Harry Theoharis, former Minister of Tourism and candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), participated in the 122nd Executive Council meeting held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
During his visit to Cartagena, Mr. Theoharis engaged in discussions with tourism ministers from around the globe as well as key executives from national organizations.
In his statement, Mr. Theoharis emphasized:
“Our participation in the 122nd Executive Council of the UNWTO was highly significant in light of the upcoming elections for the organization’s new leadership next spring. The feedback I received regarding the prospects of the Greek candidacy was very encouraging. I presented my vision for a fundamental renewal of the UNWTO in discussions with representatives from each of the 35 member countries of the Executive Council. At the same time, I listened to their expectations for how they envision the UNWTO operating in the future. Our mission fully achieved its objective of informing and promoting the Greek candidacy. If there is one universal message I can take away from Cartagena, it is the urgent need for a new chapter in the UNWTO.”
During this session, the Executive Council clarified the procedures and finalized the roadmap for electing the new Secretary-General. The elections are scheduled for late May 2025 at the organization’s headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
In addition to the strategic discussions, there was a celebratory moment for Greek tourism during the three-day council meeting: the recognition of Anogeia, Crete, as one of the 55 best tourist villages in the world and an outstanding destination for rural tourism.
Commenting on this notable accolade for Crete and Greece, Mr. Theoharis stated:
“I had the privilege and joy of attending the award ceremony for Anogeia and extended my warmest congratulations to its mayor, Sokratis Kefalogiannis. This award demonstrates that tourism can harmoniously coexist with culture, tradition, and environmental protection.”
