Hitesh Mehta is one of the world’s leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism physical planning and both the landscape architectural and architectural aspects of ecolodges. In July 2006, National Geographic Adventure magazine identified Mr. Mehta as one of five Sustainable Tourism Pioneers in the world. In July 2005 he was named by New York based Magazine, Men’s Journal as one of the “25 Most Powerful People in Adventure" in the world. Mr Mehta has visited over 60 countries.  Mr. Mehta is also a Professional Photographer and a Cricket Hall of Fame player in Kenya.

Mr. Mehta is the President of HM Design. His portfolio of eco-projects span the globe and include work in Egypt, China, Bali, Dominica, Saudi Arabia, India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Brazil, DR Congo, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Madagascar, Galapagos, Gabon, Fiji, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, USA and Puerto Rico.

Mr. Mehta is the main editor of the highest selling book in ecotourism; International Ecolodge Guidelines and the author of the two main chapters on “Site Planning” and “Architectural Design”. As well as writing Chapters in various sustainable tourism books, Mr. Mehta also reviews ecotourism and ecolodge related books. He regularly conducts research on international trends in Ecolodges and delivers presentations internationally. He sits on the Advisory Board of The International Ecotourism Society and is one of the founding members of The Ecotourism Society of Kenya. Mr. Mehta is also the International Advisor for the Japan Ecolodge Association.

Mr. Mehta has been selected to be a judge and on-site inspector for the Tourism for Tomorrow (WTTC), World Legacy Awards for Heritage Tourism and Ecotourism (National Geographic/Conservation International), Ecotourism Awards (Conde Nast Traveler) and Green Hotelier Awards (Caribbean Hotel Association).

Mr. Mehta has a distinguished history in academia. As well as being an adjunct professor at several universities in Southern Florida, he was also the Chairman of Landscape Architecture Section, Department of Architecture, University of Nairobi and conducted studios in sustainable planning and design for five years. Currently, Mr. Mehta conducts one-of-a kind Ecolodge Planning and Design Workshops and Charettes around the world which are attended by, amongst others Deans, Professors and Students of George Washington University and The International Ecotourism Society.

 
Contributors:
Illustrations for the book are drawn by professional illustrator Matthew Lewis and the Foreword of the book is written by National Geographic Traveller  Magazine Global Editor, Costas Christ.