Gloria Guevara, a prominent figure in the global tourism industry, is among the six candidates vying for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term.
With over 35 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Guevara has built a reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism and international collaboration.
Guevara previously served as Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism and was the President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the largest private tourism organization globally. Her tenure at the WTTC was marked by efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and foster partnerships between governments and private entities.
She has also worked as a senior advisor to the Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying her international credentials.
As a candidate, Guevara emphasizes the importance of regional representation, advocating for Latin America’s turn to lead the UNWTO. Her platform includes accelerating the adoption of sustainable tourism practices, enhancing public-private collaboration, and leveraging digital transformation to create a more resilient tourism industry.
She has reportedly secured verbal commitments from over 18 of the 35 Executive Council member countries, surpassing the minimum required support.
The election process has not been without controversy. Guevara and other candidates have criticized the current Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, for seeking a third term, a move they argue is unprecedented and contrary to UN agency norms.
Despite these challenges, Guevara remains a strong contender, with her extensive experience and innovative vision positioning her as a leading candidate for the role.
TYT Newsroom
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