Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated to Become First Woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism

Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated to Become First Woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

In a historic move for the global tourism industry, Shaikha Al Nowais has been officially nominated to serve as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, beginning January 2026. The nomination came during the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council held in Segovia, Spain, and marks the first time a woman has been chosen to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

An accomplished Emirati business leader, Al Nowais brings over 16 years of expertise in hospitality. She currently serves as the Corporate Vice President of Rotana Hotels and is a well-respected figure in the tourism ecosystem. Beyond her executive role, she also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and is a board member of both the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.

Her nomination not only underscores her personal accomplishments but also signals a significant step forward in enhancing gender representation at the highest levels of international tourism leadership.

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The Segovia session was also a moment of reflection and review, as outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili looked back on eight years of transformative leadership. “We have put tourism at the forefront of the global agenda to enhance its competitiveness and economic value,” he said. He highlighted the organisation’s focus areas, including education, investment, rural development, women’s empowerment, and innovation.

In addition to leadership transitions, the Council reviewed sectoral progress as global travel continues to rebound. According to the UN Tourism Barometer released in May 2025, international tourist arrivals surpassed 300 million in the first quarter of the year—14 million more than the same period in 2024.

Member States also received updates on the expansion of the UN Tourism Online Academy, improved data systems, and fresh initiatives in sustainable tourism. One of the session’s major announcements was the launch of the first UN Tourism Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa. Based in Rabat and developed in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, the office will drive innovation-focused tourism projects across the continent in alignment with the UN Tourism 2030 Agenda for Africa.

As Shaikha Al Nowais prepares to take the reins in 2026, her appointment represents both a milestone and a message: the future of global tourism will be driven by inclusive leadership and bold innovation.


Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur has announced the appointment of Ashutosh Jayee as its general manager. In his new role, Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, along with managing sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s overall performance.

Jayee previously served as the head of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Jammu, where he contributed to driving commercial strategies and enhancing business development.

“Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur.

Jayee is a native of Jammu and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his master’s in business administration and master’s in tourism management in 2010 and 2012 respectively.


Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham, Alleppey at Nehru Trophy Finishing Point, Punnamada, Alappuzha has announced the appointment of Sreejith Kottla as its general manager. In his new role, Kottla will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, maximizing revenue, managing staff and maintaining overall quality and financial performance. He will also focus on promoting Alleppey as a premier MICE destination.

Kottla previously served as the general manager for Joys Hotels & Resorts, a hotel group based in Thrissur, Kerala, where he managed hotel operations and sales. His experience in leadership, guest servicing and operational efficiency has consistently contributed to improved hotel performance and enhanced guest engagement.

“Kottla is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada By Wyndham continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Alleppey community,” said Reji Cheriyan, chairman of the Ramada By Wyndham, Alleppey.

Kottla is a native of Payyanur, Kerala, and a graduate of Srinivas College of Hotel Management in Mangalore, Karnataka, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in hotel management. He also holds an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Hyatt Regency, Chennai has announced the appointment of Anirudhya Basu as its director of food and beverage. A seasoned hospitality leader with over 17 years of experience across India’s finest luxury hotels, Basu brings extensive operational expertise, creative vision and a strong passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In his new role, Basu will spearhead all food and beverage operations across the hotel, including its restaurants, bars, banquets, in-room dining and culinary events. He will focus on strengthening the hotel’s dining identity, introducing innovative gastronomic concepts and ensuring that every guest experience reflects Hyatt’s warm hospitality and world-class excellence.

Basu’s career spans some of the country’s most prestigious hotel brands, where he has excelled in both operational precision and creative leadership. Most recently, he served as the multi-property director of food and beverage at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. In this role, he led multiple F&B outlets and large-scale banqueting operations, with his strategic initiatives significantly contributing to enhanced profitability and guest satisfaction.

Before joining Marriott, Basu held key leadership positions at Hilton Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, and Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. His wide-ranging experience includes managing multi-outlet operations, high-volume banquets and premium dining concepts, and he has consistently set new standards in service quality and culinary excellence.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Basu is known for his forward-thinking leadership style, team mentorship and his ability to blend innovation with hospitality in every project he leads.

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