Former Kenyan Tourism Minister Najib Balala was appointed to the leadership team at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), marking a significant transition from public service to a high-profile global private-sector role.
Based at WTTC’s headquarters in Madrid, Balala has taken up the position of Executive Vice-President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research.
In this role, he will steer the organization’s global advocacy agenda, strengthen government relations, and oversee policy research shaping the future of the travel and tourism sector.
Balala brings over a decade of experience as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, where he played a central role in shaping both national and international tourism policy.
His tenure is widely associated with stabilizing and growing Kenya’s tourism industry during periods of crisis, including political uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of his standout achievements was guiding Kenya through the pandemic, during which the country became the first globally to receive the “Safer Tourism Seal,” recognizing its health and safety protocols. His leadership also emphasized strong collaboration with the private sector and strategic destination branding, helping position Kenya as a competitive global tourism hub.
In his new capacity, Balala will report to WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara, working alongside Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre.
Speaking on his appointment, Balala described the role as both an honor and an opportunity to leverage his experience in bridging public and private sector interests. Guevara welcomed his appointment, noting that his global experience will strengthen WTTC’s advocacy efforts as the organization continues to expand its influence worldwide.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global, private-sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include the Chairmen/women, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, technology firms and more.
Through this unified membership, WTTC works with governments and international institutions to drive sustainable growth, support exports, create jobs, and deliver prosperity globally. For more than three decades, WTTC has championed the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism.
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