UN Tourism Secretary-General candidate, Harry Theoharis and European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to work together on sharing European best practice in sustainable transport and tourism of with global tourism policy makers.
Harry Theoharis, the European candidate for the role of Secretary-General of the UN Tourism has promised to increase UN Tourism’s effectiveness in supporting sustainable growth of tourism by unifying the global industry in open collaboration towards shared objectives. In preparation for this he has held a pivotal meeting in Brussels with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
The discussion centered on the critical role of tourism in shaping sustainable and inclusive development, both in Europe and globally. Highlighting shared priorities, the meeting underscored the potential for a stronger partnership between the European Commission and the UN Tourism to address contemporary challenges and opportunities in tourism.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas expressed his full support for Theoharis’ candidacy, noting their aligned vision for advancing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in the tourism sector. The two leaders also explored avenues to enhance global dialogue and cooperation, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
Following the meeting, Harry Theoharis stated:
“It was a pleasure to meet Commissioner Tzitzikostas, in Brussels. Our discussion reaffirmed the shared priorities of Europe and the global tourism community: fostering sustainable growth, empowering professionals in the industry, and ensuring a meaningful impact for travelers worldwide. As UN Tourism Secretary-General I will work to amplify these goals on a global stage and ensure that the global tourism industry and particularly the smaller less developed destinations can benefit from the best practice, innovation and investments resulting from the European Commission’s strong commitment to sustainability. I am honored to have the Commissioner’s support. We share a vision of a future where tourism leads the way in building a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world and together we will work towards this goal”
This strategic dialogue demonstrates the how UN Tourism, as a United Nations agency, can play a key role in unifying action to achieve transformative progress and ensure the positive impact of tourism for all member countries.
