Strengthening Global Tourism: Kenya’s Role in UN Initiatives

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Kenya has pledged to support the United Nations’ agenda for the growth and sustainability of tourism, recognizing it as a vital economic driver. As of the end of 2022, tourism ranked as the fifth largest export category globally.
The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council recently took place in Barcelona, Spain, chaired by Ahmed Al Khateeb, the Saudi Minister for Tourism. During this session, Kenya emphasized the need for increased collaboration and resource mobilization to strengthen the organization amid global economic challenges.
“Global tourism is fully recovering from the pandemic, with many destinations surpassing pre-COVID levels. The significance of the tourism sector is clear, and Kenya is positioned to capitalize on emerging global trends,” stated Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, who sent a delegation to Barcelona.
Mutua reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the UN Tourism organization and its member states to ensure that tourism remains a key economic engine. He encouraged member states to explore innovative funding strategies and partnerships with other UN agencies, such as UN-Habitat, and the private sector.
He also highlighted the importance of regularizing the election cycle and addressing membership fee non-compliance, which are crucial for predictable budgeting and financing. This would enable UN Tourism to effectively support regional initiatives and workshops.
As the chair of the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness until 2027, Kenya aims to guide other members in utilizing global data, research, and partnerships to enhance tourism policies both globally and nationally. The country is dedicated to ensuring that the interests of African and developing nations are adequately represented on the global tourism stage.
Earlier this year, Kenya was elected to chair the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism Competitiveness after two rounds of voting, defeating strong competitors like Thailand and Malta. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili called for greater regional cooperation, including joint meetings. The Americas and Africa are set to convene in 2024, with Kenya participating in the Africa discussions scheduled for July 2024 in Zambia.