Executive Director of the UN Tourism Academy, IGCAT Board Member and IGCAT Expert from Argentina, Omar Valdez joins as Chair of the Jury for IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge 2026.
Omar Valdez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and an Executive Master in Tourism Management from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. He began his professional career in Buenos Aires, working across telecommunications, IT, and media sectors before moving to the Principality of Andorra, where he worked for Grandvalira, one of the largest ski resorts in Europe.
In 2004, Omar joined the UN Tourism Academy.Themis Foundation as a Senior Consultant. The Foundation, now known as the UN Tourism Academy, is responsible for implementing the World Tourism Organization’s programme on education and training, supporting Member States in strengthening the quality, competitiveness, and sustainability of the tourism sector through capacity building and knowledge development. Since 2010, Omar has served as Executive Director of the UN Tourism Academy, leading international initiatives in tourism education and policy.
With extensive experience in tourism and international cooperation, Omar brings a strategic perspective on how food gifts can act as cultural ambassadors, reflecting local identity and strengthening the visibility of destinations.
