The ministry of Saudi Arabia announced the appointment of Gloria Guevara, as the position of chief special advisor to Ahmed Al Khateeb, the minister of tourism. Gloria Guevara recently resigned from her post as chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Guvera also was the former minister of tourism for Mexico. 

Al Khateeb welcomed the appointment, and said: “Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has incredible potential and is already supporting economic growth and job creation across the kingdom.

“We have a strong national heritage and thousands of unique stories to be told.

“Gloria brings international expertise and a tremendous global network from her time representing the global tourism and travel sector as the chief executive of WTTC and direct experience with evolving a nascent tourism industry from her time as secretary of tourism in Mexico, that will help us as our large-scale investment in tourism moves to the next level.”

Guevara is to help facilitate international collaborations, develop human capital and contribute to the delivery of the ambitious, large-scale tourism investments under Vision 2030.

On Twitter, Guevara said she was honored by the invitation to join the ministry “during this positive transformation. This country has the foundation and unique assets to become a tourism superpower and well-known global destination.”

“I want to be part of the transformation and make the vision of Saudi Arabia as a leading tourism destination a reality.

“Tourism is the most promising sector in Saudi Arabia; this has been evident since 2019 when the kingdom first opened for international visitors and became the fastest growing and best performer in travel and tourism on a global scale.”

The new office is said to serve as the new hub for the UNWTO to coordinate policy and initiatives across its 13 member states in the region. It also shows us how they have been trying to give a significant push in the tourism sector. 

Also read: Gloria Guevara, WTTC Chief Steps Down After Four Years