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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The Bahamas Minister of Tourism to Serve on the Board of Directors (Executive Council) of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, UNWTO)
At the upcoming General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization scheduled to be held in Medellin, Colombia, September 12 – 17, 2015, the Honorable Obediah H. Wilchcombe will take the seat as a member of the Executive Council of this prestigious body representing member countries of the Americas region.
The UNWTO is the principal international tourism organization which promotes tourism as an engine of economic advancement, environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
This international UN agency recognized for its voice for advancing competitive and sustainable tourism policies and minimizing potential negative impacts has a membership which includes 156 countries, 6 territories and some 400 affiliate members representing both private and public sectors tourism agencies.
The Bahamas rejoined this auspicious body in 2002 and since then has held a number of leadership positions within this organization, including Vice President of the Commission for the Americas, member of the Sustainable Tourism Committee and presently Chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability with Israel serving as Vice Chair.
The Secretary General of the UNWTO Dr. Taleb Rifai said “We are extremely pleased to see The Bahamas taking a seat as Member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the period 2015 – 2017. The Bahamas is a leading tourism destination and we trust that the country’s experience and leadership will be a major contribution to the Council’s work in the coming two years. The Bahamas participation in the Council comes at a particularly important moment as the international community sets the post of 2015 development agenda where sustainable tourism has a crucial role to play.”
Minister Wilchcombe said, “As a small nation among many other larger nations, it is humbling that we have been recognized internationally for our leadership in this highly competitive sector. As a representative of member countries in the Americas region on the Executive Council not only will we represent our island nation at Council meetings with distinction but also those member countries who elected us to ensure that their interest is articulated as the Council manage the affairs of the UNWTO.”
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