Looking back to May 12,  2017, Madrid, the day the UNWTO Elections for the new Secretary-General took place. At the same time,  there was a widely discussed national election in France.  The French were busy, at home, and apparently, abroad in Madrid.

Highly placed sources have confirmed to eTN,  the French voting delegate, Mr. Michel Durrieu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development France, Head of Tourism Unit who was accused by the Zimbabwe Minister Mzembi, he had cut short any discussion or debate before delegates voted for their nominee Zurab Pololikashvili,  has since been removed from his position by the French government.

Insiders are claiming Mr. Durrieu was promised a deputy post within the Secretariat, by the Georgia candidate, Zurab Pololikashvili, IF he is elected.

Regardless, and according to sources close to the UNWTO Secretariat, Mr. Durrieu is currently listed to represent France at the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu. wanting to conclude “unfinished business”.

Sure, the French Delegate knows ethics and decorum are valued and expected.  Of course, any position, either as a deputy, or most of all, global tourism’s top post, should not be bartered for.

Located in Northern Georgia across the valley from the iconic 5,047m Kazbegi Mountain in Stephantsminda, the original Rooms Hotel was opened in 2012 in a former Soviet center for regional tourism packages and expeditions. Today, the Hotel Kazbegi, together with its restaurant and bar, make up the epicenter for the region’s tourism offering modern and stylish accommodations and distinctive design concept that embraces the historic legacy of the building and destination’s past.

On April 7, one month before the UNWTO election, Michel Durieu was a guest at this stunning 5-star Georgian resort.   In this picture,  Michel Durieu – Head of the Tourism unit in France is seen at the Hotel Kazbegi in Georgia and signed the hotel’s guest book  The visit was documented on the hotel’s Facebook page .

The hotel GM proudly posted:  Michel Durieu – Head of Tourism unit in France was visiting us yesterday! “

This was a wonderful and fulfilling experience. This place is full of love and care”