In a historic move, an accomplished business leader and Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels from UAE, Ms. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, has been nominated to serve as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, poised to become the first woman to hold the prestigious position in the organization’s 50-year history. Her nomination, pending confirmation by the UN Tourism General Assembly, was announced during the 123rd session of the Executive Council, which convened to review progress and chart the future of global tourism.
The Executive Council meeting underscored the sector’s robust recovery, with the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer reporting over 300 million international tourist arrivals in the first three months of 2025. This figure represents an increase of approximately 14 million compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting strong global travel demand. Member States received updates on initiatives aimed at building a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable tourism sector.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili reflected on his tenure, stating, “Over the last eight years, UN Tourism has embraced a transformative vision. We have put tourism at the forefront of the global agenda to enhance its competitiveness and economic value. And we have never lost sight of our key priorities: education, investments, sustainable and rural development, women empowerment, new technologies, and international expansion.”
A Landmark Nomination for the Sector
The Council’s election of Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, with her term set to begin in January 2026, marks a pivotal moment. Her nomination represents a landmark first for the sector, signifying a significant step forward for gender representation in global tourism leadership.
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is an accomplished Emirati business leader with over 16 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, she has overseen owner relations across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. A finance graduate from Zayed University, she also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and holds board positions on the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and the Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
This nomination signals a continued commitment to the priorities of innovation, investments, and education, building upon the strong legacy established over the past eight years and setting a new trajectory for UN Tourism under pioneering leadership.
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Rajeev Kohli, JMD, Creative Travels @ Kerala Travel Mart 2024
