Latest news with #UNTourism
The National
11 hours ago
- Business
- The National
UAE President congratulates Emirati named as first female secretary general of UN Tourism
Emirati Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been elected as the first female head of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Ms Al Nowais, who has served as corporate vice president of owners' relationship management at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, will be secretary general of UN Tourism from 2026 to 2029. Her "appointment reaffirms the UAE's commitment to empowering Emirati women in leadership roles and reflects the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver of sustainable economic growth", President Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. In a statement on Friday, UN Tourism said its executive council had met "for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years'. It added: 'Meeting for its 123rd session, the council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education and looked ahead with the nomination of Shaikha Al Nowais as new secretary general from 2026. "Upon confirmation by the UN Tourism general assembly, Ms Shaikha Al Nowais will become the [first] woman to hold the position.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also issued his congratulations to Ms Al Nowais. "Our young men and women represent our country and raise its name and flag high, he added in a post on X. "We are proud of them, we rejoice for them, we brag about them to the world, and we advise them to represent the United Arab Emirates with the name, status, and achievements it deserves." Speaking previously about her nomination for the role, Ms Al Nowais said: '[It] is reflective of the importance our country places on empowering Emirati women in leadership positions. It emphasises the country's efforts in promoting joint action to enhance the growth and sustainability of the sector regionally and internationally.' Global challenges such as climate change, the accelerating impact of technology and changing geopolitical dynamics have left the tourism sector at a crossroads, she said. 'These challenges call for resilient, forward-looking leadership and diverse and collaborative solutions that can redefine the future of sustainable and responsible tourism,' she added. 'My goal is to build on successful tourism models and expand them across regions such as Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Latin America to promote sustainable and inclusive growth and strengthen the global tourism ecosystem.'
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
The 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025' Theme Events Officially Kick Off in Gran Canaria, Spain
On May 29, 2025 local time, the 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events officially kicked off in Gran Canaria, Spain. Centered around the theme 'Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures—Mountain Tourism and Cultural Inclusiveness for the Future,' the event brought together a diverse group of prestigious international organizations, government officials, industry leaders, experts, and scholars, and media professionals from around the world. The gathering aims to explore paths of inclusive and reciprocal global mountain tourism and shared development. Scene from the Opening Ceremony A series of activities were held as part of the Theme Events, including the Opening Ceremony, the Theme Forum, the Exchange and Sharing Session of Mountain Culture and Tourism, the China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition, and the 'Night of Gran Canaria' Welcome Dinner. Guests participated in various formats to exchange advanced ideas, discuss frontier issues, and deepen practical cooperation. At the Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses were delivered by Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA); Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña; Antonio Morales Méndez, President of the Government of Gran Canaria, Spain; Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism; and Yang Changqing, Director of the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, was specially designated by H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, to attend the ceremony and deliver a speech on his behalf. He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA, and Song Xiaolu, Deputy Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, China, also delivered insightful remarks. At the event, Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding, signaling a future of constructive cooperation in promoting innovative governance in mountain tourism and advancing sustainable development. Peter Semone, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), released the Asia-Pacific Mountain TourismDevelopment Report (2025), jointly compiled by IMTA and PATA. The report provides a systematic analysis of the far-reaching impact of sustainable tourism on economic growth, cultural exchange, and ecological conservation. It also offers forward-looking strategic insights and professional recommendations for the development of mountain tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The event also witnessed the release of the Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Natural Beauty—The 'International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Gran Canaria Initiative. The initiative, grounded in the concepts of mutual learning among civilizations and integrative innovation, calls on governments, enterprises, communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, actively promote environmentally friendly tourism, and jointly build an open, inclusive, and mutually enriching mountain civilization. Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 'The IMTD has now emerged as a vital platform, not only showcasing the rich and varied values of our mountain regions but also fostering deeper exchanges within our industry and strengthening international collaboration,' said Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). He emphasized that this year's Theme Events—held against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain—will carry forward the spirit of 'Mutual Understanding among People.' By bringing together the insights and expertise of industry leaders, it will be a powerful force in fostering cultural inclusiveness and deepening the bonds between China and Europe. Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, noted that mountain tourism is one of the key directions for the future of global tourism. Turespaña is fully committed to promoting the sustainable transformation of Spain's tourism sector, aiming to achieve a balanced development that aligns environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic growth. The goal is to foster a new tourism model that is green, low-carbon, and enhances residents' well-being. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, stated that on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Spain, he expressed hope that mountain tourism, as a unique vehicle, would further deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries. He also invited more Spanish friends to appreciate the grandeur of China's landscapes and the charm of its civilization, and to jointly open a new chapter in China-Spain tourism cooperation. Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, emphasized that mountain tourism is a vital tool for promoting inclusive development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation—particularly through its strong linkages to community empowerment and rural revitalization. She underscored that mountain tourism plays a key role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly contributing to multiple targets. Scene from the Panel Discussion The supporting activities were rich and vibrant. The China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition showcased the natural and cultural landscapes of mountain destinations in both countries through fine brush paintings and photographic works. The 'Night of Gran Canaria' Welcome Dinner featured a spectacular blend of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage performances by ethnic minorities and the passionate expressions of Spanish folk art. Together, they created a vivid scene of mutual cultural appreciation and harmonious coexistence between civilizations, set against the backdrop of mountains and seas. The event was co-hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Turismo de Gran Canaria, with strong support from UN Tourism, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, China, and the Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province (Guizhou Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), China. The 'International Mountain Tourism Day' is an international commemorative day initiated by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance in 2018. Since its first launch on May 29, 2019, the theme events have been successfully held in China, Nepal, Laos, France, and Spain for seven consecutive years. Media Contact Company Name: International Mountain Tourism Alliance Contact Person: Zhang Yijing Email: Send Email City: Guizhou Country: China Website:
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Emirati Shaikha Al Nowais named first female UN Tourism Chief
Her election was announced on May 30, 2025, during a vote held at UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, Spain, with the participation of 35 member states. The outcome was met with international praise, recognizing the UAE's sustained efforts to drive global tourism development, foster cross-border partnerships, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. A milestone for Emirati and Arab Women Commenting on her appointment, Al Nowais expressed pride in representing the UAE and Arab world, dedicating her victory to the country's leadership, including President His Highness Sheikh 'This moment is not just a personal achievement—it is a collective triumph for Emirati women and the Arab world,' said Al Nowais. 'I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me and will dedicate all my efforts to enhancing the UAE's leadership on the global tourism map.' A vision for transformative tourism Al Nowais emphasised her intention to lead a global transformation in the tourism sector through regenerative tourism practices that benefit both people and the planet. She outlined five strategic pillars that will shape her tenure: promoting responsible tourism that safeguards nature, culture, and communities, empowering youth, women, and underserved populations through capacity-building, leveraging technology to improve quality of life while ensuring ethical use, innovating financing models that support sustainable tourism growth, and institutionalising smart governance with transparency and accountability at its core. She called for accelerated efforts and innovation in the face of pressing global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical instability, noting that tourism must remain a resilient and adaptable driver of sustainable development. A distinguished career in hospitality and tourism With over 15 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, Al Nowais has made her mark as a forward-thinking leader. She was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors of the Dubai Hotel Group and played a key role in advancing cooperation between public and private sectors. She is also a member of the Middle East and Africa Chapter of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA), where she has contributed to shaping hospitality investment and asset management strategies. A graduate of Zayed University with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, Al Nowais has received numerous industry accolades, including multiple 'Best Hotel Brand' and 'Best Business Hotel Chain' awards, as well as recognition by Forbes Middle East for her sustainability leadership. Her appointment marks a turning point in global tourism leadership and a powerful symbol of progress for gender equity, sustainability, and regional representation at the highest levels of international governance.
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Shaikha Al Nowais elected UN Tourism Secretary-General
Shaikha Al Nowais secures the UN Tourism Secretary-General post, becoming the first woman to lead the agency. Gloria Guevara graciously concedes, reflecting on the competitive global election. Today, the global tourism community turned its attention to Madrid, where the Executive Council of UN Tourism gathered to decide the organization's strategic leadership for the 2026–2029 term. In a historic decision, Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates secured the council's nomination as the next Secretary-General, marking the first time a woman will hold the top position in the agency's 50-year history. Al Nowais, a corporate vice president at Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi, emerged as the frontrunner early in the voting process, clinching 16 votes in the first round and ultimately securing a projected 24 votes in the second round — well above the minimum 18 required. Her closest competitor, Greece's Harry Theoharis, who played a key role in Greece's tourism recovery during the COVID-19 crisis, received 11 votes. The selection now awaits formal approval by the United Nations General Assembly before Al Nowais takes office in January 2026. A vision for transformation In her remarks following the nomination, Al Nowais emphasized the transformational agenda she intends to bring to global tourism governance: 'As an Emirati woman, I'm honored to make history as the first woman worldwide to win the nomination for Secretary-General of UN Tourism (2026–2029). My vision rests on five pillars that will transform global tourism: Responsible Tourism — protecting our planet, cultures, and communities; Capacity Building — empowering women, youth, and local leaders; Technology for Good — innovation that enhances lives while safeguarding privacy; Innovative Financing — creating sustainable funding models for lasting growth; and Smart Governance — delivering transparent, accountable leadership. For a sustainable tourism future that serves communities around the world.' Her leadership represents not only a milestone for gender representation but also a strategic shift in the agency's priorities, particularly as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism hub with recent projects like the announcement of a Disneyland park and a Las Vegas-style Sphere entertainment venue. Gloria Guevara's gracious exit Among the five other candidates vying for the post, Mexico's Gloria Guevara, one of the most recognized voices in global tourism, was considered a strong contender but was eliminated in the first round after receiving eight votes. Guevara, who has more than 35 years of experience and served as Mexico's Minister of Tourism, offered a gracious concession and public congratulations to her opponent: 'Following today's vote of UN Tourism in Spain, I would like to thank President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the Government of Mexico for their unwavering support throughout my campaign. I am also grateful to all the leaders who endorsed my candidacy, and to my amazing team who stood by me on this journey. Congratulations to the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism — I wish her success in this important role.' Guevara's platform centered on building tourism resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, particularly in the Global South. Despite her exit, her candidacy underscored Mexico's continued leadership ambitions within global tourism circles. Africa's ambitions and lessons learned Ghana's Muhammed Adam, the African Union's officially endorsed candidate, received just two votes and was also eliminated in the first round. His defeat raised important questions about the coherence and effectiveness of African diplomatic coordination in multilateral tourism leadership contests. Despite the setback, Adam's campaign brought attention to critical issues such as strengthening the voice of developing countries and securing greater technical and financial support for underrepresented regions. Strategic challenges ahead Al Nowais will inherit an organization facing significant challenges, including declining membership after the departure of key countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., who have questioned the value proposition of UN Tourism. She will be tasked with rebuilding trust, enhancing operational transparency, and aligning the agency's initiatives with the rapidly evolving needs of the global tourism sector — particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. For travel and hospitality professionals, the coming years under Al Nowais' leadership will be closely watched as a test of how global governance structures can effectively support sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusivity in tourism. Update: Statement by Harry Theoharis on the Conclusion of the UN Tourism Secretary-General Election 'I fully respect the decision of the Executive Council of the UN Tourism to elect Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General. I extend to her my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for every success in her new role, with the hope that the Organization will move forward decisively—toward a more effective, modern, and inclusive future. Although I was not elected, I am proud of the journey we undertook. We conducted a campaign defined by integrity, consistency, and global reach—conducted with dignity and clear purpose. My candidacy positioned Greece as a constructive voice in international dialogue, offering concrete proposals for a tourism sector that is resilient, sustainable, and fair. It reaffirmed our country's institutional presence on the global stage. If the principles that guided our vision—transparency, green development, and the empowerment of local communities—contribute in any way to shaping the Organization's future course, it would be for me a deeply meaningful and lasting reward. I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to my family, my dedicated team, the Minister of Tourism Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the private sector partners whose support helped bring this campaign to life. Αbove all, I thank Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his trust and invaluable support. Without their belief in this vision, this journey would never have begun. This campaign was, for me, not only a political endeavour but a national one. Greece has gained international recognition and credibility—and that, regardless of the electoral outcome, is our most important achievement. My involvement in the field of tourism will continue. I remain present, committed, and ready to contribute wherever I can be of service—with ideas, proposals, and action. With renewed determination, I continue in my responsibilities as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament with New Democracy, fully dedicated to representing the needs of our citizens and fulfilling our collective mission. One chapter closes. A new one begins. We move forward—with knowledge, experience, and the firm belief that Greece deserves more. Thank you.'
Maroc
a day ago
- Business
- Maroc
UN to Establish 1st Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat
A financial agreement for the establishment of the 1st UN Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat was signed on Thursday in Madrid, on the sidelines of the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council. The agreement was initialed by Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and Secretary General of UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili, attended by the Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich. This marks a key step towards the effective operationalization of UN Tourism's first Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat. The agreement tackles both parties' commitments, as well as the administrative arrangements granted to the Office, in accordance with article 5 of the Headquarters Agreement inked in January 2025 between the Moroccan Government and UN Tourism. This Office will work towards supporting UN Tourism's 2030 Agenda for Africa, to turn this productive sector into a vector for development on the continent, in line with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of joint African action. The Thematic Office is a major step forward for tourism promotion on the continent. Building on Morocco's leadership as an African hub for tourism and innovation, it will strengthen cooperation between African states and UN Tourism, bolstering the socio-economic transformation of African tourist destinations through innovative programs. MAP: 29 mai 2025
