Dhaka, May 20 -- The global tourism sector is bracing for a significant leadership transition as five candidates compete to become the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

With current Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili not seeking a third term, the race is wide open for new leadership to steer the organization from 2026 to 2029.

The UN Tourism Executive Council is set to meet in Madrid on May 29-30 to recommend a nominee. The final decision will be made at the organization's General Assembly in Riyadh this November.

This transition comes at a crucial time for the sector, as the industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt ...