WTTC President & CEO Unable to Lead Global Summit

Image: “[Travel] is going to represent 11.4 percent of the world economy and we will be giving employment to 450 million people.” Julia Simpson, WTTC. (Photo Credit: Brian Major)
Image: “[Travel] is going to represent 11.4 percent of the world economy and we will be giving employment to 450 million people.” Julia Simpson, WTTC. (Photo Credit: Brian Major)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Mon September 8, 2025

The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced that President & CEO Julia Simpson will be unable to attend the Global Summit being held in Rome later this month due to illness. 

In the announcement, WTTC said that Gloria Guevara, the former President & CEO, will lead the event on an interim basis. 

Gloria Guevara, WTTC interim CEO said: “I am honoured to support the organisation and its Members during this time and lead the Global Summit in Rome. I send my best wishes to Julia."

The Global Summit is the 25th iteration of the event, and will be held September 28th through September 30th at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. 

Guest speakers include leaders of WTTC member organizations, including Matthew Upchurch, Founder & CEO of Virtuoso and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of Cruise at MSC Cruises. 

Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair said: “I’d like to send Julia my best wishes for her speedy recovery and would also like to thank Gloria for stepping in at such a crucial time. I am sure that Gloria will lead the Global Summit to great success.”


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at lpfalz@ntmllc.com.

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
World of Luxury Part OneMonday, December 1, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury Travelers are Seeking Destinations, Experiences, and Inspiration. This year has once again...
Upcoming Webinar
Explore Deep Patagonia with Australis CruisesWednesday, December 3, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse for an exclusive look at Australis Cruises, a...
Upcoming Webinar
December AmaWaterways WebinarThursday, December 4, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Register for this upcoming webinar!  Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
World of Luxury Part OneMonday, December 1, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury Travelers are Seeking Destinations, Experiences, and Inspiration. This year has once again...
Upcoming Webinar
Explore Deep Patagonia with Australis CruisesWednesday, December 3, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse for an exclusive look at Australis Cruises, a...
Upcoming Webinar
December AmaWaterways WebinarThursday, December 4, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Register for this upcoming webinar!  Details coming soon!

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me