The World Travel & Tourism Council unveils a new global leadership team from Madrid, representing 21 nationalities across five continents. The strengthened structure enhances advocacy, research, and member engagement, positioning WTTC to drive sustainable growth and collaboration across the global Travel & Tourism sector.
Madrid, Spain — The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced an exciting new phase in its evolution, unveiling a strengthened global leadership team that reflects the diversity, dynamism, and future ambitions of the Travel & Tourism sector.
Bringing together executives, former C-suite leaders, industry experts, and government figures, WTTC’s newly expanded team represents 21 nationalities across five continents. This includes professionals from countries such as the UK, Spain, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Kenya—underscoring the truly global nature of the organization and the industry it serves.
A Stronger, More Strategic Leadership Team
At the heart of this transformation is a leadership structure designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global travel landscape. The new team combines deep expertise across critical areas, including business development, policy, destinations, communications, and finance.
- Esteban Velasquez WilhelmExecutive Vice President, Business Development and Members, leads global commercial strategy and partnerships, bringing over 25 years of experience across travel, hospitality, and technology.
- Najib BalalaExecutive Vice President, Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research, brings a wealth of public-sector expertise, having spent more than a decade shaping tourism policy in Kenya.
- Maribel Rodriguez GameroExecutive Vice President, Destinations, collaboration drives with global destination leaders, backed by extensive experience across aviation, hospitality, and events.
- Sarah JukesVice President, Strategic Communications and Content, leads messaging and thought leadership to amplify WTTC’s global voice.
- Julio SolvasChief Financial Officer, oversees financial strategy and governance with decades of multinational experience.
Supporting this senior leadership is a highly accomplished and globally diverse team playing a vital role across every area of WTTC’s work:
- Caroline MoultrieStrategic Lead, Together in Travel
- Christopher ImbsenVice President of Policy
- Lola Uña CardenasVice President of Government Affairs
- Natalie DuggalFinance Director
- Nejc JusResearch Director
- Esmeralda RiosChief of Staff
- Pablo DopacioHuman Resources Manager
- Marcela LizarragaStrategic Partnership Director
- Mansor Waleed Al AbdullahRegional Director Middle East
- Adolfo ReyesEurope Membership & Engagement Director
- Juan Antonio ArellanoRegional Director LATAM
- Roberto PalaceRegional Director Europe & Africa Destinations
- Sarah WangRegional Director, Greater China
- Daniela WagnerCommercial Director
Together, this team reflects a powerful combination of regional insight, sector expertise, and strategic leadership—positioning WTTC to better serve its members and partners worldwide.
A Truly Global Organization
World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism sector globally.
Operating from its headquarters in Madrid, WTTC has significantly expanded its regional footprint, with leadership presence across Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This global reach allows the organization to better understand regional dynamics, build stronger relationships, and deliver more tailored advocacy and research.
The enhanced structure positions WTTC to respond more effectively to both local and global challenges, while fostering closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Leadership vision for the future
Gloria GuevaraPresident & CEO, highlighted the importance of diversity and forward-thinking leadership:
“We have built a leadership team that reflects the current and future needs and global nature of Travel & Tourism, with a broader mix of nationalities, expertise and perspectives than ever before. This diversity strengthens our ability to support our members, work with governments and deliver the insights and advocacy needed to drive sustainable growth across the sector.”
WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre added:
“I’m proud of the WTTC global team that brings together exceptional experience from across the world, positioning WTTC to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of Travel & Tourism.”
Driving the Industry Forward
With its renewed leadership structure and expanded international presence, WTTC is entering this new chapter with confidence and clarity of purpose. The organization remains committed to:
- Supporting sustainable growth in Travel & Tourism
- Driving job creation worldwide
- Strengthening collaboration between governments and industry
This evolution reflects not only WTTC’s adaptability but also its ambition to lead the global Travel & Tourism sector into a more connected, inclusive, and resilient future.
