new tour products • Marketing; photography, social media and web administration • Preparing documentation for accreditation, permits and licences. Park Trek is an ecotourism company specialising in lodge-based walking tours. The tours are conducted in national parks and other natural areas across Australia. Apart from leading tours my work included: • Staff training and mentoring of new guides • Planning and developing new tour products • Marketing; photography, social media and web administration • Preparing documentation for accreditation, permits and licences.
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agefotostock
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Spain
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Photography
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1 - 100 Employee
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Travel & Tourism Stock Photographer
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2000 - Oct 2008
Contributor to International photo stock agencies Agefotostock, Alamy and Ecoscene, specializing in travel & tourism photography. Contributor to International photo stock agencies Agefotostock, Alamy and Ecoscene, specializing in travel & tourism photography.
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Biz Publicidad
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Barcelona, Spain - Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Project Manager
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Aug 2002 - Nov 2005
Project manager for the start-up of a Spanish branch of a multi-lingual online services directory for tourists and expats. Established and operated customer support and sales center. Trained local staff and managers in customer service and relevant software applications. Supported the development of new branch offices in other European countries. Project manager for the start-up of a Spanish branch of a multi-lingual online services directory for tourists and expats. Established and operated customer support and sales center. Trained local staff and managers in customer service and relevant software applications. Supported the development of new branch offices in other European countries.
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Self Employed
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United States
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700 & Above Employee
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Media & Communications Consultant
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Sep 2000 - Jun 2002
Produced images, texts and layout for the tourism industry and International development organizations. Produced images, texts and layout for the tourism industry and International development organizations.
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Euro-Divers Worldwide
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Thailand
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Leisure, Travel & Tourism
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1 - 100 Employee
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Manager - Resort Dive Center
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Aug 1999 - Jul 2000
Established a new company branch in Egypt. Apart from daily operations of running a resort diving center my work included;• Renovation and upgrade of dive centre facilities and equipment.• Training of local staff in all aspects of the operation.• Establishing business relationships with local tour operators and service providers.• Representing the company at trade fairs in Europe.At the conclusion of the change over and upgrade, the dive center was awarded the PADI 5-star IDC rating. Show less
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Manager - Resort Dive Center
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May 1997 - Jul 1999
Managed a PADI 5-star IDC dive center on Meeru Island Resort. Apart from daily operations I was involved in:• Development and implementation of new products and activities.• Oversaw the complete upgrade of the dive center facilities (see project).• Organising and hosting travel media and tour operator famil trips.
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Assistant Dive Center Manager & Instructor
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May 1994 - May 1997
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MV Sarah 1 Diving Safaris
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Maldives
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Operations Manager & Dive Guide - Diving Liveaboard
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Feb 1994 - Apr 1996
Operations manager of dive live-aboard 'Sarah 1' for 3 seasons. Operations manager of dive live-aboard 'Sarah 1' for 3 seasons.
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Seebees Submarine Diving Club
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Phuket, Thailand.
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Scuba Diving Instructor
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Mar 1993 - Feb 1994
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Dive Inn
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Lysekil, Sweden
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Dive Center Assistant
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Feb 1992 - Jan 1993
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Education
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Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of applied Science, Ecotourism -
Sven Winquist Institute
Polytechnical College, Photography & Media -
William Angliss Institute
Diploma of Tourism, Operations Management - Specialising in Ecotourism
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