The Kingdom of Morocco has received the nod from the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to host the first regional office of the UN Tourism Agency in Africa.
At its 115th session of the Executive Council Meeting held in Madrid, the council approved a request by the Governments of Morocco, and Brazil to host regional offices of the organization subject to the ratification of the General Assembly. The decision on the establishment of the offices read
‘’Having heard the observations from Members of the Council regarding the establishment of potential regional offices. Approves, subject to the ratification of the General Assembly, the establishment of the Regional Offices in Brazil, Morocco and Argentina provided that they are in compliance with the legal and operational framework adopted by the General Assembly’’
The Secretary-General of UNWTO Zurab Pololikashvili in a tweet confirmed the establishment of the two offices and believes it will help the UN Tourism Agency’s commitments to its members.
‘’We move closer to our members to deliver our commitments. I am happy to announce that we will establish the UNWTO Regional Office for the Americas in Brazil and the UNWTO Regional Office for Africa in Morocco. The future starts now! ‘’ the tweet read.
The Kingdom of Morocco first expressed its intent formally when it submitted a request to the 64th Commission for Africa Meeting held in Cabo Verde in September 2021.
Making a persuasive pitch to the Executive Council Members during the meeting in Madrid, the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Solidarity Fatima Zahra Ammor assured the council of the commitment and readiness of the Government of Morocco to help the organization in reaching out well to the needs of members by being on the ground.
