- United States Department of State sent a delegation of high-level officials to meet the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) head to possibly discuss rejoining the agency.
- Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Kevin Moley and Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh constituted the United States delegation – the highest level visit of a delegation from the country to the UNWTO headquarters ever recorded.
- The two parties held discussions while the terms of membership are being finalised, UNWTO said.
- The United States said at the UNWTO Executive Council meeting earlier this year that it was weighing the idea of rejoining the organisation.
- Meanwhile, the latest official member to join theUNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories is Australia’s South West Sustainable Tourism Observatory. Also, theEuropean Bank for Reconstruction and Development will partner with UNWTO to promote inclusive tourism and accomplish United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
PRESS RELEASE
A high-level delegation from the United States Department of State has met with head of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the country moves closer to rejoining the United Nations specialized agency for tourism.
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Kevin Moley and Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh were welcomed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, following up on the announcement that the USA is exploring rejoining UNWTO, of which it is a founding member. The two parties enjoyed productive discussions as the terms of membership are being finalized.
This is the highest level visit of a US delegation to the UNWTO headquarters registered so far. In June of this year, the United States used the occasion of the UNWTO Executive Council meeting to confirm it is exploring the possibility of rejoining, stating that “the UNWTO offers great potential to fuel economic growth in the U.S. tourism sector, create new jobs for American workers, and highlight American travel destinations”.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashili underscored that “it is extremely encouraging that the United States has clearly signaled its intention to rejoin UNWTO and support tourism as a key driver of job creation, investments and entrepreneurship and safeguarding natural and cultural heritage the world over”.
