World Tourism Forum Institute logo
International Council
Richard Adam​
Germany
Richard Adam is a seasoned international C-level executive and board member in asset management and investment, focus on where visitor experience, frequency and retention is key, in particular destination-, resort-, hospitality-, leisure venue-, public realm, mega sporting events, commercial real estate development.
Jerad Bachar
USA
Jerad Bachar has close to thirty years of tourism and economic development experience in an array of countries and business environments. He has worked in both developed and emerging markets in the areas of destination branding and marketing, economic development and diversification, and workforce development.
Guy Bigwood
Spain
Guy Bigwoody has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, associations and the hospitality industry step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and operational practices for the last 15 years.
Bob Chambers
USA
Bob Chambers is a 30 year veteran of the “people gathering” business, as a consultant, designer and producer of custom, high-end, permanent attractions for tourism, entertainment, theme parks, cultural/heritage, and brand visitor centers around the world.
Valentina Ndou
Italy
Valentina Ndou, PhD is Senior Researcher and Aggregate Professor on Management Engineering Department at University of Salento (Italy). Her research specializes in analyzing the innovation management trends and the effectiveness of information systems with particular emphasis on new solutions and approaches for smart tourism, eBusiness, entrepreneurship education and knowledge management.
Angela Gerekou
President of Greek National Tourism Organization
Mrs. Gerekou holds a degree from the School of Architecture of the University of Rome. She also has a significant career in acting. She studied in Derek Jakoby’s “London Academy of Performing Art” in London, UK and she was a member of Federico Fellini’s student group in Italy.
Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou
Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou is a distinct graduate of Iowa State University (ISU), USA. Her BS is in Forest Biology, the MSc specialized in Urban Forestry and her PhD in Ecophysiology/Sylviculture with an extensive research background to restoration and conservation of ecosystems with emphasis on biodiversity as related to climate change.
Omar Imtiaz
Omar Imtiaz is a British born serial entrepreneur, and highly experienced investment professional with over 22 years of expertise in real estate and investment management. He currently serves as the Chief Executive of Imtiaz Holdings, a specialized conglomerate in the alternative investment sector.