The Dominican Republic has been chosen to host the 27th General Assembly of UN Tourism, the former World Tourism Organization, in 2027.
The decision was adopted by resolution during the three-day 26th General Assembly of the organization, held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia in November 2025 with the participation of 148 member states. Ninety ministers of tourism, including Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado and 70 ambassadors attended. The theme was artificial intelligence.
The 27th General Assembly will be the first under the leadership of Shaikha Al Nowais of Saudi Arabia as the UN Tourism Secretary-General, with her term beginning in January 2026. The appointment was confirmed on 9 November at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly.
Al Novais becomes the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s 50-year history. She replaces Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia whose second term ends this December 2025. At the end of his term, Pololikashvili honored Minister Collado with the title of Minister of the Americas for his accomplishments in spurring tourism development in the Dominican Republic from 2020.
During the official announcement of the Dominican Republic as host for the UN General Assembly in 2027, Dominican Minister of Tourism David Collado expressed his gratitude for the hosting opportunity. Collado stressed that the Dominican Republic’s leadership in the tourism industry continues to grow stronger and that this election marks a milestone for the country on the global stage.
The 27th UN Tourism General Assembly will bring together government representatives, multilateral organizations, key players in the tourism industry and international experts, which makes this designation a high-impact opportunity for the Dominican Republic. It is not only a showcase to present its tourism infrastructure, destinations and promotion policies, but also a decisive moment to strengthen networks, attract investment, foster sustainability and project the country as a key tourism hub in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Ministry of Tourism explains that for the Dominican Republic hosting this type of global forum entails multiple structural and reputational benefits. From an institutional standpoint, it opens the door to the international debate on tourism best practices, sustainability, digitalization and sector governance. In economic terms, it attracts delegates, media, international operators and visitors, which can provide a boost to the hotel sector, air connectivity, logistics and services. In addition, it strengthens the country brand and positions the destination within the circuit of major global tourism events.
The hosting comes at a time when the UN Tourism may be at a turning point with the appointment of Al Nowais of Saudi Arabia. Former UN Tourism director, Frenchman Francesco Frangialli in an article for ETurbo pointed out the challenges ahead. He mentioned the need to incorporate Australia, Canada, Norway and UK, the USA, New Zealand, and Russia, as reported in ETurbo News.
Al Nowais brings extensive experience from the private sector. She currently serves as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, chairs the Tourism Working Group of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and sits on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
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18 November 2025