Egypt Wins Seat on Executive Council of UNWTO

In a significant achievement for its tourism sector, Egypt has secured a seat on the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2025-2029 term. The announcement was made during the 51st meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East, held in Doha and chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Egypt was elected alongside the United Arab Emirates to represent the Middle East region on the council, which plays a pivotal role in shaping global tourism policies. The election was marked by a spirit of Arab unity, as Egypt's selection was achieved through consensus rather than a formal vote.

The Egyptian delegation was led by Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who expressed gratitude to all the participating countries and emphasized Egypt's commitment to actively contribute to the growth and development of tourism in the Middle East. "This seat is not only for Egypt but represents the entire Middle East region. We are dedicated to making the most of this opportunity," said Fathy.

The meeting featured appearances by prominent officials, including Ambassador Amr El-Sherbiny, Egypt's Ambassador to Qatar, Ambassador Khaled Tharwat, Advisor to the Minister for International Relations, and Mr. Ahmed Nabil, Assistant Minister for Aviation and Follow-up. The event was attended by ministers and representatives from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, and Egypt.

During the gathering, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, presented a report on the state of global tourism in 2024, highlighting key programs and initiatives aimed at advancing tourism worldwide. The report also outlined collaborative efforts in the Middle East, focusing on leveraging technology and artificial intelligence for training programs.

In turn, Basma Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, presented the commission’s report on ongoing programs and frameworks of cooperation among member states. Discussions also covered the 2026-2027 work program, with ministers and heads of delegations exchanging ideas and proposals to strengthen regional tourism initiatives.

The meeting provided a platform for Egypt to showcase its strategic vision for tourism, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry within the Middle East.

On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sherif Fathy met with **Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji**, Head of Tourism in Qatar, to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation and boosting mutual tourist flows between Egypt and Qatar.

This achievement reflects Egypt's growing influence in international tourism and underscores its commitment to fostering regional collaboration for sustainable tourism development.