Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Elected as UN Tourism's Secretary General

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has appointed a new Secretary-General, and for the first time in history, the role will be held by a woman: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Al Nowais, the daughter of the owner of the Rotana Hotels Group, is a relatively unknown figure in global tourism. However, she managed to secure the position in an election process where economic power and political influence appeared to carry more weight than professional experience.

This led to a second-round runoff between the UAE and Greece, where Al Nowais won with 24 votes to Greece’s 11. Sources close to the process noted that the entire African bloc supported either Ghana or the UAE, strengthening the regional backing for her candidacy.

The election has sparked controversy, with many observers pointing out that money and geopolitical influence were decisive in determining the outcome. The UAE’s candidacy, backed by substantial but discreet financial investment, edged out more experienced figures like Gloria Guevara (Mexico) and Harry Theoharis (Greece).

Experts suggest that the financial strength of the UAE, an emerging global tourism powerhouse, played a key role in breaking away from the legacy of outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, whose tenure had been mired in accusations of manipulation.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais’s appointment marks an unexpected turning point for UN Tourism, and the world is watching closely to see whether this new era will bring about competent leadership, effective reform, and genuine progress for the global tourism sector.