More than 100 global tourism leaders endorse Mexico's Gloria Guevara to become next UN Secretary General of UN-Tourism

19-02-25

Mexico's candidate, Gloria Guevara, a world leader in the travel and tourism sector, has the support and endorsement of more than 100 global tourism leaders to become the next Secretary-General of UN-Tourism.

Gloria Guevara, who served as Mexico's Minister of Tourism, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and most recently as Senior Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, is committed to strengthening innovation in the tourism sector, driving sustainable growth and creating opportunities for all stakeholders in the industry.

Mexico's candidate has more than 35 years of experience leading public and private sector initiatives that have helped transform this important industry. Her leadership was instrumental in the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, as well as in innovating and advancing tourism as a force for economic growth and social impact at the local level. 

His campaign aims to create ‘a new era for tourism’ and focuses on empowering local communities. 

‘We must ensure that our sector is resilient, inclusive, innovative and future-focused,’ said Guevara. ‘Under my leadership, I will ensure that Member States receive greater support from UN-Tourism to improve conditions for the people who make a living from tourism. My vision is based on four key pillars: resilience, opportunity, innovation and sustainability. I will implement strategies that empower communities, promote sustainability and technological change for prosperity and boost the development of economies.

A campaign with strong public and private industry backing 

Guevara's candidacy has received resounding support from key industry players, including 20 government ministers, hotel groups, technology companies, global travel specialists and investment organisations who recognise her ability to lead the sector into a new chapter of innovation and sustainability at UN Tourism.

Business leaders supporting Gloria Guevara's candidacy include the CEO of Expedia Group; Chairman and CEO of Hilton; Chairman and CEO of Marriott International; Group President and CEO of Accor; CEO of MSC Cruises; CEO of Trip. com; Chairman and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; CEO of IHG Hotels and Resorts; Chairman of A&K Travel Group; Chairman and CEO of Radisson Hospitality; CEO of Barceló Hotel Group; CEO of Dubai International Airports; CEO of Oberoi Hotels; CEO of Grupo Puntacana; CEO of Amadeus; and CEO of Panorama.  

Kurt Ekert, CEO of Sabre, said: ‘Gloria has a proven track record of bringing stakeholders together and delivering results. Her leadership and overwhelming travel expertise are exactly what the global travel industry needs to ensure its continued growth and long-term sustainability.’ 

American Express Global Business Travel CEO Paul Abbott said: ‘Gloria has the experience, the relationships, the passion and the proven track record to make a real difference as Secretary-General of UN-Tourism’. 

Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, commented: ‘Gloria Guevara will be the first woman to head UN-Tourism. Her leadership will have a deep knowledge of the sector and, above all, with a proven ability to generate shared prosperity in communities and countries, through the sum of efforts between entrepreneurs and authorities’.

Gloria Guevara concluded: ‘I am honoured to receive such broad support from the public and private sector, as well as from the Government of Mexico. As the next Secretary General, I will build bridges and bring people together to create investment opportunities in member states and share prosperity across communities.

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