UN TOURISM ASSEMBLY: ‘TZ safe, stable’

SAUDI ARABIA: TANZANIA has guaranteed the world that its tourism sector remains safe, secure and open to visitors.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hassan Abbasi, delivered the message on Sunday during the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Contributing to the organisation’s Annual Implementation Report, Dr Abbasi said Tanzania continues to benefit from several UN Tourism programmes.

These include hosting the Africa Regional World Gastronomy Tourism Forum held in Arusha in April this year, as well as receiving support for environmental conservation initiatives in the Usambara Mountain ranges.

“Mr Chairman, after congratulating the Secretary General and the UN Tourism Secretariat for their successful implementation of programmes that have also benefited Tanzania, I wish to take this opportunity to inform the world that Tanzania is safe and stable following the recent post-election incidents,” Dr Abbasi affirmed.

“The government has worked tirelessly to restore normalcy and our country remains peaceful. Our tourism attractions are secure and we warmly welcome all delegates of this Assembly and other tourism stakeholders to continue visiting Tanzania, Africa’s leading safari destination,” Dr Abbasi stressed.

In addition to being among only 32 of the 160 member states serving on the UN Tourism Executive Council, Tanzania was yesterday approved as a member of the UN Tourism Credentials Committee.

ALSO READ: Let us nurture peace

The General Assembly, which continues in Riyadh, will also deliberate on the use of artificial intelligence in tourism promotion and elect a new Executive Secretary.

On Saturday, Dr Abbasi led the Tanzanian delegation in the Executive Council meeting of the World Tourism Organisation, which served as a preparatory session for the ongoing General Assembly.

The meeting discussed and adopted key agenda items to be presented to the General Assembly for final decision-making.

The General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) is the supreme decision-making body of the organisation, bringing together all its member states, affiliate members and representatives from the global tourism industry.

Held biennially, the Assembly serves as a platform for discussing key issues, shaping global tourism policies and setting strategic directions aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism development worldwide.

During the sessions, delegates reviewed the implementation of previous programmes, adopt new resolutions and approve the organisation’s budget and work plan.

The Assembly will also elect the Secretary-General and members of key committees, including the Executive Council and specialised technical bodies. Each General Assembly is hosted by a member country, providing an opportunity to showcase its tourism potential and foster international cooperation.

Discussions often focus on critical topics such as innovation, digital transformation, climate action, community-based tourism and the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in promoting destinations.

Through this global forum, UN Tourism continues to guide the tourism sector towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that tourism contributes meaningfully to economic growth, cultural preservation and environmental protection across the world.