UN Tourism Surpasses 500 Affiliate Members with New Additions
UN Tourism has expanded its global network, welcoming 27 new Affiliate Members from 16 countries and surpassing the milestone of 500 entities worldwide. This achievement highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering a geographically diverse and inclusive global tourism ecosystem.
The new members include Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), NGOs, universities, and private companies, representing all regions: 5 from Africa, 8 from the Americas, 2 from Asia and the Pacific, 6 from Europe, and 6 from the Middle East. This expansion underscores the growing collaboration across the public and private sectors.
Ion Vilcu, Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, stated:
“The incorporation of such a valuable and solid group of new Affiliate Members reflects our commitment to amplifying and fostering a high-quality and geographically diverse global network of affiliated entities. Strengthening connections across both public and private sectors is essential for building a more inclusive and responsible tourism sector.”
New Affiliate Members:
The newly admitted members include prominent organizations such as the Saudi Tourism Authority, China Tourism Group Corporation Limited, Royal Jordanian, Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors Ltd., and several academic institutions like the University of South Florida School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Additional members include influential DMOs such as the Buró de Congresos y Visitantes de Aguascalientes and Corporación Turismo Cartagena de Indias, alongside associations like the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and World Tourism Alliance.
Strategic Expansion and Admission Process
The addition of these members stems from UN Tourism’s ongoing strategy to enhance the quality and geographical reach of its Affiliate Members network. Their admission was officially endorsed during the 122nd Session of the Executive Council, held on November 14 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
With this milestone, UN Tourism’s Affiliate Membership now totals 505 entities, further solidifying its role as a bridge between diverse stakeholders in the global tourism industry.
