India, July 17 -- Behind closed doors, ministers from an increasing number of countries are calling the surprise election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the UN Tourism Secretary-General a scandal that is about to erupt.

The UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh may see a non-confirmation for the first time. Chances are that for the first time in UNWTO history, a candidate elected by a possibly partially compromised UNWTO Executive Council may be non-confirmed at the upcoming General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in Riyadh. Twenty percent of all UN-Tourism member countries comprise the executive council, but 100% of all members must confirm the decision of this executive council's recommendation.

The 26th session of the UN ...