Harry Theoharis launches his candidacy to head UN Tourism

25-01-25

Within the framework of FITUR 2025, held in Madrid, the former Minister of Tourism of Greece, Harry Theoharis, officially announced his candidacy to assume the position of Secretary General of UN Tourism. Under the slogan “reform to transform, unite to grow,” Theoharis presented an ambitious program that seeks to revitalize the organization through a series of structural and governance reforms.

With a distinguished track record in organizational and technological transformation of the public sector, Theoharis emphasized the need to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency within UN Tourism. His goal is to provide greater value to member states and the global tourism community by ensuring that the organization becomes an equitable, inclusive and regenerative force driving positive change across the sector.

Among the key proposals in its program are the establishment of clear and measurable governance standards, the publication of regular reports, independent audits and the creation of a centralized, publicly accessible platform. This platform would provide real-time data on project results, financial performance and progress against set objectives, thus ensuring greater transparency and allowing member states and the general public to closely monitor the organization's activities.

Theoharis stressed the importance of returning the governance of UN Tourism to its members, ensuring that the governing bodies fulfill their role freely and effectively. He pledged to unite and empower member states to lead bold policies that promote shared prosperity and maximize the organization's contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

His candidacy has received significant endorsement from various international organizations. The African Tourism Board officially announced its support for Theoharis, highlighting his commitment to investment, education and sustainability on the African continent. The organization believes his leadership could be instrumental in advancing Africa's interests in the global tourism arena, especially at a time when the continent's tourism potential continues to rise.

Harry Theoharis has a strong academic background and extensive experience in the public sector. He is a software engineer from Imperial College London and has held key roles in the Greek public administration. Between 2013 and 2014, he was Secretary General of Public Revenue at the Greek Ministry of Finance, where he managed to meet budget targets and generate a fiscal surplus. Subsequently, between 2019 and 2021, he served as Minister of Tourism, focusing on revitalizing the country's tourism sector, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting sustainable practices and digital transformation.

The election for the new UN Tourism Secretary General will be held in two phases. Between 28 and 30 May 2025, the Executive Council will meet in Madrid to select candidates and make a recommendation. The final decision will be made in November 2025 during the General Assembly to be held in Saudi Arabia. Theoharis will compete for the post with other candidates, including the current secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, and Mexico's Gloria Guevara, who has received significant support in recent days.

In contact with some of the ministers present, in the bets and forecasts, Harry Theoharis, is in leadership positions behind Mexico's Gloria Guevara to become secretary general of UN Tourism.

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