“The world of tourism in all its diversity continues to change and it is essential
that the UNWTO readjust itself to respond to the current and future challenges posed by the sector,” said Oh Jeechul on his motive for bidding for the seat of UNWTO Secretary-General. Oh submitted his application for Secretary- General on February 25, 2009.
With his willingness to embrace and drive change, Oh has presented four major initiatives with specific and attainable action plans to provide practical, longterm benefits for the Member States and bring visible changes to the global tourism industry. The four major initiatives are: Implementing tailor-made programs considering diverse economic, social and cultural backgrounds of Member States; diversifying sources to increase funding; enhancing good governance within the organization for greater efficiency and accountability; and strengthening partnership with various stakeholders to reach mutual benefits and respond to global agendas on environment, health, economic development, and even terrorism.
Oh is especially eager to utilize Korea's xpertise in IT in incorporating advanced information and communication technologies into the UNWTO. If Oh takes office, he pledges to bring cutting-edge information technology to enhance the quality of service and maximize efficiency. Also, as one of UNWTO's important roles is to collect, collate, and publish up-to-date statistical information to make possible comparisons of the flow and growth of tourism on a global scale, the advancement and application of internal IT systems will greatly enhance efficiency.
To provide tailored benefits to Member tates, Oh also envisions establishing a Tourism Clearinghouse, a cyber matchmaking center with extensive information on tourism investment including investment policies, and financial regulations of participating countries. The Clearinghouse will allow countries to share the latest information on tourist destinations as well as relevant statistical data. It will also contribute to creating more opportunities for public-private partnership and raising UNWTO's reputation globally.
The election is to be held at the Executive Committee meeting between May 7 and 8 in Mali, with the elected individual having to win approval at the general assembly in Kazakhstan in October to start his four-year-term from January 2010.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization in tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism know-how. Headquartered in Madrid, the UNWTO currently comprises 154 member states and over 300 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
