Najib Balala Appointed as WTTC Executive Vice President

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has named Hon. Najib Balala, Kenya’s former long-serving Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Wildlife, as its new Executive Vice President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research.
Based at WTTC’s global headquarters in Madrid, Balala will lead the organization’s global advocacy efforts, enhance government relationships, and manage policy research initiatives. This appointment represents a significant enhancement to WTTC’s leadership, introducing substantial expertise from both public and private tourism sectors.
During his more than 12-year tenure as Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Minister, Balala was instrumental in shaping national and international tourism policies. His leadership demonstrated notable resilience during political and economic challenges, while his accessible approach to the private sector gained him widespread industry acclaim.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Balala steered Kenya’s tourism industry through strategic reforms, positioning the country as the first globally to receive the “Safer Tourism Seal” for its health and safety protocols. He also promoted forward-looking policy frameworks and destination branding efforts that revitalized Kenya’s tourism sector, utilizing his diplomatic capabilities to align governmental objectives with private sector objectives on an international scale.
Regarding his new role, Balala conveyed appreciation and enthusiasm: “I feel deeply honored and privileged to have been chosen by WTTC for this position. I am eager to collaborate with Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President & CEO Gloria Guevara, applying my expertise in connecting public and private sectors to WTTC’s strategic direction and improving government relations worldwide.”
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara welcomed Balala, highlighting his comprehensive international background: “Najib Balala’s considerable experience as a Cabinet Minister will enable WTTC to broaden its influence and effectiveness. With the addition of new members and the return of previous ones, his guidance will strengthen our premium advocacy and sector support.”
Balala’s selection underscores WTTC’s dedication to cementing its status as the global authority for Travel & Tourism, fostering improved cooperation between governmental bodies and industry representatives.