The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) confirmed Gloria Guevara, former President & CEO of WTTC, will return to the helm on an interim basis and will lead the global tourism body through to the end of its Global Summit.
After Gloria Guevara left WTTC as CEO after a successful summit in Cancun, Mexico, in 2021, she accepted a position as a top advisor for the Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia. She left this post on June 30, 2024, and competed in this year’s bid for Secretary General in UN-Tourism, but lost after a surprise win by the UAE candidate Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) also announced that due to an extended sick leave, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson is unable to attend the Global Summit in Rome on September 28th-30th.
Greg O’Hara, the chairman of WTTC, said: “I’d like to send Julia my best wishes for her speedy recovery and would also like to thank Gloria for stepping in at such a crucial time. I am sure that Gloria will lead the Global Summit to great success.
Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair Elect, said: “WTTC and its Members wish Julia Simpson a swift recovery and thank Gloria Guevara for supporting the organisation in her absence. Gloria brings decades of experience as one of the most respected leaders in the sector.”
Gloria Guevara, WTTC interim CEO, said: “I am honoured to support the organisation and its Members during this time and lead the Global Summit in Rome. I send my best wishes to Julia.”
