Shaikha Al Nowais Elected as First Female Secretary-General of UN…

Shaikha Al Nowais of the UAE has been elected as the first woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism during a historic vote in Madrid. Her win signifies a new era for gender representation in tourism leadership. Al Nowais plans to focus on sustainability and innovation, with expectations for significant changes in global tourism governance by 2026.

In a significant shift within the global tourism sector, Shaikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates has been elected as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism. This landmark event, held on May 30, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, marks a historic moment as the first woman to lead this international tourism body. Her election is viewed as a pivotal turning point for both the organization and the governance of global travel.

Al Nowais, who is currently the Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi, emerged as a strong candidate early in the electoral process. Winning 16 votes in the first round helped her build consensus, and she ultimately gained 24 votes in the second round, surpassing the needed 18. This success also highlights a milestone for gender representation in the tourism industry, positioning the UAE at the forefront of its global agenda. Pending ratification by the United Nations General Assembly, she is set to officially take on her role in January 2026.

After her nomination, Al Nowais articulated a robust agenda to revitalize global tourism with a focus on five strategic pillars, including sustainability and inclusion. Her plans pivot significantly from the traditional tourism authority’s strategies, aligning closely with modern global demands as the sector struggles to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her approach aims not just to innovate but to reimagine tourism governance entirely.

Abu Dhabi is also in the spotlight, having increased investments in tourism infrastructure and new entertainment ventures. The emirate has launched several high-profile projects recently, and with Al Nowais’ election, it hopes to solidify its status as a global tourism hub. This newfound attention on Abu Dhabi also reflects its ambitions to have a louder voice in international tourism discussions.

Al Nowais’ competitors included Greece’s Harry Theoharis, who finished second with 11 votes, and Mexico’s Gloria Guevara, who was eliminated in the first round after receiving only eight votes. Each candidate brought unique perspectives. Theoharis emphasized environmental sustainability, while Guevara highlighted the importance of resilience in the tourism sector, particularly for developing regions.

Ghana’s candidate, Muhammed Adam, garnered two votes, calling attention to the need for enhancing developing nations’ voices in the tourism landscape. Although his campaign was not fruitful, it underscored critical discussions on representation and support for tourism in underrepresented territories. Adam’s participation was a significant point for advocating Africa’s role in global tourism governance.

Al Nowais will face numerous challenges as she prepares to take office, including geopolitical tensions and calls for reform within the tourism field. The Secretary-General’s role is crucial, influencing policies that shape an industry generating over ten percent of global GDP and providing millions of jobs worldwide.

This election is not simply about gender equality; it signifies a shift towards agile and collaborative governance within tourism. Industry stakeholders see Al Nowais’ leadership as an opportunity for rebuilding tourism, focusing on climate resilience and integrating technology into tourism systems.

As the first female leader of UN Tourism, Al Nowais is a figure of transformation, heralding a new phase in how leadership in this sector is envisioned. Her leadership comes at a time when global travel faces challenges like climate change and digital innovation. 2026 looks promising, as both the global tourism community and the UAE prepare for a new era of cooperation under the guidance of this historic appointment.

Shaikha Al Nowais’s election represents a groundbreaking milestone for women’s leadership within the global tourism sector. With a forward-thinking agenda, she aims to redefine tourism governance by addressing sustainability, inclusion, and innovation, all while responding to the numerous challenges faced by the industry today. As the new Secretary-General steps into her role in January 2026, the anticipation of transformative changes in global tourism governance comes along with significant responsibilities amid a changing landscape and ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com