Gloria Guevara, a leading candidate for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, has announced her commitment to hosting a Global Investment Summit within six months of assuming office in January 2026, should she be elected. The summit aims to mobilize billions of dollars in tourism investments across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and The Americas. The decision will be made by Tourism Ministers at the upcoming UN Tourism Executive Council session near Madrid later this month.
With more than 35 years of experience in both public and private tourism sectors—including her tenure as Mexico’s Tourism Secretary and her leadership at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)—Guevara is well-regarded for her global impact and for uniting private and public stakeholders. Her campaign is centered on four core pillars: sustainability, innovation, opportunities, and resilience. Backed by over 200 tourism leaders worldwide, she promises a realistic and strategic approach to investment, in contrast to other candidates who she says rely on exaggerated claims for media attention.
Guevara emphasized that the private sector is ready to invest in hotels, attractions, and sustainable tourism experiences, and she plans to harness this momentum by connecting forward-thinking ministers with visionary business leaders. The proposed multi-day Global Investment Summit will focus on delivering practical, transformative tourism projects, paving the way for long-term global development.
She also highlighted her intent to position UN Tourism as a collaborative platform that champions innovation, artificial intelligence, skill development, and responsible tourism. Guevara’s pledge reflects a broader vision to strengthen international cooperation and stimulate impactful, long-lasting growth across the global tourism industry.
