The election of Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais as the first female Secretary-General in the history of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, during the 26th Session of the General Assembly of the Organization, which took place in Riyadh.
The Minister congratulated the new Secretary-General, emphasizing that her election is a historic moment for international tourism and a strong message of renewal, equality and progress. As she stated, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais brings “new energy, fresh spirit and dynamic leadership” to the Organization, while her vision for sustainability, responsible tourism, empowerment of local communities and innovation is fully in line with Greece’s values ??and priorities.
Ms. Kefalogianni emphasized that, with Greece’s re-election to the Executive Board for the period 2025–2029, the country will continue to actively contribute to promoting the Organization’s strategic orientation, aiming for sustainable and resilient tourism.
The Minister’s interventions at the Plenary of the General Assembly
At the plenary of the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, the Minister presented Greece’s positions on the budget and the Work Programme 2026–2027, highlighting the need to strengthen the Organization in order to meet the challenges of the next two years.
Ms. Kefalogianni underlined that strengthening the Organization’s budget is necessary, provided it is accompanied by clear deliverables, measurable results and a realistic implementation plan.
On the sidelines of the work of the Assembly, the Minister had a series of contacts with her counterparts, while thanking the Member States for renewing their trust in Greece, which was elected for a second consecutive term to the Executive Board of UN Tourism, occupying first place among countries with 32 votes.
“This renewed mandate is both an honor and a responsibility for Greece,” said the Minister, adding that our country will continue to actively contribute to the formulation of policies that strengthen sustainable and resilient tourism and the promotion of cooperation within the Organization, with transparency and a collective spirit.
The Minister also thanked Saudi Arabia for its impeccable hospitality and organization of the Summit, noting that the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism “reflects the sector’s readiness to embrace technological transformation, while remaining true to the values ??of sustainability and inclusion.”
Greece, as she noted, subscribes to the Declaration, which incorporates Greek proposals, strengthening the role of the World Tourism Organization as a vehicle for innovation and cooperation.
