Race for UN Tourism Secretary-General Heats Up Ahead of May Vote
The global tourism sector is poised for a pivotal leadership transition as six candidates vie for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, the rebranded United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili no longer in the running, the field is open for new leadership to guide the organization from 2026 to 2029. The Executive Council will convene in Madrid on May 29–30 to recommend a candidate, with the final appointment to be confirmed at the General Assembly in Riyadh this November.
The global tourism sector is poised for a pivotal leadership transition as six candidates vie for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, the rebranded United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili no longer in the running, the field is open for new leadership to guide the organization from 2026 to 2029. The Executive Council will convene in Madrid on May 29–30 to recommend a candidate, with the final appointment to be confirmed at the General Assembly in Riyadh this November.
