Ibrahim Osta, a recognized global tourism leader committed to developing tourism economies in developing countries and emerging destinations. He employs global perspective tailored to local contexts. Over the past 25 years, he benefitted thousands of entrepreneurs, industry workers, communities in various countries. He is Chemonics, USAID’s largest global implementer, Senior Advisor and its tourism lead.

His expertise extended globally, aiding various governments in tourism policy reform to build resilience, attract investments and embracing culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism practices in countries in MENA, Caucuses, Eastern Europe and Balkans. Over the two decades, he designed, led and advised tourism development initiatives in countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Timor Leste, Egypt south Red Sea, Tunisia, Ras al Khaimah, Lebanon and of course the Kingdom of Jordan.

He serves(d) on boards: Governing Body of UN Foundation World Heritage Alliance (co-designed People Protecting Places adopted by UNESCO), UNWTO Panel of Experts, and Jordan’s Development Fund chaired by Jordan’s Prime Minister. He received King Abdullah II Entrepreneurship Award, a regular speaker in international forums: WTM, ITB; EBRD, World Bank. He now teaches hospitality management at George Washington University as Professor of Management.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.