The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the appointment of Hon. Najib Balala, Kenya’s long serving former Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Wildlife as its new Executive Vice President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research.
Balala, who will be based at WTTC’s global headquarters in Madrid, will spearhead the Council’s global advocacy agenda, strengthen government engagement, and oversee policy research. His appointment marks a significant addition to WTTC’s leadership team, bringing decades of experience in both public and private sector tourism management.
Balala served as Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Minister for over 12 years, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national and international tourism policy. His tenure was marked by resilience during political and economic crises, and his open door policy with the private sector earned him wide recognition across the industry.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, Balala guided Kenya’s tourism sector through strategic reforms, leading the country to become the first in the world to receive the “Safer Tourism Seal” for its health and safety measures. He also championed progressive policy frameworks and destination branding initiatives that transformed Kenya’s tourism landscape, while his diplomatic skills helped bridge government priorities with private sector ambitions globally.
Speaking on his appointment, Balala expressed gratitude and optimism: “It is an honour and a privilege to be selected by WTTC for this role. I look forward to working with Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President & CEO Gloria Guevara, bringing my experience in bridging the private and public sectors to WTTC’s strategic roadmap and strengthening relations with governments worldwide.”
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara welcomed the appointment, noting Balala’s extensive global experience: “Najib Balala’s substantial expertise as a Cabinet Minister will help WTTC expand its reach and impact. With new members joining and former members returning, his leadership will enhance our world class advocacy and support for the sector.”
Balala’s appointment signals WTTC’s commitment to reinforcing its role as the global voice of Travel & Tourism, ensuring stronger collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders
