Gloria Guevara Manzo

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Gloria Guevara Manzo is a globally recognized leader in travel and tourism with extensive experience across government and industry. From 2021 to July 2024, she served as Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030. During her tenure, Saudi Arabia exceeded its target of 100 million tourists—seven years ahead of schedule. She played a key role in hosting the most successful World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, advancing international partnerships, attracting global investors and CEOs, and welcoming over 1,000 youth from more than 100 countries. Gloria also helped spearhead the creation of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the sector. 

Previously, Gloria served as President and CEO of the WTTC from 2017 to 2021. Under her leadership, WTTC became the unified voice of the global travel and tourism private sector, representing over 200 CEOs. She guided the industry through the COVID-19 crisis, launching health protocols adopted in more than 400 destinations via the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, and helped reduce projected job losses from 200 million to 50 million globally. Gloria spearheaded initiatives on sustainability, crisis preparedness, and seamless travel, launching a Crisis Readiness report just before the pandemic and co-chairing the World Economic Forum’s pandemic preparedness group. 

As Mexico’s Minister of Tourism from 2010 to 2012, she led the National Tourism Agreement, uniting all sectors to position Mexico among the top global destinations, despite challenges such as H1N1, financial instability, and security concerns. She was instrumental in including travel and tourism in the G20 leaders’ declaration in 2012, earning recognition as a G20 sector champion. 

Gloria has been honored by CNN, Forbes, and Expansion as one of Mexico’s most influential women. She received the Good Neighbour Award from the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. She currently sits on the boards of AMEX GBT, Arsenale, and the Saudi Tourism Authority, and has previously served on the boards of HSBC Mexico, Playa Hotels & Resorts, and others.