Who Is the Head of World Tourism Organisation?

By Michael Ferguson

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism knowledge.

Who Is the Head of World Tourism Organisation?

The current Secretary-General of the UNWTO is Zurab Pololikashvili. He is a Georgian diplomat who has been serving as the head of the organization since 2018.

Early Life and Education

Pololikashvili was born on February 12, 1977, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He completed his secondary education in 1994 and went on to study at Tbilisi State University, where he earned a degree in international relations.

Career

Before joining UNWTO, Pololikashvili held several high-level positions in the Georgian government. He served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2006 and as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain from 2010 to 2016.

In 2017, Pololikashvili was appointed as Georgia’s Minister of Economic Development. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in developing the country’s tourism industry and promoting its cultural heritage.

Appointment as Secretary-General

In May 2017, Pololikashvili was elected as Secretary-General of UNWTO by its General Assembly. He succeeded Taleb Rifai from Jordan, who had served two terms in office.

As Secretary-General, Pololikashvili has emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices that benefit both host communities and visitors. He has also focused on promoting innovation and technology in the tourism sector to enhance its competitiveness.

Conclusion

Zurab Pololikashvili is a seasoned diplomat and tourism expert who has been leading the UNWTO since 2018. His vision for sustainable tourism and innovation has helped to shape the organization’s agenda and promote responsible tourism practices around the world.