Georgia Nominates Its Candidate to UNWTO General Secretary Position

TBILISI – Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili nominated Zurab Pololikashvili, as the candidate to the position of a Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 

At present, Zurab Pololikashvili serves as the Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain. However, the PM noted that the two positions fully meet the eligibility criteria for assuming the most demanding duties of the General Secretary of UNWTO.

Kvirikashvili underlined the important role of the UNWTO in the development of tourism, economic growth and inclusive advancement.

The PM believes that the UNWTO is a driving force in maintaining and strengthening the sustainable environment. He also pointed out the importance of selecting the right candidate for the position of the General Secretary of UNWTO.

According to Kvirikashvili, Pololikashvili had a leading role in the full manifestation of the touristic potential of Georgia, in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) to the sector of tourism and in facilitation of innovations. 

The PM hoped that Zurab Pololikashvili would make a significant contribution to the achievement of ambitious aims and goals of the UNWTO.

Secretary General of the UNWTO for 2018-2021 will be selected in May 2017 by the Executive Board comprised of 33 nations.

The UNWTO is the United Nations’ agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

By Thea Morrison