The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which is the global private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry, today announced that Gloria Guevara has been appointed as President & CEO by its Operating Committee, taking the helm to shape the future of the private sector for members and unlock investment and job creation.

A distinguished group of former global tourism leaders has united to endorse Gloria Guevara as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, citing her unmatched experience, visionary leadership, and proven ability to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector.

Following the news that there will be no third term for the current UN Tourism Secretary-General, the leading candidate to be the next head of the organisation Gloria Guevara responded with the following: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and other Member States, for having the courage to support the principle of leadership renewal at UN Tourism. This is an important gesture that reflects the spirit of cooperation and respect for institutional values that guide our shared work.

Gloria Guevara, the leading candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism, today called for independent election observers to be present at the upcoming 123rd Executive Council leadership vote taking place near Madrid at the end of this month. In a move aimed at ensuring full transparency and integrity in the electoral process, Guevara urged all candidates to support the presence of neutral, internationally recognised observers to oversee the proceedings.

Gloria Guevara, a globally-recognized leader in travel and tourism, has secured critical support from over 100 global tourism leaders who are backing her dynamic candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Her campaign is aimed at creating “a new era for tourism’ and focused on empowering local communities.