According to the institutional resolution, one of the decisive factors for her incorporation into the Steering Committee has been her ability to coordinate diverse actors—public administrations, private organizations, religious entities, and academic institutions—within a single operational framework. This inclusive approach has enabled the creation of an international cooperation ecosystem that facilitates knowledge exchange, joint promotion, and the design of shared strategies, strengthening the global projection of destinations associated with pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.
Under her leadership, the Network achieved significant institutional progress, including the integration of new member countries and the accession of professionals and organizations from different regions of the world. This growth not only expanded the project’s geographical scope, but also helped establish solid foundations for collaborative governance, regarded as essential for the sustainable development of destinations with religious and cultural value. In addition, initiatives were promoted to strengthen international outreach, the marketing of specialized experiences, and the organization of global gatherings focused on routes and sacred sites linked to the world’s major religious traditions.
The Steering Committee emphasized that Valdés’s incorporation will notably strengthen the institution’s strategic dimension by providing specialized knowledge, an international outlook, and proven institutional leadership. In this regard, her profile is expected to contribute to consolidating the Network’s positioning as a benchmark in the formulation of policies, programs, and projects aimed at responsible and inclusive tourism development that generates territorial opportunities.
The appointment is advisory and consultative in nature and forms part of the institutional strengthening policy the organization has been pursuing to integrate highly regarded experts in key areas of global tourism. This approach makes it possible to incorporate top-level talent while preserving professionals’ technical independence and ensuring a diversity of perspectives in analysis and decision-making processes.
In parallel, it was reported that the operational management of the World Religious Tourism Network will be temporarily assumed by the President of the TSTT until a new lead is appointed, with the support of the Network’s area directors.
With this appointment, the institution reaffirms its commitment to professional excellence, innovation in tourism policy, and the advancement of development models grounded in international cooperation. The inclusion of specialized profiles within its governance structure is seen as a strategic step toward consolidating initiatives that promote religious tourism as a tool for cultural dialogue, mutual understanding among peoples, and the socioeconomic revitalization of territories—thereby reinforcing the role of tourism as a driver of sustainable development on a global scale.
