Najib Balala, Kenya's former Secretary of Tourism and Wildlife, has publicly expressed his support for Guevara's candidacy. Balala is recognized for his leadership in promoting sustainable tourism in Africa and his collaboration with international organizations for the development of the sector. His endorsement underscores the confidence that global leaders place in Guevara's ability to lead UNWTO and address tourism challenges with an innovative and sustainable vision.
Mouhamed Fauzou Deme, originally from Senegal, is an influential figure in the field of ecotourism and sustainable development in West Africa. With extensive experience as a consultant and advisor on tourism projects, he has worked with local communities to promote responsible tourism that benefits both local economies and the environment. Her leadership in promoting sustainable practices has been instrumental in positioning Africa as a competitive and environmentally friendly tourism destination.
Balala and Deme have highlighted Guevara's vision and leadership, noting that her focus on sustainability and equity is essential in addressing the sector's current challenges. “Gloria Guevara has the experience and determination to transform UNWTO into a more dynamic and effective organization, capable of responding to the challenges of global tourism and creating equitable opportunities for all regions,” said Deme. Balala stressed the importance of strong leadership to ensure the growth of tourism without compromising the well-being of communities and the environment.
Guevara's priorities in her candidacy include promoting sustainable practices, strengthening the sector's resilience to future crises, integrating emerging technologies to improve competitiveness, and creating strategies that promote equity and inclusion in tourism. In addition, her proposal includes the creation of a public-private partnership framework to optimize the use of tourism resources and maximize their positive impact on local communities. Guevara has also emphasized the need to increase investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the growth of the sector does not compromise the well-being of populations and the natural environment.
Balala and Deme's endorsement of Guevara's candidacy has been well received by various stakeholders in the sector, who see in this alliance an opportunity to strengthen the UNWTO and position it as a reference in global tourism development. With these endorsements, Gloria Guevara consolidates her leadership and her proposal for a comprehensive transformation of tourism towards a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future. The international tourism community has highlighted the importance of UNWTO's strong and visionary leadership, capable of addressing the sector's current challenges with innovative and long-term solutions.
Likewise, Guevara's candidacy has sparked widespread interest within the sector, with various organizations and experts showing their support for his vision. His focus on the digitalization of tourism, workforce training and destination diversification has been highlighted as a role model for ensuring equitable and resilient tourism development. In this regard, his leadership at UNWTO is expected to foster greater dialogue and cooperation among member countries, allowing for greater cohesion in strategic decision-making.
