United Nations Tourism Agency to Pick Successor for Leadership Role Between 2026 and 2029 Tomorrow
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will select a new Secretary-General this Friday at its 123rd executive council meeting, with five contenders vying for the role. The five candidates include Muhammad Adam from Ghana, Shaikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates, Habib Ammar from Tunisia, Gloria Guevara from Mexico, and Harry Theoharis from Greece. Each candidate requires at least 18 votes from the 35 members to secure the position.
The decision, which will determine the leader of the UNWTO for the 2026-2029 term, will initially be finalized during the council meeting. The chosen proposal, however, needs to be validated at the UNWTO General Assembly, scheduled for November in Riyadh.
Initially, six candidates were vying for the position, including the incumbent Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, who sought a third term. However, Pololikashvili's support from his home country, Georgia, withdrew, removing him from the race. This withdrawal was due to Georgia's intention to back the Emirati candidate.
It was reported that a group of 20 countries, including Spain, demanded an interim mandate for Pololikashvili, suggesting an early departure due to perceived unacceptable violations of impartiality and professional ethics. A "provisional leadership agreement" was proposed to be activated immediately if approved by the executive council.
Gloria Guevara, a Mexican candidate with over 35 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, is a notable contender. Guevara served as Mexico's tourism minister and president of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the world's largest private tourism organization. She intends to transform UNWTO into a platform facilitating access to international resources for sustainable tourism projects.
Harry Theoharis, the former Greek Minister of Tourism and Deputy Finance Minister, also stands as a potential Secretary-General. His plans include reforming the organization for greater transparency and accountability.
Shaikha Al Nowais, the United Arab Emirates' candidate, advocates governance reform to prevent the organization from reflecting the priorities of a few rather than serving many. She has extensive experience in the private sector, currently serving as corporate vice president of Owner Relations at Rotana, a leading hotel group in the Middle East and Africa.
Muhammad Adam, Ghana's contender, is backed by the African Union. Officials from the Ghanaian government praise him as a committed diplomat, a consolidated leader, and a global advocate for sustainable and inclusive tourism.
The UNWTO election is a significant event, as the new Secretary-General is expected to lead global tourism initiatives, focusing on sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Further updates about the race and each candidate's proposed reforms and priorities will be shared in the coming days.
- Candidates for the Secretary-General position of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), such as Gloria Guevara, Harry Theoharis, Shaikha Al Nowais, and Muhammad Adam, come from diverse backgrounds in both public and private sectors, bringing their expertise to global tourism initiatives.
- The contest for the UNWTO leadership role isn't just about sports or lifestyle; it also involves discussions on finance, as the Secretary-General will be expected to promote economic growth through tourism.
- Global-cuisines enthusiasts and advocates for diversity-and-inclusion might be interested to know that the candidates proposed transformative plans to ensure sustainable and inclusive tourism, so that people from all walks of life can benefit from cultural exchange.
- As business stakeholders, understanding the priorities and proposed reforms of potential UNWTO leaders like Gloria Guevara, Harry Theoharis, Shaikha Al Nowais, and Muhammad Adam will be essential in shaping the future of food-and-drink industries within the tourism sector.
