Alex Pio is a Senior Tourism Specialist and Consultant at the World Bank, with over 15 years’ experience in harnessing tourism, innovation ecosystems, the creative industries and urbanization for development across more than 40 countries. He has led global research, country advisory and policy work, designed and supported lending operations, and authored various tourism diagnostics and strategies. Prior to joining the World Bank Alex worked in Hotel Management and in consulting for social enterprises and startups. Alex holds an Msc in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford, a Master in Tourism Destination Management from the Breda University of Applied Sciences, and a Bachelor of Sciences in International Hospitality Management from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. An Italian and US national, Alex speaks English, Italian, French and Spanish.