Regional Commissions | UNWTO (2024)

UNWTO has six regional commissions-Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. The commissions meet at least once a year and are composed of all the Full Members and Associate Members from that region. Affiliate Members from the region participate as observers.

As an expert well-versed in the field of international tourism and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the information provided. My depth of knowledge extends to the organizational structure, functions, and specific details surrounding the UNWTO and its regional commissions.

The UNWTO, established in 1975, serves as the leading international organization in the field of tourism, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices worldwide. One of the key elements of its structure is the presence of six regional commissions, each focusing on a specific geographical area: Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

These regional commissions play a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration among member states within their respective regions. Comprising Full Members and Associate Members from each region, the commissions serve as forums for dialogue and information exchange between sessions of the UNWTO General Assembly. Additionally, Affiliate Members from the region participate as observers in these meetings.

The annual meetings of the regional commissions, as mandated, provide a platform for member states to maintain contact with one another and with the UNWTO Secretariat. During these sessions, member states submit proposals and convey their concerns, contributing to the overall objectives of the organization.

Each regional commission elects its Chairman and Vice-Chairmen from among its members, and these officials serve a two-year term commencing from one session to the next session of the General Assembly. This ensures continuity and effective leadership within each commission.

Now, turning our attention to the specific information provided regarding the officers for the period 2023-2025:

1. UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF):

   • Chair: Mauritius
   • Vice-Chairs: Nigeria, Kenya

2. UNWTO Commission for the Americas (CAM):

   • Chair: Dominican Republic
   • Vice-Chairs: Argentina, Paraguay

3. UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP):

   • Chair: Philippines
   • Vice-Chairs: Japan, Papua New Guinea

4. UNWTO Commission for Europe (CEU):

   • Chair: Ukraine
   • Vice-Chairs: Greece, Hungary

5. UNWTO Commission for the Middle East (CME):

   • Chair: Jordan
   • Vice-Chairs: Egypt, Kuwait

6. UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA):

   • Chair: Maldives
   • Vice-Chairs: Sri Lanka, India

This information outlines the leadership structure of each regional commission for the specified period, highlighting the diverse representation and collaborative efforts across different regions.

For those seeking further details or a visual representation, the reference to the "UNWTO Regional Commissions - PDF" suggests the availability of a document, likely containing comprehensive information about the regional commissions and their activities. Accessing this document would provide a more in-depth understanding of the roles and functions of each commission within the broader framework of the UNWTO.