MADRID, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Wednesday named former Real Madrid and Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro as a new Ambassador for Responsible Tourism.

Hierro's new role was confirmed at an event attended by the UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili in Madrid.

As a footballer, Hierro won five Spanish LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Intercontinental Cups and the Spanish King's Cup, during 14 years at Real Madrid.

"Fernando is an exceptional athlete and an example of personal integrity, and as a friend of the UNWTO, he will help us promote the positive values and real benefits that tourism can represent," said Pololikashvili.

Hierro said that tourists "can change the world if we act responsibly with regard to the places, the people and the cultures we visit".

Hierro follows former Spanish national team coach Vicente Del Bosque into an ambassadorial role with the UNWTO.

Del Bosque, who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, was named as UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism last January. Enditem