Beka Jakeli

Director of External Relations, UNWTO

Beka Jakeli’s professional career combines a record of leadership and managerial positions in public and private organisations, industry knowledge, and consultancy. He brings valuable experience at the international, national, and local levels from the multilateral institution, government, and business perspective.

Mr. Jakeli is currently the UNWTO Director of External Relations overseeing policy and relations with the Organization’s 159 Member States. From 2018 to 2023, he acted as the Organization´s Chief of Member Relations. Earlier he worked at the Regional Programme for Europe, monitoring projects and other activities with 42 European countries. 

Before joining UNWTO, Beka Jakeli served as Deputy Chairman of the Georgian National Tourism Administration (2008-2012), supervising policy & destination development, market research, fundraising and international affairs. At the same time, he was the spokesperson for national and international media on sectorial investments and infrastructure. Beka played an essential role in developing supportive policies and incentive frameworks for the industry in the context of Georgia´s successful economic reforms. From 2006 to 2008, he was Head of the Office for Planning, Resorts Development, and Statistics at the National Tourism Administration. 

Earlier, Mr. Jakeli worked in the private sector, mainly in hospitality and tour operating businesses (2000-2004). 

Mr. Jakeli holds Bachelor´s (2002) and Master´s (2005) degrees in Business Administration, majoring in Leisure, Hospitality, and Tourism Marketing & Commerce from the Tbilisi State Institute of Economic Relations. In 2008, he completed the study program in Destination Management under the umbrella of the International Visitor Leadership Programme in the USA, organized by the United States Department of State. In 2021, he was admitted to the University of Salford and Robert Kennedy College for a Master’s course in Global Management. 

In 2011, by the decree of the President of Georgia, Beka Jakeli was awarded “The Order of Honour,” one of the highest state awards, nominated for his outstanding role in building effective public-private partnerships and establishing a high-standard vocational tourism school.