Q: What is your agenda if elected Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)?
A: I prefer to speak of vision and program, rather than an “agenda.” As I see it—aligned with the perspective of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who honored me with his support for my candidacy—the purpose of international organizations like the UNWTO is meaningful only when guided by bold, radical, and visionary goals. Personally, I would not have made the difficult decision to pursue the position of Secretary-General without the drive to make a genuine difference in what the UNWTO should and must achieve to meet the demands of our time.
To outline my strategic vision for the UNWTO, I would focus on five key pillars:
- Promoting Sustainable Development: I believe the UNWTO must lead a systematic effort to establish sustainable policies across the global tourism industry, addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Establishing Centers of Excellence: These would be specialized and tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each region with tourism potential, fostering innovation and best practices.
- Innovation and Digital Transformation: Encouraging member states to adopt cutting-edge digital tools (AI, Big Data, etc.) to better understand traveler needs and promote sustainable growth.
- Enhancing Transparency and Good Governance: This includes a strong ethical framework, accountability for the organization itself, and limits on leadership terms. It also involves restructuring the financial management of the UNWTO.
- Education and Workforce Development: The UNWTO should play a leading role in creating well-trained professionals for the tourism industry of the future by expanding educational programs in collaboration with universities and tourism education institutions worldwide.
Q: What does this position mean for Greece?
A: First, we must recognize that the UNWTO is not a ceremonial organization. It has—and can further develop—significant capacity to influence the global tourism industry.
If elected Secretary-General, Greece would gain several advantages. These include bolstering our international image as a leader in global tourism, increasing recognition and prestige for our tourism sector, and attracting more investment. While maintaining fairness and equality among all UNWTO members, Greece would also gain better access to international resources and expertise, facilitating strategic alliances with other countries.
With a Greek heading the UNWTO, our country would play a more active role in shaping international tourism policy. Even the act of vying for the position brings value, demonstrating Greece’s ambition and capabilities.
Q: How can a global organization represent countries with vastly different economies and levels of development?
A: The mission of an international organization is to serve the collective interests of the sector it represents, with fairness and a supranational perspective.
The challenge for the UNWTO is indeed significant, as its decisions must be both broad-reaching and tailored to specific contexts. While complete satisfaction is unlikely, I am optimistic that with proper management and a pragmatic approach, the UNWTO can make a meaningful impact.
The goals I propose address universal priorities: sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and diversifying national tourism products. My vision includes Centers of Excellence tailored to the needs of different continents or regions. This approach ensures that the UNWTO’s actions are both inclusive and impactful.
Q: What are Greece’s strengths in pursuing this position?
A: Beyond being one of the world’s top tourism destinations, Greece has proven its resilience and innovation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrated that, even amidst the greatest crisis in tourism history, we could reopen our industry safely, earning global recognition and awards.
This experience gave Greece valuable expertise that can benefit the UNWTO. Our strengths include:
- Leadership in the Southeast European-Mediterranean tourism market.
- Proven crisis management capabilities.
- A commitment to sustainability.
- A strategic geographic position offering a broad perspective on global tourism issues.
- A spirit of innovation, combining traditional hospitality with cutting-edge digital tools.
Q: How do you see the future of tourism in Europe amid wars and economic conflicts?
A: Tourism faces enormous and complex challenges, including those stemming from conflicts and their economic consequences. However, deeper issues, such as environmental sustainability and reducing inequalities, also require urgent attention.
The future of tourism depends on embracing technology, guiding members through digital transformation, and strengthening global tourism against future crises. The UNWTO must lead in these areas to ensure the resilience and relevance of the industry.
Q: Is Greece at risk of overtourism?
A: Certain areas in Greece face challenges of overcrowding, but the situation doesn’t yet mirror the intensity seen in destinations like Barcelona. However, we must remain proactive to prevent overtourism.
Our goal—both as a national tourism policy and through the UNWTO—is to achieve balanced tourism that enhances value creation while preserving the authenticity of destinations.
Interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) and journalist Fotini Giannouli – November 3, 2024
