Shaikha Al-Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been elected to lead the UN World Tourism Organization, becoming the first woman and first Gulf national to serve as its secretary-general. Her four-year term will commence in January 2026, following a confirmation at the General Assembly in Riyadh.
The secretary-general-elect outlined five priorities for her mandate: responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance. She described the election as a shared triumph reflecting a collective vision for a stronger global tourism sector. The appointment underscores the increasing influence of Gulf nations in international tourism.
The secretary-general-elect outlined five priorities for her mandate: responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance. She described the election as a shared triumph reflecting a collective vision for a stronger global tourism sector. The appointment underscores the increasing influence of Gulf nations in international tourism.
