The ambition of the Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili to serve in that position for the third term has been thwarted as the government of Georgia, his country of origin, has withdrawn his candidacy for the position.

According to a statement by the Georgia-based news agency Interpressnews released today, May 14, a Georgian government official said this morning: “Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization was presented by the Georgian government, but was later withdrawn by its own decision. Claims that the candidacy was withdrawn due to another specific candidate are mere speculation. We also confirm that Georgia will support the candidate nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization,” reads the statement released the government.

The current frontrunner, Gloria Guevara, said this is good news for multilateralism and fairness.

The Georgia government statement further said that the Republic of Georgia will support the candidate for the United Arab Emirates, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.

Juergen Steinmetz, chairman and founder of the World Tourism Network and publisher of eTurboNews reacting to the news, said: “Justice has prevailed, and UN-Tourism is back on a promising path thanks to the final step taken by the Government of Georgia. I am sure the Republic of Georgia can be trusted to have delivered its official letter to the UN-Tourism headquarters in Madrid.”

He cautioned: ” Based on information known to our advocacy team, Georgia must send an official letter to UNWTO. A press release is not enough.”

He continued: “In today’s divided world, tourism is an ambassador of peace, prosperity, and can set global trends. While endorsing Gloria Guevara due to her track record, experience, and wide support from governments and the private sector, the World Tourism Network will support any candidate ready to lead this new chapter of UN-Tourism. eTurboNews is ready to provide its voice to any remaining candidates, since this election is now becoming a democratic and fair process.”

The election of a new UN Tourism Secretary General is expected to hold on May 30.