South Korea’s Young-shim Dho is one of seven candidates in line to become the UN World Tourism Organization’s new secretary-general.

Ms Dho is currently the chair of the UNWTO’s Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty Foundation, and previously served as chair of organising committee for Visit Korea Year.

The only woman on the shortlist, Ms Dho is competing against other candidates from Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, Georgia, the Seychelles and Zimbabwe. Her nomination has been backed by the South Korean government.

The successful candidate will serve as secretary-general for the period 2018 to 2021, replacing the incumbent UNWTO head, Taleb Rifai.