The Democratic Republic of Congo takes its place on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
For the very first time in its history, the Democratic Republic of Congo was elected to sit on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations institution which aims to promote responsible and sustainable tourism through the world. This announcement was made by the national Minister of Tourism, Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, during a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The participation of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, which took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on October 19, 2023, was a success. Thanks to the active diplomacy of the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the country was elected First Vice-President of the UNWTO Executive Council.
This election gives the Democratic Republic of Congo a heavy responsibility, that of representing and defending the interests of Africa within this organization. As the only African country sitting on the Executive Council, the DRC will be called upon to actively contribute to discussions on major topics such as global tourism investments, tourism promotion and global tourism priorities.
The DRC’s mandate within the UNWTO will be placed under the sign of the revival of Congolese tourism and the development of its natural tourism potential. The country thus wishes to make its cultural and natural wealth known to the whole world, by making the Democratic Republic of Congo a tourist destination of choice.
The UNWTO Executive Council is made up of representatives of member countries, responsible for making decisions and providing guidance for the development of world tourism. Alongside Saudi Arabia and Jamaica who respectively occupy the positions of President and second Vice-President, the Democratic Republic of Congo will bring its unique voice to this decision-making body.
This news represents international recognition for the Democratic Republic of Congo and confirms its tourism potential. The country hopes to attract more and more visitors and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
Sources:
– Fatshimetrie: “The Democratic Republic of Congo sits for the first time on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization”, [link to the article](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/30/ the-democratic-republic-of-congo-seat-for-the-first-time-on-the-executive-council-of-the-world-tourism-organization/)
– Politico.cd: “DRC: the country now sits on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization”, [link to the article](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/30/la- democratic-republic-of-congo-seat-for-the-first-time-on-the-executive-council-of-the-world-tourism-organization/)