Zurab Pololikashvili Nominated for Sec Gen of UN World Tourism
MADRID – An event dedicated to the nomination of Georgia’s candidate, Zurab Pololikashvili, for Secretary General of the UN World Tourism was held in Madrid this week. The event was attended by Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization, Taleb Rifai.
The Georgian Foreign Minister appeared before the participants of the meeting. In his speech he spoke about the UN World Tourism Organization’s role in advancing tourism as one of the world’s leading sectors. The Minister also highlighted the priority importance of tourism in Georgia, which plays a leading role in the economic development of the country. According to Mikheil Janelidze, it is the first case when Georgia has a candidate to such a high position within the UN. Janelidze expressed his confidence that Pololikashvili will successfully tackle all tasks on the agenda of the World Tourism Organization.
“Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Georgia in terms of developing the country, and promoting and building its positive image abroad. Nominating Georgia’s candidate for Secretary General of the UN World Tourism is yet more proof that our government attaches priority importance to tourism,” said the Minister.
He also spoke about Zurab Pololikashvili’s professional background and his experience in promoting economic development and tourism in Georgia.
Appearing before the audience attending the ceremony of nomination of Pololikashvili, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai thanked the Georgian Foreign Minister for his participation in the event.
“I am about to start my final year as secretary general – the position which I have been privileged to hold for almost 7 years, and now I am confident that this position will be taken over by the best candidate, one who will reinforce the country’s position in this area,” Taleb Rifai said.
The nomination was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as political cultural and business communities of Spain. The Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration Giorgi Chogovadze also took part in the ceremony.