The Caribbean destination became UNWTO’s newest Member State and eighth in the Caribbean region when its application was approved by the 24th Session of the General Assembly in December 2021. The Government appointed Dr. Dario Item, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain as its Permanent Representative to the UNWTO as well as its Head of Permanent Mission to the Organization.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili warmly welcomed Dr Item, receiving his credentials at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid. Given the importance of tourism to the islands, the restart of tourism will bring economic growth and social opportunities. In 2020, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 125,000 international arrivals and tourism receipts totalled US$349 million.

Now as a Member State, UNWTO and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will work together to enhance the sector's importance as a pillar of sustainable development, with innovation and tourism education shared priorities.

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialised agency, is the leading international organisation with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 166 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members from the private sector.

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