Tourexpi
The
UN Tourism Executive Council to select the candidates will be held between May
28 and 30, 2025. The Executive Council will then recommend to the General
Assembly the person who will take charge of the General Secretariat in November
2025, in Saudi Arabia. The new mandate will be from 2026 to 2029.
Pololikashvili,
47, has experienced first-hand the recovery of tourism after Covid-19. This
year, the recovery rate has reached 95%, comparing current levels with those of
2019, the year with the highest number of tourists in history. The reopening of
China, one of the largest tourist markets on a global scale, has contributed to
this recovery of the tourism sector.
Pololikashvili
confirmed his decision to announce his candidacy after returning from a trip to
Beijing, where he participated in the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF 2024)
and held various meetings with senior world officials, such as the Minister of Tourism
and Culture of China. The trip was the latest in an intense agenda of work and
meetings for Pololikashvili in recent months, with the aim of obtaining the
support of different countries around the world.
Pololikashvili
has been Secretary General of UN Tourism since 2018 and says he now wants to
run for re-election to implement measures favorable to sustainable development,
promote new areas of development and promote tourism in a "time of
challenges."
"Our
sector gives them the opportunity to earn a living," he said. "And to
earn not only a salary, but also dignity and equality.
"Tourism
jobs also empower people and give them an opportunity to find their place in
their own societies, often for the first time," Pololikashvili added.
Zurab
Pololiskashvili has been Secretary General of UN Tourism since January 2018.
Previously, he held various senior positions in the public and private sectors.
After graduating university with a degree in banking, he gained extensive
experience in the private sector, holding a senior position in one of Georgia's
largest banks and serving as CEO of the country's leading football team, FC
Dinamo Tbilisi. He was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia from 2005
to 2009,[4] and has also served as ambassador to Algeria,
Andorra, Morocco and Spain.
Image Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news


Hilton Debuts in Pakistan with DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali
Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali, marking the company’s debut in Pakistan.


The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announces Winter 2026–2027 Caribbean season aboard Ilma
Expanded itineraries include Miami as new turnaround port and festive holiday voyages.


Thailand launches ‘Trusted Thailand’ Stamp to strengthen visitor confidence
New certification highlights safety standards and supports the country’s image as a secure, welcoming destination.


Free-diving and swimming contests highlight day three of Musandam Diving Festival
Four-day event combines tourism promotion with environmental sustainability.


Delta Air Lines Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Employers by State
Delta Air Lines has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top employers, earning a place on Forbes’ seventh annual list of America’s Best Employers by State.


Emirates Expands Premium Economy Offering Across Four Cities
Airline to operate more than 635 weekly flights with all-Premium Economy services, delivering elevated travel experiences with comfort and consistency.


Royal Caribbean introduces Star of the Seas, the ultimate family vacation
With a godmother from the stars and a ship ready to shine, Royal Caribbean celebrated the debut of Star of the Seas with an iconic naming ceremony in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.


Greenpeace study: Train travel in Europe still more expensive than flying
A new Europe-wide investigation by Greenpeace reveals that on most cross-border routes, flying remains cheaper than taking the train.


Sustainable Tourism Gives Türkiye a Competitive Edge
Nadir Alpaslan, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, has underlined the importance of the country’s nationwide Sustainable Tourism Program, highlighting its role in strengthening Türkiye’s position in the global tourism market.


Swiss Competition Commission approves Dertour’s acquisition of Hotelplan
The Swiss Competition Commission (WEKO) has approved the acquisition of former Migros subsidiary Hotelplan by German tour operator Dertour.


Condor and JetBlue expand partnership
Condor and JetBlue are strengthening their long-standing collaboration with an expanded partnership that allows members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program to earn points on Condor flights.


EVA Air and Southwest Airlines launch interline partnership
EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) have announced the launch of a new interline agreement, effective immediately.


Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years with ‘70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim’ Community Initiative
Bringing Disney magic to local schools, families, and first responders across the city.


Exploring the road less travelled with Kempinski Hotels
From alpine peaks to African savannahs, Kempinski’s hidden gems invite travellers to discover nature, culture and luxury away from the crowds.


German air traffic still 11 percent below pre-Covid levels
High access costs keep Germany the weakest-performing aviation market in Europe.


ananea expands with new hotels in Egypt and Portugal
Lifestyle brand of DERTOUR Group Hotels & Resorts grows with new openings on the Red Sea and the Algarve.


IHG launches new lifestyle brand Atwell in Greater China
The first Atwell Suites opens in Shanghai, introducing a design-led concept for younger, experience-driven travelers.


World Beach Day: Agoda’s guide to Asia’s hidden coastal gems
From Vietnam to India, Agoda spotlights six lesser-known beaches where sun, sea and culture combine.


Zaragoza to host the 6th Turespaña Convention in 2026
The Aragonese capital will take over from Cáceres, where the 5th edition will be held in October 2025.


Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur Debuts as the City’s Ultimate Convention & Leisure Destination
Where premier events, community celebrations, welcoming guestrooms, and culinary excellence converge.


Slow Travel Takes Hold in Bali with New Mövenpick Bali Long-Stay Package
In Jimbaran, afternoons move at their own rhythm: the sun lowers gently over the bay, fishermen pull in their nets, and visitors drift between market stalls or linger over coffee in open-air cafés. It is a quieter side of Bali, one that rewards thos
