#USA #Madrid #FITUR 2025 #Harry Theoharis #UN Tourism

Harry Theoharis Launches Candidacy for Secretary General of UN Tourism

Harry Theoharis has officially declared his intention to run for the position of Secretary General of UN Tourism during the FITUR tourism conference in Madrid. With a compelling slogan, "reform to transform, unite to grow," Theoharis aims to bring a fresh vision to the United Nations agency, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration among member states.

Commitment to Transformation

Theoharis, recognized for his successful track record in organizational and technological transformation within the public sector, is setting his sights on reforming UN Tourism. His approach is rooted in creating value for member states and enhancing the global tourism ecosystem.

"Together, we will make UN Tourism a prosperous and purposeful agency that reflects the interests of its member states while driving positive change across the sector," Theoharis stated in his recent address.

His vision encapsulates a commitment to ensuring that UN Tourism is more than just a bureaucratic entity; it should be an equitable, inclusive, and dynamic force for good in global tourism.

Bridging Divides for Global Unity

One of the core issues Theoharis seeks to address is the division and lack of cooperation that has hindered UN Tourism's efficacy in recent years. Presenting himself as a bridge-builder, he highlighted the importance of returning the governance of UN Tourism to the member states that it serves.

"The Secretary General must prioritize the interests of members above all else. I will ensure that the governance bodies operate freely, uniting and empowering member states to develop ambitious policies that drive shared prosperity and fulfil our commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals," Theoharis pledged.

Key Initiatives for Enhanced Governance

In his agenda, the first priority will be implementing significant organizational reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. This will include:

• - Establishing clear and measurable governance standards and metrics.
• - Publishing regular reports to keep stakeholders informed.
• - Conducting independent audits to ensure ethical practices.
• - Launching an accessible online platform that provides real-time data on project outcomes and financial performance.

These initiatives are designed to bring clarity and credibility to the operations of UN Tourism, making it easier for member states and the global community to engage meaningfully with its efforts.

Broad Support from Global Tourism Leaders

Theoharis's proactive measures have already garnered substantial support from several member states and tourism organizations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Recently, the influential African Tourism Board publicly endorsed his candidacy, recognizing his commitment to promoting investment and sustainability in Africa’s thriving tourism sector.

With Africa's tourism market rapidly growing, the Board sees Theoharis as a critical player in pushing forward the continent’s interests on a global scale. "As we work to enhance Africa’s tourism footprint, we believe that Harry’s leadership will be pivotal in achieving shared success," expressed a spokesperson from the Board.

Engaging with Global Stakeholders

Theoharis is set to meet with numerous tourism ministers from around the world during his participation in FITUR. "I look forward to engaging with my colleagues as we come together to commemorate UN Tourism's 50th anniversary. Spain, as the host of UN Tourism, provides a valuable platform for us to explore new collaborative opportunities," he remarked.

Harry Theoharis's candidacy represents an exciting new chapter for UN Tourism, offering a potential pathway to reform and renewed global cooperation in one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy. As the tourism industry faces numerous challenges and opportunities in the coming years, Theoharis's leadership could be vital for steering the direction of global tourism governance.