The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has been elected on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The West African country has now become part of the eleven other African countries representing Africa on UNWTO’s highest making decision-making body.
Speaking to VoyagesAfriq after the nomination and subsequent affirmation, the country’s Minister of Tourism Mr. Siandou Fofana said that he was grateful to colleague members and the Commission for Africa (CAF) for accepting the country’s bid. He mentioned that strategic positions within UNWTO will help Côte d’Ivoire contribute to the global tourism agenda and also help push the tourism of the country and its strategy entitled “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire”.
He mentioned that he was “glad that Côte d’Ivoire has been elected to the council and will work as a team to implement the Secretary General’s Agenda for Africa program adopted at the General Assembly”. He also provided “thanks to everyone from CAF that unanimously accepted our bids to be on the council and also our willingness to host the World Tourism Day celebrations 2021 in Ivory Coast.
It will be a great opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to present to the rest of the world all its culture and diversity and to welcome the global tourism community.
Now as a nominated country among the eleven Council African Members holding a 4-year term, we look forward to bringing to the table our constructive contribution that surely will add the voice of Côte d’Ivoire to the rise of world tourism.
Beyond this however, there are many African and Ivorian entities that need to be affiliate members to take advantage of the investment opportunities this presents to us.”
The Minister also paid glowing tributes to the Côte d’Ivoire Ambassador to Russia, His Excellency Mr. Roger Gnango for his active role in making this a reality.
