Gloria Guevara Announces Creation of a Global Council of Experts Administered by Former Tourism Ministers

London, UK, 14 May: With the election for the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism just weeks away, leading candidate, Gloria Guevara, has set out a decisive new proposal to mobilise former tourism ministers as a global force for positive change. If elected to lead the organisation, Guevara has pledged to create a Global Council of Experts – a high-level advisory body made up of former public-sector leaders who have completed their mandates.

“Tourism ministers are champions of national development,” said Guevara. “Their expertise has transformed destinations, generated jobs, and attracted billions in investment. We cannot afford to let this knowledge fade once their terms end. As Secretary-General, I will ensure it continues to shape our shared agenda for years to come.”

The Global Council of Experts will offer policy guidance, share best practices, and support the scaling of strategic tourism projects across all regions. It will serve as an engine for innovation, community development, and economic inclusion—core pillars of Guevara’s campaign.

This latest announcement builds on Guevara’s broader plan to make UN Tourism a hub for meaningful collaboration, sustainable investment, and inclusive growth. Earlier in her campaign, she outlined a pledge to host a Global Investment Summit within six months of taking office in January 2026 if elected, which will unlock billions of dollars in fresh initiatives to boost Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.

Guevara’s candidacy has focused on returning credibility to UN Tourism and re-establishing its role as a truly global platform that welcomes all voices, especially those of governments and stakeholders who have felt sidelined in recent years. Her emphasis on partnership, both public and private, has resonated across regions, particularly among countries seeking to leverage tourism as a driver of investment, resilience, and peace.

“I extend a personal invitation to all tourism ministers to work with me in building your legacy and shaping the future of global tourism beyond your current mandate. Together we stand for tourism, united by experience, driven by purpose.” Guevara said.

The election for Secretary-General will be held at the end of May near Madrid.