Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General

UN Tourism welcomed senior tourism officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to put the spotlight on the vital link between tourism and culture in building resilient and inclusive destinations.

UN Tourism has launched the Safe Destinations Challenge to identify innovative solutions that position the sector as a driver of resilience, safety, and sustainability. The initiative focuses initially on Europe, which welcomed 747 million international tourists in 2024, representing around 58% of the global figures.

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), tourism emerged as a major actor in shaping a sustainable and resilient ocean economy. With oceans under unprecedented pressure from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, stakeholders from across the tourism sector met to launch new partnerships, align financing mechanisms, and scale up initiatives and action to regenerate marine ecosystems and support coastal communities.

UN Tourism and Slow Food will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development of people and communities.

UN Tourism has agreed to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia and the University of Zagreb on research and innovation in sustainable tourism development and the creation of a Sustainable Tourism Awards.

The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism’s work and vision for the region.

UN Tourism has united tourism leaders from across the region for Europe to assess advances made with global, regional and subregional initiatives for a more resilient, sustainable and innovative sector.

The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education and looked ahead with the nomination of Shaikha Al Nowais as new Secretary-General from 2026. Upon confirmation by the UN Tourism General Assembly, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais will become the woman to hold the position.

International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 though results were mixed among regions and sub-regions.