Kenya Elected Chair of UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness
KENYA SECURES LEADERSHIP ROLE IN UNWTO COMMITTEE, MARKING A HISTORIC WIN. THE COUNTRY’S VICTORY OVER THAILAND AND MALTA DEMONSTRATES GLOBAL CONFIDENCE IN KENYA’S TOURISM LEADERSHIP.
Kenya secures a pivotal role, winning the Chair position of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness. The announcement came during the inaugural committee meeting at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
Kenya emerged victorious after two rounds of voting, surpassing contenders Thailand and Malta. Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, hailed the win as a historic milestone, underscoring Kenya’s ascendancy in global tourism affairs.
Expressing confidence in Kenya’s leadership, Dr. Mutua emphasized the nation’s pivotal role in shaping global tourism policies and fostering partnerships. He also reiterated industry’s significance to Kenya’s economy, emphasizing the potential for collaborative growth and job creation.
Executive Director of UNWTO, Zoritsa Urosevic, lauded Kenya’s achievements in sustainable tourism. Moreover, she affirmed Kenya’s capacity to drive the Committee’s agenda, citing its expertise and commitment to responsible practices.
Wausi Walya, appointed by Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, spearheaded the bid. Key pillars included destination marketing, sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and infrastructural advancements.
Kenya’s infrastructural progress, particularly in transportation and hospitality, was highlighted as pivotal to unlocking the sector’s growth potential. The UNWTO Committee facilitates collaboration among Member States to enhance tourism competitiveness and foster sustainable growth.
With a three-year tenure, Kenya assumes the Chairmanship from 2024 to 2027, poised to lead initiatives promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in global tourism industry.
About United Nations World Tourism Organization
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency dedicated to advancing responsible and sustainable tourism globally. Established in 1975, it serves as a vital platform for member states to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and promote tourism development. With a primary focus on sustainable practices, UNWTO encourages responsible tourism that benefits local communities while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Through research, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, the organization supports member states in crafting effective tourism policies and enhancing competitiveness. The recent chairmanship of the UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness by Kenya from 2024 to 2027 underscores the organization’s role in driving positive change and fostering innovation within the dynamic landscape of international tourism.
