MADRID, 29 January 2018: UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili has named Shanzhong Zhu as executive director of the UNWTO.
Zhu, a Chinese national, began his two-year term on 1 January this year.
Prior to his appointment he was vice chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and considered a major influencer in China’s tourism industry nationwide.
His appointment strengthens China’s role in the UNWTO and furthers its influence over global tourism policy making.
Through CNTA, China is wielding considerable influences across various regions through its ‘one belt, one road’ policy.
UNWTO is a key a player in reviving the so-called Silk Road, creating awareness for its long-term relevance in tourism.
