Friday, May 30, 2025
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), commonly referred to as UN-Tourism, is currently engulfed in an unprecedented leadership crisis that threatens the integrity of the entire United Nations system. As the 123rd session of the Executive Council unfolds in Madrid, Spain, tensions are rising following the Czech Republic’s formal request for a transitional governance mechanism—an urgent move that the UNWTO Secretariat has so far dismissed, raising alarms about organizational stability.
Background: A Chaotic Leadership Vacuum at the Heart of UNWTO
UNWTO, the specialized UN agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism development worldwide, is facing what experts describe as its “deepest crisis” in recent history. This turmoil centers on the fate of the organization’s Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, whose tenure has been mired in controversy and who was recently removed as a candidate for a third term by his home country, Georgia.
Despite this, the Secretariat has reportedly resisted calls for a smooth leadership transition, leading to a governance impasse. The Czech Republic, a full member of the organization and an influential player within the European Commission of UNWTO, submitted an urgent agenda item on May 28, 2025, calling for the establishment of a transitional task force to oversee the interim period between the current Executive Council meeting and the next UNWTO General Assembly scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025.
This formal request, addressed to the Executive Council Chair, Minister Celso Sabin of Spain, the host country of UNWTO headquarters, has reportedly been ignored by the Secretariat, exacerbating fears of institutional dysfunction and potential reputational damage to the UN system as a whole.
Czechia’s Proposal: A Call for Neutral Transitional Leadership
Petr Kulhánek, Czechia’s Minister of Regional Development and the driving force behind the initiative, has voiced strong concerns over the opaque and disorderly process governing the selection of the next UNWTO Secretary-General. Czechia’s proposal recommends forming a transitional task force composed of representatives from each of the UNWTO’s regional commissions, ensuring balanced geographical representation and operational oversight during this critical period.
Key aspects of the Czech proposal include:
- Task Force Composition: One representative from each UNWTO Regional Commission (Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East), guaranteeing inclusive governance.
- Chairmanship: Spain to chair the task force, leveraging its position as host nation and European regional representative to provide neutrality, logistical proximity, and continuity.
- Mandate: The task force would oversee daily operations, safeguard ongoing programs, and protect the organization’s ethical standards and reputation until the General Assembly appoints a new Secretary-General.
- Operational Continuity: Ensuring that UNWTO activities proceed without disruption or interference, aligned with UN Charter principles and organizational regulations.
The proposal stresses the urgent need to shield UNWTO from becoming “a rebel organization run by one man,” implicitly referencing the current Secretary-General’s controversial conduct and the risk of unilateral decision-making that undermines multilateral governance.
Implications for the United Nations System
UNWTO operates as a specialized agency under the umbrella of the United Nations, and its current leadership crisis poses wider questions about the cohesion and credibility of the entire UN apparatus. An unstable UNWTO could disrupt global efforts to coordinate sustainable tourism, a sector vital for millions of livelihoods and key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The United Nations system’s integrity depends on transparent, democratic governance within all its entities. According to the United Nations Charter and the UNWTO Statutes, member states have the right to participate in and influence the leadership selection process. Czechia’s sidelining and the Secretariat’s disregard of its procedural request challenge these fundamental principles.
The crisis also jeopardizes international confidence in the UNWTO’s ability to facilitate global tourism recovery post-pandemic. With tourism contributing approximately 10% of global GDP and providing over 300 million jobs worldwide, the UNWTO’s effective governance is critical for economic and social resilience.
Reactions from Member States and Experts
Though formal responses remain limited, several member states within the Executive Council have reportedly expressed unease over the unfolding crisis. The European Commission has echoed calls for transparency and adherence to due process.
Tourism experts and governance analysts warn that failure to address these leadership challenges may lead to a splintered organization, with member states bypassing UNWTO frameworks or forming alternative coalitions, further fragmenting global tourism governance.
Spain’s Strategic Role as Host Country and Proposed Chair of the Task Force
Spain, hosting the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, occupies a unique position of influence. The Czech proposal advocates for Spain’s leadership of the transitional task force, citing Spain’s experience in international diplomacy, logistical capabilities, and standing within the European region as key factors to ensure impartiality and operational effectiveness.
The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, which oversees national tourism policy, has historically supported multilateralism and sustainable tourism governance, positioning Spain as a natural stabilizing force during this transitional phase.
Spain’s role is further reinforced by its economic stake in global tourism, being the world’s top tourism revenue earner as of 2024, and its commitment to sustainable tourism principles outlined in its National Tourism Strategy.
Next Steps and Possible Outcomes
The Executive Council’s ongoing session in Madrid will be pivotal. Should the Council accept Czechia’s proposal, it would establish a precedent for shared leadership and reinforce multilateral norms within UNWTO governance.
Alternatively, continued resistance from the Secretariat risks escalating the crisis, potentially leading to legal disputes, operational paralysis, or withdrawal of support from key member states.
The upcoming 26th General Assembly in Riyadh (November 2025) remains a focal point for resolution. However, interim stability is essential to maintain UNWTO’s credibility and ensure seamless global tourism collaboration.
Official Statements and Further Information
- Czech Ministry of Regional Development: The Ministry’s official website details Minister Petr Kulhánek’s active role in international tourism diplomacy and ongoing efforts to promote governance reforms within UNWTO.
- UNWTO Secretariat: The official UNWTO site provides updates on sessions, leadership, and governance, though it has not yet publicly addressed the transitional task force proposal.
- Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism: The Ministry supports Spain’s hosting of UNWTO and advances sustainable tourism policies aligned with UN frameworks.
- United Nations Official Documents: The UN Charter and UNWTO Statutes govern agency operations and underscore the necessity of transparent member participation in leadership decisions.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for UNWTO and Global Tourism Governance
The current leadership crisis within UNWTO, sparked by contested governance and unaddressed requests from key members like Czechia, represents a critical juncture not only for the organization but for the entire United Nations system. With millions depending on tourism for livelihoods and sustainable development, an effective and inclusive leadership transition is imperative.
The Czech Republic’s call for a transitional task force chaired by Spain offers a viable pathway to restore order, safeguard the organization’s reputation, and preserve multilateral cooperation. As the Executive Council deliberates in Madrid, the world watches closely—awaiting decisive action that will shape the future of global tourism governance.
