The meeting was led by Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC and included the participation of Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, alongside senior government representatives and executives from leading global tourism businesses.
Discussions focused on removing barriers to travel, the role of technology in enabling more seamless journeys, strengthening global connectivity and advancing sustainable tourism that protects the environment while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. A central theme was the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling investment, developing resilient infrastructure and unlocking long-term growth.
Participants also highlighted the importance of legal certainty for investors, continued infrastructure development and effective government facilitation to unlock private-sector capital and support sustainable long-term sector growth.
“Travel & Tourism continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of global economic growth. In 2025, more than 1.5 billion people travelled internationally, 80 million more than in 2024, making it the strongest year on record for global tourism,” said Gloria Guevara. “The sector contributed approximately $11.7 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3 % of global GDP and year-on-year growth of 6.7 %.”
She also highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment. “Travel & Tourism supports one in nine jobs globally. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create 91 million new jobs, or one in three new jobs worldwide, making talent development and skills training an urgent priority.”
Shaikha Al Nowais emphasised the need to protect natural and cultural heritage while ensuring inclusive growth. “My vision is ambitious, but achievable. Real progress requires the reach of the private sector and close collaboration with governments and communities,” she said. “Investment will be the catalyst for balanced and equitable tourism development, particularly in emerging destinations, while supporting sustainability, entrepreneurship and women across the sector.”
Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, highlighted the importance of inclusive tourism development. “Tourism success cannot exist alongside social inequality. Democratising tourism, promoting rural and community-based tourism, and ensuring transparent investment frameworks are essential for shared prosperity,” she said.
The meeting brought together senior leaders from the global private sector, including representatives from hospitality, travel and tourism groups, alongside ministers and vice ministers of tourism from across Latin America and senior officials from Asian and other national tourism authorities.
Concluding the meeting, Gloria Guevara announced that WTTC will host a series of regional forums aimed at deepening analysis of sector-specific challenges and opportunities, supporting industry growth, job creation and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global economic development through enhanced public-private collaboration.