Georgia withdraws UN tourism candidacy
Georgia has pulled its support for Zurab Pololikashvili, the candidate it had nominated for the 2026 UN Tourism Secretary-General role. The government confirmed the decision was made unilaterally, with no alternative candidate in the works. Instead, Georgia now backs Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the UAE’s nominee. The move leaves five nations in the running for the position: Mexico, Greece, the UAE, Ghana, and Tunisia.
A government spokesperson told foreign tourism that the withdrawal was Georgia’s own choice. “Claims about other candidates are speculative,” they said. The statement did not address why the shift occurred, though it emphasized backing for Al Nowais. Pololikashvili, who has led the UN Tourism Secretariat since 2018, had sought a third term. His bid faced resistance earlier this year when a proposal to extend his mandate was rejected at the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand.
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Pololikashvili’s career spans both public and private sectors. Before joining the UN, he served as Georgia’s ambassador to Spain and minister of economic development. He also managed FC Dinamo Tbilisi, the country’s top football club. His tenure at the UN Tourism Secretariat has focused on promoting sustainable travel and crisis recovery, though his third-term attempt stalled without key endorsements, including from Spain.
Al Nowais, the UAE’s candidate, brings a business background to the race. She graduated from Zayed University with a degree in business administration and currently leads corporate relationships for Rotana Group, a major hotel chain in the Middle East and beyond. Prior to joining Rotana, she worked in auditing at KPMG in Abu Dhabi. Her experience in hospitality and finance could shape the UN Tourism Secretariat’s approach to global policy.
Georgia’s shift may reflect broader strategic considerations. By endorsing Al Nowais, the country aligns with a candidate from a region that has grown in influence within international tourism. The UAE’s tourism sector, driven by investments in luxury hotels and cultural attractions, has expanded rapidly in recent years. However, the move also raises questions about why Georgia withdrew its own nominee, especially after Pololikashvili’s long-standing role in the organization.
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The competition for the 2026 leadership role is intensifying. With five candidates remaining, each nation will highlight its vision for global tourism. The UN Tourism Secretariat plays a critical role in shaping policies on travel, sustainability, and crisis management. A new leader could steer the organization toward different priorities, from climate resilience to digital innovation.
As the selection process continues, attention will focus on how each candidate addresses challenges like post-pandemic recovery, equitable tourism growth, and environmental impact. The outcome may influence how the UN Tourism Secretariat collaborates with member states and private sector stakeholders in the coming years. For now, Georgia’s decision leaves the race open, with the UAE’s nominee stepping into a more prominent position.
