Race to pick UNWTO’s Secretary General hots up

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8 years ago

As the election draws nearer for the position of the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), stakeholders have called on interested African contenders to harmonise their competitive interest for the continent to have a better chance of representation.

Information reaching Travelpulse&MICE from different quarters have shown that it is Africa’s turn to ascend the seat if only the cards are well shuffled to come with a winning joker, a unanimously agreed candidate for the position.

Already, African contenders for the Secretary General seat of the UNWTO include Mr Alain St.Ange of Seychelles and Dr Walther Mzembi of Zimbabwe have intensified their campaigns, but concerned stakeholders believe that the duo who are experts in international tourism management have not harmonised their interest for the Africa and may end up sharing their votes which may give other non Africa contenders advantage over them.

For the coordinator of Team Africa, Mr Ikechi Uko, who believes that Africans must come together in time of need to give the continent a united voice and front in actualising the tourism agenda of Africa said it is the turn for Africa to occupy the UNWTO seat for Secretary General.

Speaking on a social media platform while in Accra Ghana for the 60th independence Anniversary, Uko said “President Robert Mugabe came with a team for the event (Ghana’s independence) and I was invited to spend time with the team from Zimbabwe. Had dinner with them at Tang Palace Hotel and we discussed the coming UNWTO Secretary General elections.

“Dr Walther Mzembi is one of the two African candidates for the post. Having met with the other candidate Alain St.Ange in Kampala, Uganda, it was only right that I also discuss with Dr Mzembi.

“My message is simple. Africa must win this one. Can we work something out between the two men to ensure Africa wins it?

“I presented my case to Dr Mzembi and I am happy to say that reason may prevail and Africa will win it. I remember Nigeria and other nations were bidding for World Cup 2010, but something was worked out and South Africa got it on behalf of Africa.

“Now it is in tourism and Africa has to win it. The two candidates are qualified in their own rights, but my job is to get them to work together for the sake of Africa. It is Africa’s turn; Uko added.