Kenya has secured a prestigious position in the global tourism industry by being elected to Chair the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness.

The election took place at the first meeting of the committee in Madrid, Spain, where Kenya won after two rounds of voting, defeating Thailand and Malta. Kenya will chair the Committee for three years, from 2024 to 2027.

Kenya also represents Africa in the UNTWO Programme and Budget Committees. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua expressed gratitude for the vote, saying that it reflected the confidence that UNWTO member states have in Kenya’s leadership and capacity to advance the organization’s agenda on tourism competitiveness.

“This is a significant achievement and an opportunity for Kenya to work with other UNWTO members in developing policies, forging partnerships, and sharing best practices in tourism,” he said.

Mutua noted that tourism is one of the key pillars of Kenya’s economy and that the government was committed to promoting sustainable tourism development initiatives that enhance the quality and diversity of tourism products and services across UNWTO member countries.

The UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic, lauded Kenya on its election and praised its remarkable achievements in the tourism sector. Urosevic said she was confident that Kenya would lead the Committee with efficiency and professionalism.