People working within the United Nations World Tourism Organization [UNWTO] are worried about the future and the integrity of the organization over the ongoing manipulation by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General to secure a third term and perhaps many more for himself.
The Open Letter by UNWTO Staff
In a letter addressed to Juergen Steinmetz, Publisher of eturbonews.com and it reads: ‘’We find ourselves filled with optimism, a sense of hope, as we witness your courage and determination to lift the veil of hypocrisy that is apparently driving the actions of our member states. In the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fable, you have boldly declared that the Emperor is without garments, while others continue to chant “Long Live the King.”
‘’For years, Pololikashvili has carved out his own dominion within the UNWTO, surrounding himself with loyalists and suppressing voices of dissent, diversity, and independence’’.
Concern for the Future of UNWTO
Our concerns for the future are deep and profound. Security measures may be heightened, and our very means of communication may be scrutinized because of the WhatsApp group you’ve mentioned. Let us tread cautiously, for an overly public exposure could cast us into a storm of adversity.
In the wake of this reputational turmoil, should the coup falter and should the present Secretary-General still possess a semblance of dignity, he ought to step aside. Regrettably, we know his disposition well, and the comfort, influence, and freedom he currently enjoys may prove elusive in any other capacity. Thus, he may opt to linger, seeking retribution against those who have incurred his disfavour, even at the expense of costly legal battles, with his legal counsel faithfully by his side—a pattern seen before at the cost of the organization’s coffers.
Saudi Arabia has a role to play.
We ardently hope that Saudi Arabia will not tarnish its own reputation by endorsing this individual, and we implore Spain to take a resolute stance against him. Yet, our understanding of the intentions of member states remains uncertain, as does the full extent of their dealings with Uzbekistan and the ramifications for Georgia, his homeland.
Through the years, Pololikashvili has demonstrated not only a proclivity for self-interest but also a shield of loyalty that envelops him. Those who surround him are willing to go to great lengths to protect and advance his agenda.
Long-serving staff in UNWTO wants change
Fortunately, a cadre of long-serving employees has maintained connections with the outside world and with representatives of member states who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the UNWTO’s noble mission. It is imperative that we preserve our institutional memory, invoking the days when the UNWTO resonated as the true global voice of tourism, rather than a personal empire governed by a privileged, unscrupulous figure.
UNWTO whistleblower wants journalist to pick up this story
In these challenging times, we place our trust in God, as well as in your ability to inspire fellow journalists to shine a light upon the situation at the UNWTO before it reaches a point of no return.
African position
Over the years, most African Tourism Ministers’ positions have been, willing sellers and willing buyers as they have been accused of selling and trading the continent’s position for cash and personal favours.
According to sources within the UNWTO, the African block is neither respected nor expected to contribute meaningfully to any dialogue that could help positioned the UN agency because of its history and role of helping to established the former parent body World Tourism Organisation [WTO] through the African Travel Commission [ATC] in 1970 and well as the institutionalization of the annual World Tourism Day [WTD] that is celebrated annually every September 27..