Admin I Friday, May 15, 2025
WASHINGTON – Top contender for the job of UN Tourism Secretary-General, Gloria Guevara has reacted to the news that there will be no third term for the current occupier of that position.
She is of the view that position of the UN Tourism Secretary General should have regional rotation in leadership as the organization faces a pivotal moment.
She has expressed her sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and other Member States, for having the courage to support the principle of leadership renewal at UN Tourism.
“This is an important gesture that reflects the spirit of cooperation and respect for institutional values that guide our shared work.
“Building on the strong foundation laid by the current Secretary-General and UN Tourism member states, we will continue to elevate the organisation’s profile within the UN system. Our focus remains on championing tourism as a vital driver of sustainable development and a key contributor to post-pandemic economic recovery.
“At the late May election for a new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, we will have the opportunity to take UN Tourism to the next level, delivering stronger growth and developing local communities. We all want a strong, united UN Tourism in accordance with the new global reality.
“The change in leadership will be good news for the values of multilateralism so important to the United Nations.
“Ministers will be able to uphold the principles of geographical rotation of the role of Secretary-General, accountability and fairness. These values are essential to the credibility and effectiveness of UN Tourism.
“The organisation in the new era needs highly-experienced and trusted leadership. UN Tourism must be led by someone who not only understands the complex dynamics of the global travel and tourism industry but who can also unite Member States behind a shared vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“I’ve spoken to over 50 Tourism Ministers in recent weeks and it is humbling to have extensive support from every Continent.
“With over 35 years of experience across public and private sectors, my focus has consistently been on building a stronger, more resilient tourism sector including the inclusion of tourism in the G20 leader’s declaration; elevating Mexico’s global tourism standing as the Minister of Tourism; uniting governments and CEOs worldwide as President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and spearheading the re-opening of the sector during the Covid pandemic; and, most recently, in my role as Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, I worked with colleagues on opening up the country’s tourism sector and supporting its transformation.
“UN Tourism stands at a pivotal crossroads. It requires leadership rooted in experience, integrity and a deep commitment to the values of transparency and cooperation. I am ready to offer that leadership and unite the sector in a new era of tourism.”
