Georgia withdraws Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for UNWTO

14-04-25

In an unexpected decision that reshapes the diplomatic landscape surrounding the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Georgia has officially withdrawn the candidacy of Zurab Pololikashvili for a new term as Secretary-General of the organization.

According to a statement by the Government Administration of Georgia to the Interpressnews agency, Pololikashvili was initially nominated by the Georgian government itself, but the decision was later modified. The announcement, made public less than three weeks before the scheduled election on May 30, has taken many UNWTO member states and tourism sector stakeholders by surprise.

The Georgian government, now confirming its support for the United Arab Emirates’ candidate, Shaikha Al Nowais, stated that it has withdrawn its previously endorsed nominee for the top post at the UNWTO. So far, Pololikashvili himself has not commented on the matter, according to Radio Liberty.

Various analysts point to possible political reasons behind this change of position. Some reports suggest that a strategic agreement may have been reached with the United Arab Emirates in exchange for bilateral cooperation. Other sources, not officially confirmed, suggest that Russia may have pressured the Georgian government to block Pololikashvili’s continuation, given that his leadership included the suspension of the Russian Federation from the UNWTO following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Pololikashvili, who has led the organization since 2018 and was re-elected in 2021, was seeking a third term — a move that had sparked criticism regarding the need for rotation, transparency, and statutory reform within the UNWTO.

With his withdrawal, the contest is now primarily between two candidates: Gloria Guevara Manzo, former Minister of Tourism of Mexico, supported by various countries in Latin America, Europe, and Africa, whose campaign focuses on transparency, institutional integrity, and the defense of equitable multilateralism; and Shaikha Al Nowais, a technocratic candidate from the UAE linked to the ADNEC Group, enjoying strong backing from Gulf countries.

The Executive Council, composed of 35 member states, will elect the next Secretary-General through a secret ballot, with at least 18 votes required to win. The result will be submitted for ratification at the next General Assembly of the UNWTO.

Beyond its immediate implications, this withdrawal opens a deeper debate on the future of the UNWTO, the need to reform its governance structures, and the role tourism must play in addressing global challenges: sustainability, equity, digital cooperation, and climate change adaptation.

In the meantime, all eyes are on the upcoming diplomatic moves and on the absent figure from the public stage since the announcement: Zurab Pololikashvili, whose personal stance remains undisclosed.

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