.The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced a significant leadership change just weeks before its Global Summit in Rome, scheduled for September 28–30.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, will not be able to attend due to a medical leave. To ensure continuity, the WTTC Board has appointed Gloria Guevara, former President & CEO of the organization, to return as Interim CEO through the end of the Summit.

In an official statement, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that, due to illness, its President and CEO, Julia Simpson, will be unable to attend the Global Summit to be held in Rome from September 28 to 30. The organization and its members extended their best wishes for her speedy recovery. The WTTC also confirmed that Gloria Guevara, former President and CEO, will once again assume leadership on an interim basis and will guide the global tourism body until the conclusion of the Global Summit. The Council’s Board of Directors and members expressed their gratitude to Guevara for her support during this transitional period.

Guevara is widely recognized as one of the most respected leaders in global tourism. She successfully led WTTC until 2021, concluding her tenure with the Cancun Summit, before serving as a senior advisor to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism. Most recently, she ran as a candidate in the UN Tourism Secretary General election.

WTTC Chairman Greg O’Hara expressed his best wishes for Simpson’s recovery and gratitude to Guevara for stepping in at such a critical moment. Chair Elect Manfredi Lefebvre also highlighted Guevara’s decades of experience and her ability to steer the organization effectively.

In her first statement, Gloria Guevara said: “I am honored to support the organization and its Members during this time and to lead the Global Summit in Rome. I send my best wishes to Julia.”

On behalf of ABC Mundial, CEO Karina Giorgenello extended a message of support:
👉 “We wish Julia Simpson a swift and full recovery, and to Gloria Guevara an excellent leadership during this interim period at WTTC.”