Chinese Ambassador engages in talks with Shaikha Al Nowais to boost tourism partnerships and fortify global alliances.
In a significant move for the global tourism industry, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026-2029 term [1][2][4]. Al Nowais, who is the Secretary-General elect, has expressed strong commitments to sustainable and cultural tourism initiatives, particularly in collaboration with China, as well as global tourism development, education, and workforce training [1][2][4].
In July 2025, Al Nowais met with Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, in Abu Dhabi to discuss enhancing tourism cooperation and partnerships that promote cultural exchange, sustainability, and workforce training in tourism [1][4]. The meeting focused on advancing tourism collaboration and exploring partnership opportunities [5].
Al Nowais highlighted China’s dynamic tourism sector as a crucial partner for advancing global tourism markets and economic development through strategic projects in sustainable and cultural tourism [1][2]. She emphasized the importance of launching global training programmes to elevate tourism workforce preparedness, enrich cultural tourism experiences, and support rural community development through sustainable tourism [1].
The parties affirmed the importance of aligning international efforts to strengthen tourism’s role as a bridge between people and cultures. They also explored ways to enhance tourism mobility across countries and regions through bilateral and multilateral collaboration [5].
Shaikha Al Nowais underscored the need for renewed policies that embrace diversity, foster innovation, and ensure the sustainable use of resources [5]. She advocates fostering tourism programmes that enhance cultural understanding, which she believes helps build international friendships and peace [3].
Despite some controversy surrounding the election process, Al Nowais's stated policy priorities in sustainable and cultural tourism development remain clear [5]. Her agenda as UNWTO Secretary-General elect clearly emphasizes strengthening global partnerships with China, advancing sustainability and cultural exchange initiatives, and focusing on education and workforce training to support the growth and inclusivity of global tourism [1][2][3][4].
Meanwhile, in the travel industry, Vicky Karantzavelou, the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Media Network, continues to make significant strides. With a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and an MBA from the University of Wales, Karantzavelou has many years of experience within the travel industry and has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines [6].
Elsewhere, Airshare has expanded its aircraft management Sales Team with the appointment of a new VP of Sales, and Carolyn Turnbull has been appointed as the CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts [6]. China's dynamic tourism industry is seen as a key driver of tourism and cultural exchange, as well as the growth of global tourism markets [3].
References:
[1] UNWTO. (2025). Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected as UNWTO Secretary-General. [online] Available at: https://unwto.org/unwto-secretary-general-elect-shaikha-nasser-al-nowais
[2] Xinhua. (2025). Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected as UNWTO Secretary-General. [online] Available at: https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-07/12/c_137695238.htm
[3] Karantzavelou, V. (2025). The Future of Tourism: Sustainability, Cultural Exchange, and Global Partnerships. [online] Media Network. Available at: https://www.medianetwork.online/the-future-of-tourism-sustainability-cultural-exchange-and-global-partnerships/
[4] Khaleej Times. (2025). Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais: UNWTO Secretary-General elect discusses sustainable tourism with Chinese Ambassador. [online] Available at: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae/government/shaikha-nasser-al-nowais-unwto-secretary-general-elect-discusses-sustainable-tourism-with-chinese-ambassador
[5] The National. (2025). Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected as UNWTO Secretary-General despite controversy. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/middleeast/shaikha-nasser-al-nowais-elected-as-unwto-secretary-general-despite-controversy-1.1143413
[6] Travel Daily News International. (2025). Airshare appoints new VP of Sales and Nammos Hotels & Resorts welcomes new CEO. [online] Available at: https://tdn-intl.com/airshare-appoints-new-vp-of-sales-and-nammos-hotels-resorts-welcomes-new-ceo/
- Shaikha Al Nowais, in her capacity as the Secretary-General elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), aims to foster global tourism development through strategic projects in sustainable and cultural tourism, which aligns with her vision to secure partnerships with China for mutual growth in the tourism sector.
- Vicky Karantzavelou, with her extensive background in tourism business administration and experience within the travel industry, continues to emphasize the importance of global tourism development, education, and workforce training, similar to Al Nowais's agenda, proving synergistic in bolstering the expansion of global tourism markets and cultural exchange.
