The TSTT welcomes the appointment of Natalia Bayona as Executive Director of the UNWTO

30-06-23

Natalia Bayona became the new Executive Director of the World Tourism Organization this week. This was confirmed by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the United Nations organisation, who made the appointment.

In addition to being the first Colombian to reach the post, Bayona is the first woman from the American continent and under the age of 40 to assume this position. She is officially the person of Colombian origin with the highest position in the United Nations system.

This appointment was made in the framework of the Regional Commission for the Americas. The Colombian will be responsible for bringing the economic development of tourism worldwide through innovation, education and investment to the 160 member states.

Natalia Bayona currently leads the innovation, education and investment strategy of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations specialised agency for the promotion of universally responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism.

With a background in policy, destination and business management, she has become the UNWTO's first Chief Innovation Officer; has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development; and has positioned the UNWTO as a reference for innovation in the United Nations system, a recognition awarded in 2020 by the UN Chief Executive Board (CEB).

She holds a degree in International Relations from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, a postgraduate degree from IE Business School and a programme on innovation and digital transformation in tourism from the same institution. She was named as one of the ten most influential people living in Spain in 2022.