Zurab Pololikashvili withdraws from UN Tourism race
Zurab Pololikashvili, the current Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), has officially withdrawn his candidacy for a third term. This development marks a significant shift in the leadership race for the 2026–2029 mandate. The Georgian government, which had initially supported Pololikashvili, has now endorsed the candidacy of Sheikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates, signaling a notable geopolitical realignment in global tourism diplomacy.
The official candidates for UN Tourism Secretary-General:
With Zurab Pololikashvili out of the race, five contenders remain:
Sheikha Al Nowais (United Arab Emirates):
Director of Internal Audit at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, Al Nowais brings private sector expertise with a focus on sustainability and resilience in tourism. Her candidacy is strongly backed by the UAE government and reflects the growing influence of the Gulf in international tourism.
Gloria Guevara (Mexico):
Former Mexican Minister of Tourism and ex-President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Guevara is seen as a strong contender due to her leadership experience in both public and private sectors.
Harry Theoharis (Greece):
Former Minister of Tourism of Greece, Theoharis campaigns on principles of transparency, digital transformation, and limiting the Secretary-General's mandate to two terms.
Habib Ammar (Tunisia):
Senior official at Tunisia's Ministry of Transport and former Tourism Minister, Ammar emphasizes sustainable development and increased regional cooperation.
Mohammed Adam (Ghana):
Former Ghanaian ambassador to Spain, Adam aims to strengthen Africa's voice and visibility within UN Tourism.
What's next?
The UN Tourism Executive Council, comprising 35 member states, is scheduled to meet in Madrid on May 29–30, 2025, to nominate one candidate. The final vote will take place during the General Assembly in November 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic implications
Georgia's decision to withdraw Zurab Pololikashvili's candidacy may reshape the balance of power within UN Tourism. It enhances the visibility of candidates such as Al Nowais and Theoharis, each representing differing priorities—from regional influence and private sector alignment to institutional reform and transparency.
This election will define the global tourism agenda for the next four years. Key focus areas include sustainability, crisis management, digital innovation, and bridging the public-private sector divide. Tourism professionals worldwide are watching closely, as the outcome will shape policy frameworks and funding priorities for the global travel and hospitality industry.
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