Nations Align for Tourism Renewal as UN Elects New Secretary-General Amid Calls for Global Cooperation and Equity

Shaikha Al Nowais from the UAE has been elected as the first female Secretary-General of UN Tourism in a landmark vote. Her focus will be on sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness as tourism rebounds globally. The election highlights shifts in leadership dynamics and elevates the UAE’s role in international tourism governance.

In a notable turn of events for global tourism, Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been elected the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism. This historic vote took place on May 30, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, marking the first time a woman will lead the international tourism body since its inception. The implications of this election are significant, promising a transformative era in global travel governance.

Al Nowais, who is currently the Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi, emerged as a frontrunner early in the selection process. She gained strong support from council members, securing 16 votes in the first round and achieving 24 in the second—far surpassing the required 18. Her election reflects a double victory: a leap forward for gender representation and a significant role for the UAE in shaping tourism’s international direction. If ratified by the United Nations General Assembly, she will officially take office in January 2026, overseeing the organization from 2026 to 2029.

After her nomination, Al Nowais shared her ambitious vision for global tourism, which encompasses five strategic pillars. Her agenda focuses on sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. This fresh approach aligns well with the industry’s recovery post-pandemic, aiming to meet new and evolving stakeholder expectations as tourism rebounds.

Her election also shines a spotlight on Abu Dhabi’s progression in the tourism sector. The emirate has heavily invested in tourism infrastructure and global entertainment venues, actively promoting itself as a key global tourism hub. Al Nowais’ position is expected to amplify the region’s influence and ambitions on the world tourism stage, further showcasing its potential.

Among her competitors, Greece’s Harry Theoharis garnered recognition, finishing second with 11 votes. He previously served as the Minister of Tourism and is credited with revitalizing Greece’s tourism industry during challenging times. In a post-election statement, Theoharis congratulated Al Nowais and reiterated Greece’s commitment to contributing positively to global tourism.

Mexico’s Gloria Guevara, a prominent figure in the tourism sector, regrettably fell short in the initial round with eight votes. Her campaign’s focus was on sustainability and the potential of the Global South to lead tourism dialogues. After the results, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and committed to ongoing efforts in fostering global tourism initiatives.

Ghana’s Muhammed Adam, supported by the African Union, exited early with just two votes. His candidacy brought crucial awareness to the need for more representation from developing nations in tourism discussions. Although his campaign did not succeed, it raised pertinent issues about the challenges faced by these regions in global tourism governance.

As Shaikha Al Nowais prepares for her new role, she faces significant challenges, including calls for reform and strategic diplomacy in a complicated geopolitical environment. This election is not just important for her; it is pivotal for the future of global tourism._

The UN Tourism Secretary-General’s role is crucial, influencing policies for a sector that contributes significantly to global GDP. Al Nowais’s appointment signals not only a win for gender equality but also a strategic move towards modern tourism governance that emphasizes equity and collaboration. For governments, communities, and industry professionals alike, this change brings both responsibilities and opportunities.

In conclusion, with Al Nowais at the helm, UN Tourism is poised to embark on an innovative path advocating for inclusive, resilient, and technologically advanced tourism systems. As the global travel sector grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic and looks toward addressing challenges like climate change, the importance of effective leadership can hardly be overstated. The world will be watching closely as 2026 approaches, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds under her groundbreaking leadership.

The election of Shaikha Al Nowais as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism marks a significant milestone for both gender representation and the future trajectory of global tourism. Her dedication to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity underlines a promising vision for the sector. With numerous challenges ahead, her leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complex dynamics of international tourism, emphasizing the need for cooperation and reform across the board.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com