U.S, Dec. 23 -- For global tourism, symbolism matters. And sometimes, a single departure speaks louder than a dozen policy statements.

The resignation of Gustavo Santos, UN-Tourism's Regional Director for the Americas and former Argentine tourism minister, should be understood not merely as a personal or administrative decision-but as a signal that UN-Tourism may finally be ready to close one chapter and begin another.

His exit comes at the same time when the most controversial two term secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili from Georgia will give his helm to the first woman secretary general Shaikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates.

For years, UN-Tourism has struggled with credibility, cohesion, and trust. Much of that struggle...