African Travel Commission Sets Clear Terms For UN Tourism Secretary-General Candidates

As the election for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization [UNWTO], now rebranded as 'UN Tourism', approaches, the African Travel Commission [ATC] is taking a firm stand: no candidate will receive Africa’s backing à la carte.

Support must be earned through a genuine commitment to reforms that will benefit Africa and the broader Global South.

ATC, the continental travel and tourism non-profit established in the 1960s by Africa’s national tourism agencies chief executives’ officer to serve as a voice for the industry, has drawn hard lessons from the past. When Zurab Pololikashvili won the post in 2017, African nations were expected to rally behind an African candidate, Zimbabwe’s Walter Mzembi.

However, Mzembi narrowly lost by just two votes amid allegations of bribery involving one country from East Africa and the other from West Africa, denying Africa its closest chance yet to lead the very organization its pioneers helped midwife under the ATC’s leadership.

Instead, the continent witnessed the rise of a "thin god": a leader who, once elected, showed little regard for the aspirations of those counties that had supported him, but rather some selfish individuals.

"This time, it will not be business as usual," the executive director of African Travel Commission stated. "No blank cheques. No blind loyalty. Any candidate seeking Nigeria’s support must present a real, detailed plan to reform UN Tourism and ensure it serves all regions, not just a privileged few."

Reform Is Non-Negotiable

At the heart of Africa’s demands is institutional reform, particularly regarding tenure and regional representation.

Currently, the tenure of UN Tourism Regional Directors is unclear and often indefinite—starkly contrasting norms in other United Nations agencies, where appointments are typically fixed to four-year terms, renewable once. Nigeria insists that UN Tourism must align with broader UN standards by instituting clear, competitive, and performance-based four-year terms for Regional Directors.

Moreover, Africa demands genuine regional balance in leadership and decision-making. African states contribute significantly to UN Tourism’s membership and its global relevance, yet this is not reflected fairly in appointments, project allocations, or decision-making influence.

"It is unacceptable for Africa to be seen only as voting numbers and not as genuine partners in shaping the organization's future," another Nigerian diplomat remarked.

Key Conditions for Support

The African Travel Commission [ATC] has outlined the key conditions candidates must satisfy to earn its endorsement:

• Commitment to Institutional Reform: Clear term limits for Regional Directors and an end to indefinite appointments.
• Regional Representation: Fair and equitable distribution of leadership roles across all global regions, especially Africa.
• Transparency and Accountability: Stronger internal governance, budget transparency, and inclusive consultation processes.
• African Tourism Development: Specific programs aimed at unlocking Africa’s vast tourism potential, including investment in infrastructure, support for air connectivity, and easing of travel restrictions.
• Respect for African Voices: Recognition that African states are equal partners, not just vote banks to be courted during elections and discarded afterward.

Africa’s Voting Power Matters

With 11 African member states currently on the UN Tourism Executive Council, Africa represents the largest voting bloc. Candidates hoping to clinch the Secretary-General position will need overwhelming African support.

Africa must now speak with one voice, insisting that the next leader serve all regions fairly and equitably. Gone are the days when campaign promises could be discarded once ballots were counted. Africa must be strategic—demanding respect, results, and real reform.

This election is not merely about choosing the next Secretary-General. It is about safeguarding the principles of multilateralism, fairness, and genuine partnership in global tourism governance.

Sadly, some African countries and individuals who have found themselves within UN Tourism’s corridors have used their positions for personal gain rather than advancing the continent’s interests.

The 11 African countries currently on the Executive Council are: Cabo Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Other voting blocs include:

• Europe [10 votes]: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
• Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Asia and the Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
• Americas and Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

On endorsements, no African Union entity, organisation, or individual holds the power, or the moral authority to dictate which candidate nations must support. Engagement must occur directly with the voting countries on the Executive Council.

Even the African Travel Commission [ATC] will not endorse any candidate. Not the incumbent, Zurab Pololikashvili, who, in defiance of United Nations traditions, is controversially scheming for a third term, nor the challengers, Gloria Guevara of Mexico and Harry Theoharis of Greece, both former tourism ministers and respected figures in the industry.

Ultimately, candidates must earn Africa's support, not assume it.

African Travel Commission [ATC] Secretariat.