African Tourism Board Endorses Hon. Harry Theoharis for United Nations Tourism Secretary-General Role
PRETORIA–
The African Tourism Board (ATB) has officially announced its endorsement of Honorable Harry Theoharis as a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNT) for the 2026-2029 term.
This was made known in a press release made available to the media yesterday.
Hon. Theoharis, a seasoned leader and innovator in global tourism, boasts a Master of Engineering degree in Software Engineering with Honours from Imperial College London. His career spans over a decade in senior roles across technology, consulting, and finance. As a member of the Hellenic Parliament and a former Minister of Tourism for Greece, Theoharis has demonstrated exemplary leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his tenure from July 2019 to August 2021, he spearheaded initiatives such as COVID-19 tracing systems and marketing campaigns that positioned Greece as “Europe’s Leading Destination” at the 2021 World Travel Awards. His international accolades include chairing the UN Tourism Crisis Management Committee and fostering stakeholder collaboration to rebuild confidence in travel.
Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chairman of ATB, remarked, “Hon. Theoharis’s vision for transparent governance and collaboration aligns perfectly with the African Tourism Board’s mission to position Africa as a global leader in tourism. His commitment to measurable outcomes, sustainability, and uniting governments, businesses, and communities makes him an ideal candidate for this critical role.”
Theoharis’s engagement with Africa has centered on promoting investment, education, and sustainability while enhancing the continent’s global tourism market share. He aims to bolster ties between Africa and Europe, emphasizing their shared history, culture, and economic potential.
“Africa holds a special place in global tourism, with its stunning natural wonders and vibrant heritage,” said Hon. Theoharis. “I am honored by the African Tourism Board’s endorsement and committed to fostering a tourism sector that is inclusive, sustainable, and a catalyst for meaningful progress.”
As Africa’s tourism potential continues to grow, the ATB sees Theoharis as a pivotal figure to advance the continent’s interests globally.
About the African Tourism Board
The African Tourism Board is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting Africa as a premier global travel destination. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, ATB advocates for the continent’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions while ensuring the welfare and empowerment of local communities.
