APPOINTMENT

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has appointed Najib Balala, former Kenyan Tourism and Wildlife Minister, as Executive Vice-President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research.

Based in Madrid, he will lead the organisation’s global advocacy agenda, government engagement, and policy research initiatives.

Balala brings extensive public sector experience, having served as Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Minister for over a decade. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping tourism policy, strengthening industry frameworks, and fostering collaboration between government and private stakeholders. He also led the sector through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to strategic policy responses and recovery efforts.

In his new role, he will report to Gloria Guevara and work to enhance engagement with governments and industry stakeholders globally.

Commenting on his appointment, Najib Balala said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be selected by WTTC for this role and I am looking forward to working with the visionary WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President & CEO Gloria Guevara. I’ll be bringing my experience bridging the private and public sectors to WTTC’s overall strategic roadmap and ensuring it has strong relations with all the stakeholders in governments and beyond.”

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO,  added: “Najib Balala’s substantial experience as a Cabinet Minister on the world stage will help WTTC grow our sector even further. We are seeing many new members join us, and old members return, as we continue to build one of the finest Travel & Tourism teams globally, offering world-class advocacy and support to the sector.”