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The over 600 representatives from UNWTO’s Members States and
Affiliate Members attending the 19th session of the UNWTO General Assembly have
unanimously adopted proposed reforms in the Organization, allowing it to become
more responsive, efficient and relevant in the face of current and future
challenges (Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 10-13 October 2011).
“Over the last two years UNWTO has embarked on a gradual but determined reform
process” said Mr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General, presenting the White
Paper to the Assembly.
The White Paper, A Reform Process for a More Relevant UNWTO, is a response to
shifting international realities. ”UNWTO is well aware of the changing context
of the tourism sector and of the needs of its Members” said Mr. Rifai. “This is
reflected in the White Paper which proposes to reinforce the work of the
Organization in competitiveness and sustainability while adopting new areas of
work such as domestic tourism, employment in tourism and tourism governance”, he
added.
The White Paper is of particular relevance as the new UNWTO long term forecast
Tourism Towards 2030, launched on the occasion of the General Assembly, shows
that the sector has immense growth potential – international tourism is set to
reach 1.8 billion tourists by 2030.
The General Assembly also welcomed Liberia as a new Full Member and 69 public
and private sector as new Affiliate Members, bringing UNWTO membership to 155
Members States and over 400 Affiliate Members.
The Executive Council elected Kenya as its new Chairman. “I am committed to work
with all member countries to push forth the tourism agenda globally” said Mr.
Najib Balala, Minister of Tourism of Kenya.
Spain was elected to host World Tourism Day 2012 under the theme Tourism and
Sustainable Energy – Powering Sustainable Development and the Maldives to host
World Tourism Day 2013 to be celebrated under the topic Tourism and Water –
Protecting our Common Future.
Zambia and Zimbabwe won the bid to jointly host the 20th session of the UNWTO
General Assembly in 2013.
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