Former Tourism Minister Najib Balala has been appointed Executive Vice President for Advocacy, Government Affairs, and Research at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
In a statement on May 1, 2026, WTTC confirmed that Balala has joined its leadership team and will be based at its global headquarters in Madrid.
“The highly experienced former Kenyan Tourism Minister, the Hon. Najib Balala, has been appointed to the Leadership Team at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global voice of the private sector within the industry,” wrote WTTC.
In his new position, Najib Balala will lead the organization’s global advocacy agenda, oversee government engagement, and drive policy research to support the growth of the travel and tourism industry worldwide.
The organization says Balala will report to WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara and work closely with Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre.
His role places him at the centre of global tourism policy discussions, representing private sector interests while engaging governments and international institutions.
WTTC is regarded as the global voice of the private sector in travel and tourism, bringing together top executives from airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other industry players to shape policy and promote sustainable growth.
Also Read: Gaucho Reveals Role Played by Raila in His Board Appointment at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
Najib’s Track Record in Tourism Leadership
According to WTTC, Najib Balala has more than 12 years of experience as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in that docket.
During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping tourism policy at both national and international levels, helping position Kenya as a competitive destination in a highly dynamic global market.
The organization noted that Najib led the sector through periods of uncertainty, including political transitions and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, Kenya became the first country in the world to be awarded the “Safer Tourism Seal,” recognizing the country’s efforts in implementing strong health and safety measures to protect travelers and industry players.
Balala’s tenure also saw increased focus on destination branding and marketing, as well as the strengthening of partnerships between government and private-sector stakeholders.
Balala was widely known for his open-door policy, which fostered collaboration and trust within the tourism industry.
Through strategic diplomacy, he represented Kenya on global platforms, helping align national tourism priorities with broader international goals.
Also Read: Ruto Announces Reappointments in State Corporations
Balala Welcomes New Global Role
Speaking on his appointment, Najib Balala said he was grateful for the opportunity and expressed readiness to apply his experience in bringing together government and private sector players to help strengthen the global role and influence of the World Travel & Tourism Council.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be selected by WTTC for this role, and I am looking forward to working with the visionary WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre and President & CEO Gloria Guevara. I’ll be bringing my experience bridging the private and public sectors to WTTC’s overall strategic roadmap and ensuring it has strong relations with all the stakeholders in governments and beyond,” stated Balala
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara welcomed the appointment, noting that Balala’s extensive experience on the global stage would strengthen the organization’s mission.
Gloria said his background as a Cabinet Minister would support WTTC’s efforts to expand its influence and continue building a strong global tourism network.
The organization noted that it continues to attract new members while former members return, as it strengthens its advocacy for the global travel and tourism sector.
Najib Balala’s Journey from Mombasa to Global Tourism Leadership
Najib Balala is a politician and tourism expert with decades of experience in public service and international engagement.
Balala served as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife for over 12 years across different administrations.
Before joining the Cabinet, Najib Balala served as a Member of Parliament for the Mvita Constituency in Mombasa and as Mayor of Mombasa.
Najib built a reputation for policy innovation, crisis management, and effective stakeholder engagement.
His work in tourism diplomacy earned him recognition both locally and internationally, particularly for his efforts to bridge the gap between government priorities and private sector needs.
