Global Wine Tourism Organization Endorses Harry Theoharis for Secretary-General of UN Tourism
Madrid, 21 May 2025 – The Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO) has officially announced its endorsement of Mr. Harry Theoharis as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, citing his transformative leadership, commitment to sustainability, and vision for inclusive tourism development.
In a statement released today, GWTO praised Mr. Theoharis’s record of impactful reform and his deep understanding of the tourism sector’s potential to empower rural communities and promote cultural and environmental stewardship.
“Mr. Theoharis is not only a forward-thinking leader; he is a doer,” said José Antonio Vidal, President and CEO of GWTO. “At GWTO, we champion the power of wine tourism to drive regional growth, preserve heritage, and uplift local producers. Harry shares that belief. He recognizes that tourism’s true strength lies in its connection to people, place, and purpose.”
As Greece’s former Minister of Tourism, Theoharis guided the country’s tourism sector through the COVID-19 crisis, gaining global recognition for his clarity, innovation, and partnership-driven approach.
“I am deeply honored by the support of the Global Wine Tourism Organization,” said Mr. Theoharis. “Wine tourism is a powerful example of how travel can regenerate communities, protect cultural legacies, and create lasting economic value. If elected Secretary-General, I will ensure that UN Tourism champions these high-impact, place-based strategies on the global stage.”
GWTO emphasized that Mr. Theoharis’s platform reflects a commitment to integrated tourism strategies beyond economic gains to deliver social, cultural, and environmental benefits. His support for special interest tourism, including wine tourism, aligns closely with GWTO’s mission to foster sustainable regional development.
“Harry Theoharis does not just talk about transformation—he enables it,” Vidal added. “We urge Member States to support a leader with the courage, clarity, and capability to guide UN Tourism into its next era of relevance and impact.”
With this endorsement, GWTO joins a growing coalition of international organizations and industry leaders backing Theoharis’s candidacy ahead of the pivotal election later this year.
About GWTO
The Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO) is a multilateral organization committed to promoting wine tourism as a sustainable tool for rural development, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. GWTO works across borders to support integrated strategies that celebrate local terroirs, heritage, and communities.
