Tanzania has reaffirmed its growing role in shaping global tourism policy after Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, joined tourism leaders from across the world at the 126th Executive Council Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in Toledo, Spain.
The high-level meeting, which has brought together tourism ministers, ambassadors and senior officials from 35 member states, is focused on defining the strategic direction of the global tourism body under its new leadership and identifying priorities that will guide the sector over the next four years.
The discussions come at a time when countries are increasingly looking to tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
Opening the meeting, UN Tourism Secretary-General, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, unveiled the organisation’s management vision for 2026–2029, outlining an ambitious agenda aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring the organisation delivers tangible benefits to member states.
She said the new administration would be guided by three core principles: building strong and resilient institutional foundations, placing member states at the centre of decision-making and implementation processes, and delivering high-quality services that respond to the evolving needs of the tourism sector.
“Our first priority in this new chapter is to strengthen the foundations of the organisation. No objective can be achieved effectively without a transparent institution, sound financial management and robust accountability systems,” she told delegates.
The Secretary-General also highlighted tourism’s continued importance to the global economy, noting that the sector contributes about 10 per cent of global gross domestic product and supports millions of jobs worldwide.
She stressed that the long-term success of the industry would depend on strong institutions, effective governance structures and deeper cooperation among member states.
For Tanzania, participation in the Executive Council meeting provides an opportunity to contribute to key policy discussions while strengthening its visibility within international tourism platforms.
The country has in recent years intensified efforts to position tourism as a major pillar of economic transformation through increased investment in conservation, tourism infrastructure, destination marketing and diversification of tourism products.
Dr Kijaji’s participation also reflects Tanzania’s broader commitment to advancing the tourism agenda under the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration has prioritised the sector as a strategic driver of foreign exchange earnings, employment creation and inclusive growth.
The two-day meeting is expected to conclude on June 11, with member states deliberating on governance reforms, sustainability priorities, partnerships and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the global tourism industry.
