The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the appointment of Maribel Rodríguez Gamero as its new Executive Vice President of Destinations, marking her return to the organization at a key moment for the global tourism industry.

In her new role, Rodríguez will work closely with destinations, public organizations and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration and place the voice of destinations at the center of the global conversation. Her mission will be to help create long-term value and support more sustainable growth across the travel and tourism sector.

The appointment comes at a time when destinations around the world are facing new challenges related to sustainability, competitiveness, investment and the need for stronger public-private cooperation.

With more than 25 years of international experience, Maribel Rodríguez has built an extensive career in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout her professional journey, she has held strategic positions at companies including Virgin Express, Ryanair, British Airways and Travelodge Hotels.

Rodríguez previously served at WTTC as Senior Vice President, where she played a key role in the organization’s international expansion and in strengthening its Global Summit platform as a leading forum for dialogue between governments and the private sector.

Most recently, she has been working as a strategic advisor to destinations and international institutions, focusing on destination positioning, investment attraction and projects related to the global tourism agenda.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara welcomed Maribel Rodríguez back to the organization and highlighted the value of her experience and global perspective.

“Maribel brings deep industry knowledge, extensive international experience and a strong ability to build bridges between destinations and the private sector. Her appointment will further strengthen WTTC’s mission,” said Gloria Guevara.

For her part, Maribel Rodríguez stated: “It is an honor to return to WTTC at a time when destinations are more than ever at the center of tourism’s transformation. I will devote all my efforts to placing them at the center of the strategy, strengthening public-private collaboration.”

Her return is part of a new phase for WTTC, aimed at reinforcing its global relevance and consolidating its position as the leading voice of the private travel and tourism sector worldwide.

WTTC represents more than 200 business leaders across every major segment of the industry, from hospitality and aviation to cruises, technology, healthcare and mobility, making it one of the most influential organizations in the sustainable development and growth of global tourism.