Chief Executives of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, members of the World Travel & Tourism Council [WTTC], are preparing to gather in Rome for their Annual Summit. Behind the scenes, a temporary change of leadership is taking place, with Gloria Guevara once again assuming the role of chief executive.
The WTTC has confirmed that Gloria Guevara, a former President and Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the organisation, will return on an interim basis and guide the Council through to the conclusion of its Global Summit.
Guevara previously stepped down from WTTC after overseeing a successful summit in Cancún, Mexico, in 2021, subsequently taking up the position of Senior Advisor to the Saudi Arabian Minister of Tourism.
She left that role on 30 June 2024 and later contested the election for Secretary-General of UN Tourism, but was defeated following a surprise victory by the United Arab Emirates’ candidate, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.
The WTTC has also announced that Julia Simpson, its current President and CEO, will be unable to attend the Global Summit in Rome from 28–30 September due to extended medical leave.
Greg O’Hara, Chairman of WTTC, stated: “I would like to extend my best wishes to Julia for a speedy recovery and to thank Gloria for stepping in at such an important moment. I am confident she will steer the Global Summit towards great success.”
Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect, added: “On behalf of WTTC and its members, I wish Julia Simpson a swift recovery and express gratitude to Gloria Guevara for supporting the organisation in her absence. Gloria is widely recognised as one of the most respected leaders in the sector, bringing with her decades of invaluable experience.”
Commenting on her appointment, Guevara said: “I am honoured to support the organisation and its members during this period, and to lead the Global Summit in Rome.”
By Our Reporter
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