Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, a prominent figure in the global tourism industry, stands as a compelling candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Pan African Business Forum (PABF) has strongly endorsed her candidacy, urging South Africa and all African nations to unite behind her historic bid. Al Nowais’s extensive experience, visionary leadership, and commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism align perfectly with Africa’s developmental goals and present a unique opportunity for the UNWTO to embrace transformative leadership.
Al Nowais’s qualifications are extensive and impressive. With over 16 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, she has established herself as a leading figure in the industry. Her role as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels has provided her with invaluable hands-on expertise in sustainable tourism practices, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships across diverse regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Beyond her corporate experience, Al Nowais has actively engaged in shaping tourism policy and promoting economic inclusion. Her involvement in organizations such as the Dubai Hotel Group, the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council demonstrates her commitment to fostering collaboration and empowering women in leadership roles.
The PABF’s endorsement of Al Nowais stems from her alignment with Africa’s vision for leveraging tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and development. Al Nowais’s campaign pledge emphasizes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities. This resonates deeply with Africa’s aspirations for tourism-driven job creation, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction. Her commitment to these principles makes her an ideal candidate to champion Africa’s tourism potential on the global stage.
The UAE’s remarkable success in establishing itself as a global tourism powerhouse further strengthens Al Nowais’s candidacy. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has implemented ambitious tourism strategies that have yielded significant results in terms of visitor growth, job creation, and economic diversification. Al Nowais’s leadership within this thriving tourism ecosystem underscores her ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes. The PABF highlights the UAE’s success as a testament to the potential impact of Al Nowais’s leadership within UNWTO.
As the first Emirati woman nominated for UNWTO leadership, Al Nowais’s candidacy represents a significant step towards greater gender equality in executive roles within the global tourism sector. Her appointment would send a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and diversity at the highest levels of international organizations. This aligns perfectly with global goals for gender equality and empowers women across the globe, particularly in developing nations where tourism plays a crucial role in economic empowerment.
The PABF’s call to action urges South Africa and other African nations to actively endorse Al Nowais’s candidacy, recognizing her deep understanding of Africa’s tourism potential. The forum also emphasizes the opportunity to strengthen UAE-Africa ties through collaborative tourism initiatives, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that can drive sustainable economic growth across the continent. Furthermore, advocating for sustainable tourism policies that benefit emerging economies is crucial. Al Nowais’s election would be a watershed moment, not only for the UAE but also for Africa and the global tourism sector, signaling a new era of inclusive and sustainable tourism development. Her leadership promises to unlock the vast potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of communities around the world.
