Gloria Guevara returns to WTTC on interim basis due to Julia Simpson illness

Ex-World Travel & Tourism Council boss Gloria Guevara is to return on an interim basis after chief executive Julia Simpson was forced to withdraw from the organisation’s forthcoming Global Summit due to illness.

The WTTC confirmed in a statement that Simpson would be unable to attend its flagship annual event on September 28-30, adding its members “sent their best wishes during her recovery”.

Guevara, who was formerly Mexico’s secretary of tourism and led the WTTC between 2017 and 2021, will return to the helm through to the end of the summit.

Chair Greg O’Hara said: “I would like to send Julia my best wishes for her speedy recovery and would also like to thank Gloria for stepping in at such a crucial time. I am sure that Gloria will lead the Global Summit to great success.”

Chair elect Manfredi Lefebvre added: “WTTC and its members wishes Julia Simpson a swift recovery and thanks Gloria Guevara for supporting the organisation in her absence. Gloria brings decades of experience as one of the most respected leaders in the sector.”