Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — As part of TOURISE 2025, the Saudi capital became the epicenter of global tourism. Among ministers, business leaders, and sector experts, Gloria Guevara, interim CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), shared her vision in an exclusive interview on the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry over the next decade.

“This event is majestic because it brings together the public and private sectors, something fundamental for the growth of global tourism,” Guevara said. During the interview, she highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role as a country that has prioritized tourism, demonstrating a commitment that benefits not only the nation but also sustainable development worldwide.

The Role of Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Guevara emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence and other technologies in transforming the sector. “We are evaluating how these tools can enhance tourism growth, from airlines reducing costs, destinations improving the traveler experience, to hotels optimizing food management to reduce waste,” she explained.

The interim CEO of the WTTC also announced an unprecedented panel moderated by artificial intelligence, which promises to demonstrate how technological innovation integrates into tourism without replacing the essential human component.

Employment Projections and Training Challenges

According to Gloria Guevara, “tourism will generate 91 million jobs in the next decade.” However, she warned that 43 million of these positions might go unfilled due to a lack of talent and training. “We need to work alongside governments to develop curricula, train young people, and encourage their participation in the sector. Of these forty-plus million jobs, twenty million do not require advanced training, but the rest do. This challenge is key for the future of the industry,” she emphasized.

Public-Private Collaboration and Coordination with UN Tourism

Guevara highlighted strategic collaboration with UN Tourism, especially with the elected Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais. “We are very excited about this new chapter. We coordinate policies, share challenges, and seek joint solutions that integrate the public and private sectors,” she stated.

The WTTC also works to consolidate its global impact. The recent summit in Rome involved over 300 CEOs, and 15 countries expressed interest in hosting future summits, highlighting the role of the WTTC executive board in defining the global strategy for the coming years.

Potential Relocation of WTTC Headquarters

Among strategic announcements, Guevara confirmed that the WTTC board is evaluating relocating its headquarters from London to another European country, with options including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and France. “The final decision will be made in the coming weeks and implemented early next year. We aim to optimize costs and facilitate access to the European single market,” she noted.

A Promising Future for Tourism

For Guevara, events like TOURISE 2025 are essential for uniting efforts and building a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable tourism sector. “Tourism not only generates wealth but is also a platform for social and economic development. Our goal is to involve more young people and women actively, strengthening a sector that represents millions of jobs worldwide,” she concluded.

With these statements given in an exclusive interview, Riyadh is positioned as the stage for a global dialogue aiming to transform tourism into a driver of development, employment, and sustainability, preparing the industry for the challenges of the next decade.