After three incredibly successful years as Chief Special Advisor to H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Gloria Guevara Manzo’s term has come to an end. Throughout her tenure, Guevara has been a pivotal force in advancing the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, driving unprecedented transformations and supporting monumental projects that have reshaped the tourism landscape.
Gloria reflected on her journey, expressing that her experience had exceeded all expectations. “My family and I felt welcome since we landed in Riyadh. People not only opened their houses to us but also their hearts. They always made us feel at home,” she shared.
Vision 2030: a testament to progress
Her tenure coincided with the Kingdom’s significant milestones, including surpassing the target of 100 million domestic and international tourists seven years ahead of schedule. “It has been a privilege to support the great work of the Ministry of Tourism and the broader ecosystem,” she noted. This achievement underscores the Kingdom’s rapid development and commitment to becoming a top-five global destination.
Her vast experience in both the public and private sectors has been instrumental in this success. Guevara has hosted over 200 CEOs, industry leaders, and friends during her time, sharing insights and exploring new opportunities. “The energy here is palpable and infectious,” she said, highlighting the excitement and motivation that permeate the sector.
Sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship
One of Gloria’s notable contributions has been her involvement in developing the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC). “We have also developed the STGC, a unique global initiative to drive the sustainable tourism agenda and accelerate the transition to net zero for the sector, while protecting the environment and promoting community engagement,” she explained.
She emphasised the tangible progress made during her tenure. She remarked on the rapid development seen in projects such as Diriyah, now open since 2022, and the Red Sea Project, with hotels like St Regis making significant strides. “What’s fascinating is that the changes are almost weekly—not just annually. Keeping up with them is truly a challenge, but it’s exhilarating to see the results materialising so rapidly,” she said.
Her vision for Saudi Arabia is clear: “I am convinced of the potential of Saudi Arabia to become a top-five destination in the world!”
Gloria expressed her gratitude to the many individuals and teams she worked with: “I will forever be tremendously grateful for the invitation from H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb that gave me the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful country, and to work hand in hand with such talented individuals and teams that have now become friends, including H.H. Princess Haifa Mohammed AlSaud, Vice Minister of Tourism, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة, Qusai AI-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund صندوق التنمية السياحي, Mohammed Al-Asiri, CEO of the Saudi Red Sea Authority, Anas Alsolai, Assistant Minister, their teams, and the entire Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia ecosystem. In addition to the people from giga projects like Jerry Inzerillo and the rest of the leaders.”
“My success has been made possible by my wonderful team that supported me during these three years. I have been privileged to get to know each of them and also to work with such a great calibre of people, professionally and personally,” she added. She fondly mentioned her family’s experiences in Saudi Arabia, noting the country’s rich traditions, delicious food, and heartwarming hospitality.
In an exclusive interview with SAFE during FHS 2024 in Riyadh, Gloria remarked on the significant changes she has observed since beginning her tenure. “The changes here are quite remarkable, especially in terms of infrastructure. For instance, I remember discussions about Diriyah when I first arrived, and now, Diriyah has been open since 2022. Similarly, there were talks about the Red Sea Project, and I had the opportunity to visit St Regis to see this, one of the first hotels opened there. What’s fascinating is that the changes are almost weekly—not just annually.”
She also highlighted the Kingdom’s impressive tourism numbers and the Ministry’s strategy to attract high-spending tourists, which has significantly contributed to job creation and economic growth. “Last year alone, more than 27 million foreign tourists visited, and not just for religious reasons but for leisure, visiting friends and family, and business. This is phenomenal,” she noted.
Gloria acknowledged the ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity with Europe and Asia, aiming to attract tourists from more distant locations. “Our strategy involves maintaining what we’re currently doing but on a larger scale. STA, for instance, has signed agreements with over 400 tour operators, which is a significant effort towards building these connections,” she explained.
As she steps down, her contributions have set a strong foundation for future growth, ensuring that the Kingdom continues its journey towards becoming a premier global destination. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive the sector forward, as she remains a steadfast advocate for Saudi tourism.
Looking ahead
With her son Alan having finished high school in Riyadh and joining her daughter Kayla in the U.S. for university, Gloria looks forward to being closer to her family and returning to the private sector. However, she remains committed to supporting tourism in Saudi Arabia. “I will always support tourism and the Kingdom, from wherever I am in the world, and will keep coming back with my family,” she affirmed.
