Kenya is positioning itself as a continental and global leader in tourism at the second UN Tourism Africa and Americas Ministerial Summit.
The high-level summit, running through April 10, brings together tourism ministers, industry leaders, and technical experts to chart a new course for international tourism cooperation.
With a packed agenda focused on connectivity, crisis management, and innovation, the summit comes at a pivotal time for the global tourism sector. Kenya, represented by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, is taking a front-row seat in shaping regional and international strategies.
"This summit provides an invaluable opportunity for Kenya to consolidate its leadership in global tourism governance," said Miano.
"We are currently serving as the second Vice-Chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and chairing key committees, including the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness."
Miano highlighted Kenya’s priorities at the summit, which include advocating for streamlined visa policies and improved transport connectivity between African and American nations.
These steps, she noted, are essential to unlock the sector’s full potential and increase intra-regional travel.
The summit is also focusing on resilience in the face of global challenges such as pandemics, natural disasters, and climate change. "The ability to bounce back from global shocks is now a fundamental pillar of successful tourism strategies," Miano emphasized.
Other key themes include the promotion of free economic zones to drive tourism growth and job creation, as well as empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship. "Empowering our youth with the tools to revolutionize tourism is not just visionary—it's necessary," said Miano.
Kenya is also using the summit to bolster its bid for a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term. The nomination, formally backed by the UN Tourism Secretariat in March, would grant Kenya greater influence in shaping global tourism policy.
As discussions continue in Livingstone, Kenya’s active participation is underscoring its ambition to not just recover from recent global tourism downturns—but to lead the way forward.
"The spirit of cooperation we’re seeing here is inspiring," said Miano. "Together, we can transform tourism into a driver of prosperity and unity."
