In an unexpected move, the Georgian government canceled its support to Zorabkashvili, the intended candidate for the Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism Secretariat in 2026. Official sources indicated a unilateral resolution, adding that Georgia will not provide a different candidate. Instead, they expressed his support for sheikhs Nasser Al -Ani, the United Arab Emirates candidate.
Georgia’s official withdrawal and statement
The government spokesperson, as mentioned by the Georgian News outlet, explained: “The Georgian government has already provided the name of Zorab Bolkashvili, where the name of the Secretary -General of Tourism at the United Nations has been withdrawn, however, the United Nations nomination is withdrawn in general. We already confirm that Georgia will now support the United Arab Emirates candidate for the Secretary -General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. “
With this withdrawal, there are still five in a dispute in the position of United Nations Tourism Tourism: Mexico, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana and Tunisia.
Zurab polyolikashvili background
Pololikashvili has been working as Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism since January 2018 and has been looking forward to securing a third term. He took over from a Revay student from Jordan. Before his United Nations tourism role, Bolkashvili occupied major positions in Georgia, including work as an ambassador to Spain, Minister of Economic Development, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. In addition to these roles, he was the general manager of FC Dinamo Tbilisi, the leading professional football club in Georgia.
However, the attempt was faced in a state of third obstacles. Once again in October 2023, during the Unwto General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a proposal to renew his mandate was rejected for an additional period. It should be noted that Spain, a very important player in the world of tourism, did not support this proposal.
Sheikh Nasser Al -Anis: UAE candidate and perspective
Shaikha Nasser Al, a candidate from the United Arab Emirates, brings a strong business background on the table, in most cases. She graduated from Zayed University in Dubai with a certificate in business administration and is currently working as deputy head of corporate relations management for the Rotana Group. Rotana is a prominent hotel management company operating throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey. As part of the group’s family, it has very close relationships with the hospitality industry. Before Rotana, Al Nowais spent about three years in KPMG in Abu Dhabi, where they got an audit experience.
Means to lead the United Nations tourism
Georgia’s support for the Nawais family shows a potential strategic shift and can change the race dynamics. With these five candidates remaining, competition for the best place for the United Nations Tourism Secretariat is certainly intensifying. This organization, which has a decisive role in directing global tourism policy, will witness a new leader that comes in 2026, which can direct its priorities in completely different directions.
As the selection process advanced forward, the world will carefully watch to know how each candidate offers his vision of what the future holds for global tourism.
