Kenya is positioning itself as a key leader in both continental and global tourism at the second UN Tourism Africa and Americas Ministerial Summit.
The summit, which runs until April 10, gathers tourism ministers, industry leaders, and technical experts to discuss new approaches for international tourism cooperation.
With a comprehensive agenda focusing on connectivity, crisis management, and innovation, the summit comes at a crucial time for the global tourism industry. Kenya, represented by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, is taking a central role in shaping both regional and international strategies.
“This summit presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to strengthen its leadership in global tourism governance,” said Miano.
She emphasized Kenya’s role as the second Vice-Chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and its leadership of key committees, including the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness.
Miano outlined Kenya’s priorities, such as advocating for streamlined visa policies and better transport connectivity between African and American countries, which are crucial to unlocking tourism’s full potential and boosting intra-regional travel.
The summit is also addressing resilience in the face of global challenges like pandemics, natural disasters, and climate change. “The ability to recover from global shocks has become a core element of successful tourism strategies,” Miano said.
Other major themes of the summit include promoting free economic zones to foster tourism growth and job creation, and empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship. “Equipping our youth with the tools to innovate in tourism is not only visionary—it’s essential,” Miano noted.
Kenya is also using the summit to strengthen its bid for a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term. This nomination, which was formally supported by the UN Tourism Secretariat in March, would provide Kenya with greater influence in shaping global tourism policies.
As discussions unfold in Livingstone, Kenya’s active involvement highlights its goal not just to recover from the global tourism downturn but to lead the way forward.
“The cooperative spirit here is inspiring,” Miano said. “Together, we can turn tourism into a catalyst for prosperity and unity.”
