Frangialli and Rifai underline the importance of the upcoming election in redefining the future of UNWTO and highlight the need for a leadership that represents the core values of the organisation. In this regard, they highlight Gloria Guevara, former Minister of Tourism of Mexico and former President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Harry Theoharis, former Minister of Tourism of Greece and economic expert, as viable options for leadership.

Both candidates have strong credentials and a strategic vision for UNWTO, making them key figures in restoring stability and prestige to the institution. However, in their letter, the former Secretaries General go further and call for a collaboration between Guevara and Theoharis to consolidate a strong and united candidacy that will ensure an orderly and effective transition within the UNWTO.

A clear endorsement of Gloria Guevara

While Frangialli and Rifai acknowledge the experience and capabilities of both candidates, their letter reflects a clear inclination towards Gloria Guevara as the most suitable choice to lead the UNWTO. They highlight her background in the private sector, her management skills and her experience as a high-level advisor in Saudi Arabia, factors that give her an in-depth knowledge of global tourism and a pragmatic vision to drive the organisation forward.

They also emphasise the need for Guevara and Theoharis to join forces in an agreement that strengthens a consensus candidacy, avoiding a division of votes that favours the continuity of the current administration, which, according to the document, has proven to be detrimental to the UNWTO and its member countries.

Industry reactions and expectations for the elections

The letter has been received with great attention by tourism ministers from various nations, who have expressed their support for the need for a transformation of the UNWTO. Numerous industry leaders have also agreed that the governance crisis facing the organisation requires renewed leadership committed to transparency and efficiency.

In the coming months, the international community will closely follow the electoral process in the hope that the UNWTO will regain its role as a strong and representative institution of the tourism sector. The proposed unity between Guevara and Theoharis could be a decisive step towards ensuring an effective change of leadership and avoiding the perpetuation of a management that, according to the former secretaries general, has damaged the reputation and functionality of the organisation.

With this strong statement, Frangialli and Rifai have set a milestone in the current UNWTO election contest and made it clear that the organisation needs a change of leadership that responds to the challenges of global tourism with vision, ethics and commitment.

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