Kenya has achieved a significant milestone in global tourism governance by securing membership in the United Nations Tourism Executive Council for the period spanning 2025 to 2029. This crucial development was announced on Tuesday by Tourism and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, following the election held during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cabinet Secretary Miano hailed this achievement as a substantial diplomatic win for Kenya, underscoring that the Executive Council represents the second-highest decision-making body within the UN Tourism organization, superseded only by the General Assembly. "This places Kenya at the centre of crucial decision-making affecting the sector," Miano stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this new role.

Beyond its membership, Kenya is set to assume several influential leadership roles within the organization. These include chairing the Tourism and Competitiveness Committee, serving as Africa's Regional Representative in the Tourism and Sustainability Committee, and becoming a member of the Programme and Budget Committee. Miano highlighted that these appointments reaffirm Kenya's growing regional and global diplomatic appeal and its leadership capabilities across various economic sectors.

The government of Kenya has expressed its firm commitment to leveraging these high-profile platforms. The primary objectives are to fortify the domestic tourism industry, actively promote sustainable tourism practices, and effectively advance Kenya's national agenda on the global tourism stage. This election comes at a pertinent time as Kenya is actively implementing an ambitious strategy focused on tourism recovery and diversification. This strategy aims to boost international arrivals, attract green investments, and expand community-based tourism initiatives.

The UN Tourism Executive Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global tourism. Its mandate includes guiding the organization's policy direction and ensuring the efficient implementation of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, solidifying its status as one of the most influential bodies in the international tourism landscape.