The World Travel & Tourism Council has appointed Gloria Guevara Manzo to the role of president and chief executive of the organisation.

Guevara served as secretary of tourism for Mexico and chief executive of the Mexican Tourism Board from 2010 to 2012, minister in the cabinet of president Calderón.

Prior to that she worked for global distribution system Sabre where most recently she was chief executive of Sabre Mexico, reporting to the board of directors of a joint venture between Aeroméxico, Mexicana and Sabre Holdings.

She is currently special advisor on government affairs for the Centre on Health & the Global Environment at the School of Public Health, Harvard.

Announcing Guevara’s appointment, Gerald Lawless, WTTC chairman, said: “Gloria is a proven leader who is well known and well respected within the global tourism sector.

“I am delighted that she will lead WTTC into the next phase of its development.

“Gloria was chosen from a competitive field of international candidates.

“With a career encompassing senior roles across private sector, government, and academia, she brings a unique combination of experience and expertise.”

WTTC is the world authority on tourism, with a membership that comprises over 150 chief executives of the world’s leading companies.

It is the only global private sector organisation representing the breadth of the global business and leisure travel industries.

Reflecting on her appointment, Guevara said: “I am excited to be taking up the role of president and chief executive of the WTTC.

“Over the past few years, WTTC has grown enormously in stature and impact.

“I look forward to building on this great foundation to expand the council’s advocacy work for tourism, a sector that accounts for ten per cent of the world’s GDP and one in ten jobs.

“This is a critical time for tourism and the 292 million people whose jobs depend on it.

“Future forecasts are strong, but with on-going terrorism and environmental challenges, compounded by a world that is simultaneously ever more connected yet increasingly divided, now, more than ever, the sector needs to come together with one voice.

“Tourism needs to show not only its economic importance but also how it is committed to creating sustainable livelihoods, protecting nature and cultures, and asserting itself as a responsible and leading player in this fast-evolving world.”

Guevara, a Mexican national, is married and has a son and a daughter.