The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It is led by a Secretary-General who serves as the head of the organization.
The current Secretary-General of the UNWTO is Zurab Pololikashvili, who assumed office on January 1, 2018. He succeeded Taleb Rifai, who had served as the Secretary-General from 2010 to 2017.
Who is Zurab Pololikashvili?
Zurab Pololikashvili is a Georgian diplomat and politician who has been involved in various national and international organizations related to tourism and hospitality. Before joining UNWTO, he served as Georgia’s Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, Algeria, and Morocco from 2009 to 2018. He has also held positions in the Georgian government related to sports and culture.
Pololikashvili’s vision for UNWTO
Since assuming office as Secretary-General of UNWTO, Pololikashvili has emphasized the need for sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and protects natural resources. He has also focused on promoting tourism as a means of fostering economic growth and job creation in developing countries.
Pololikashvili has called for greater collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to achieve these goals. He has also highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in advancing sustainable tourism practices.
The role of UNWTO
UNWTO was established in 1975 with the aim of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide. It works with governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop policies and programs that support sustainable tourism practices.
UNWTO provides technical assistance to countries seeking to develop their tourism sectors. It also conducts research on various aspects of tourism such as market trends, sustainability, and innovation. UNWTO also provides training and capacity-building programs for tourism professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It is led by Zurab Pololikashvili, who has emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect natural resources. UNWTO plays a critical role in advancing sustainable tourism practices worldwide through research, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.