WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara convened an exclusive Leaders’ Summit at World Travel Market London on November 3, 2026, initiating a high-level platform for tourism ministers, destination executives, and investors to discuss investment, destination development, and public-private partnerships.
The invitation-only event took place on the opening day of WTM London at ExCeL London, providing senior tourism leaders meaningful time for direct dialogue and relationship-building beyond typical conference schedules.
Leaders’ Summit Focuses on Investment and Destination Development
The gathering brought together top decision-makers from around the globe, including ministers and destination authorities, to foster collaboration on strategic investment and sustainable tourism development.
WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara emphasized the critical role
of cooperation between governments and businesses in driving tourism’s future and reiterated the WTTC’s seven principles for tourism investment: legal certainty, regulatory stability, stakeholder involvement, investment incentives, political commitment, and long-term destination planning.
Destination Strategies Highlighted by Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt, and Jalisco
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, outlined the emirate’s current tourism contribution of about 5% to its GDP, with targets to increase this to 20-30% over the next five to ten years under a master plan extending to 2040.
She stressed strong political backing, infrastructure development, and the significance of local community involvement in achieving these goals.
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the
Egyptian Tourism Authority, detailed Egypt’s investments in airport infrastructure and clean energy, alongside efforts to diversify visitor markets and enhance community engagement through campaigns like We Are Egypt.
Michelle Fridman, Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, Mexico, focused on boosting investor confidence, improving infrastructure, enhancing destination promotion, and addressing public perceptions of safety.
Accessible Tourism Efforts Presented by Spain
Representatives from the Spanish Tourist Office introduced Spain’s Spain for All initiative and the broader Spain, a Country for All campaign, promoting accessible tourism.
Barbara Couto, Chief Marketing Officer at Turespaña, discussed strategies for communicating accessible travel experiences, while Jesús Ruiz, Head of Sustainability and Impact at the
Spanish Tourist Office UK, identified small physical barriers such as inadequate signage or single steps as ongoing challenges for accessibility.
The presentations underscored that accessible tourism requires coordinated efforts among governments, businesses, transport providers, and local communities.
WTTC Leadership and WTM London’s Role in Tourism Cooperation
WTTC Executive Vice President of Destinations, Maribel Rodríguez Gamero, led panels on destination development cooperation during the Summit, highlighting the need for practical public-private partnerships.
WTM London Event Director Chris Carter-Chapman established the Leaders’ Summit as a complementary forum alongside the WTM Ministers’ Summit, which marked its 20th edition on November 4, 2026.
The Leaders’ Summit addresses the challenge of limited meaningful interaction
on the congested first day of WTM London by providing dedicated time for trust-building conversations among senior tourism stakeholders.
Gloria Guevara’s combined experience managing public and private sector interests enhances her ability to navigate political realities and investor requirements, reinforcing the importance of stability and long-term planning in tourism development.
While the event did not lead to immediate new investment deals, its primary outcome was fostering relationships that could underpin future cooperation and project development within the tourism sector.
