Natalia Bayona an Externadista working for world tourism

She is a graduate of the Faculty of Finance, Government and International Relations of our University and currently holds the position of Director of Innovation, Education and Investment Strategy of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Her work consists of identifying the most disruptive startups and investment projects and connecting them with the different States, for this specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on promoting universally responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism.

Bayona has extensive experience in policy, destination and business management, and she has become the first director of innovation at UNWTO, has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development, and has positioned UNWTO as a benchmark for innovation in the United Nations system, a recognition evidenced in the ‘UN 2020 Mapping of Innovation, Data and Digital Capacities’.

Our graduate held a meeting with the University President, Hernando Parra Nieto, and the dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Edna Rozo; with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary work for tourism, and support from the UNWTO in the academic processes of the Externado.

We wish Natalia Bayona every success in her performance in this important organization and in her professional development.