Background on Taleb Rifai and Gloria Guevara
Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has expressed his support for Mexican candidate Gloria Guevara to lead the organization. Rifai, who served as UNWTO Secretary-General from 2014 to 2021, believes that female leadership is crucial for the future of the travel and tourism sector.
Rifai’s Stance Against Re-election of Zurab Pololikashvili
Rifai also opposes the re-election of the current UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stating that it goes against the fundamental values of leadership and regional balance that uphold global institutions. He emphasized the importance of legitimacy, equity, and trust among member states.
The New Era of Tourism and the Need for Renewed Leadership
According to Rifai, the tourism industry is entering a new era and requires renewed leadership based on experience, knowledge, and expertise to address current global challenges with unity, responsibility, and vision.
Other Candidates in the Race
Gloria Guevara faces competition from Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates, as well as Muhammad Adam from Ghana, Habib Ammar from Tunisia, and Harry Theoharis from Greece. Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia is also running for the position.
The Selection Process
On May 29-30, the UNWTO Executive Council will meet in Segovia, Spain, to select a candidate for the position of Secretary-General through a secret vote. The chosen candidate will be recommended to the General Assembly, which will convene in November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to decide on the new leader for the 2026-2029 term.
The Executive Council, presided over by Brazil, includes 35 member states: Arabia Saudita, Argentina, Bahrein, Grecia, Italia, Jamaica, Japón, República de Corea, República Dominicana, Colombia, and China.
Gloria Guevara’s Priorities
Gloria Guevara’s proposal includes ten priorities to ensure the travel and tourism industry maximizes its potential while elevating UNWTO’s relevance, value, and impact for member states, the world, people, and the sector. These priorities include:
- Increase support through strategic ideas and influential research
- Enhance countries’ strategic representation within UNWTO
- Improve crisis preparedness and resilience
- Ensure tourism’s voice in negotiations
- Advance the sustainability agenda
- Empower youth, promote women, and engage underrepresented groups
- Support personal development and skill acquisition
- Form alliances with key stakeholders to advance the agenda
- Foster an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and investments
- Facilitate travel and connectivity
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the candidates for UNWTO Secretary-General? The candidates are Gloria Guevara (Mexico), Shaikha Al Nowais (UAE), Muhammad Adam (Ghana), Habib Ammar (Tunisia), Harry Theoharis (Greece), and Zurab Pololikashvili (Georgia).
- What is Taleb Rifai’s stance on Zurab Pololikashvili’s re-election? Taleb Rifai opposes Zurab Pololikashvili’s re-election, stating it goes against the fundamental values of leadership and regional balance.
- What are Gloria Guevara’s priorities for the travel and tourism sector? Gloria Guevara’s priorities include enhancing strategic ideas, crisis preparedness, ensuring tourism’s voice in negotiations, advancing sustainability, empowering youth and women, supporting personal development, forming alliances, fostering innovation, and facilitating travel and connectivity.
