UN Tourism Welcomes New Affiliate Members

The UN Tourism organization has recently welcomed a diverse group of new Affiliate Members, reflecting a wide range of profiles and backgrounds. These new members include Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), for-profit companies, associations, NGOs, universities, and other entities. Geographically, they represent 16 different countries across all regions: five from Africa, eight from the Americas, two from Asia and the Pacific, six from Europe, and six from the Middle East.

UN Tourism Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, Ion Vilcu, emphasized the significance of this addition, stating, "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 within the global tourism ecosystem, now comprising 505 entities. Strengthening connections across both public and private sectors is essential for building a more inclusive and responsible tourism sector."

The 27 new Affiliate Members include ABAV - Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies, Association of Travel & Tourism Agents in Iraq, Association Régionale de l'Industrie Hôtelière Marrakech-Safi, Buró de Congresos y Visitantes de Aguascalientes, China Tourism Group Corporation Limited, Consejo Federal de Inversiones, Corporación Turismo Cartagena de Indias, Enjoytravel Corporate SL, Escuela Universitaria de Hotelería y Turismo de Sant Pol de Mar (Barcelona), Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística del Estado de Nayarit, Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department, Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, ICL Tours and Travels LLC, International Masters Games Association, Kuoni Global Travel Services (Schweiz) AG, Levantur S.A., Navarra Impulsa Cultura, Deporte y Ocio S.L., Observatoire du Tourisme du Maroc, Rocket DMC International - FZCO, Royal Jordanian RJ, Saudi Tourism Authority, TORNUS Agencia Creativa de Turismo, Universidad Ean, University of South Florida School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, World Tourism Alliance, and Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors Ltd.

The admission of these new members was endorsed during the 122nd Session of the Executive Council in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on November 14. This move is part of the organization's strategy to enhance the quality and geographical balance of its affiliates' network, aiming to improve the overall impact and reach of the global tourism sector.