Harin appointed UNWTO’s South Asia Commission Co-Vice Chair

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has been appointed as one of the two Vice Chairs for the South Asia Commission of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the period 2023 to 2025. 

This achievement highlights Sri Lanka’s dedication to promoting tourism and sustainable development within the region.

The announcement was made at the 59th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA), held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Sri Lanka’s appointment as Vice Chair is a testament to its exceptional efforts and contributions to the tourism industry.

In addition to the Vice Chair role, Sri Lanka has also been simultaneously elected as the Representative of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) and the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC). This recognition further demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to drive tourism initiatives that prioritise sustainability and enhance competitiveness.

The UNWTO Regional Commissions, established in 1975 as subsidiary organs of the General Assembly, serve as crucial platforms for member states to maintain communication and collaboration between sessions of the General Assembly. These commissions facilitate the exchange of proposals, concerns, and ideas, ultimately shaping the global tourism agenda.

The appointment as Vice Chair affirms its influential presence and leadership within the South Asia Commission. The official ratification of the appointment will take place at the UNWTO’s 25th General Assembly, scheduled to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 16 to 20 October 2023. 

“Sri Lanka Tourism is proud to receive this esteemed appointment and is committed to leveraging its role as Vice Chair to foster tourism development, sustainability, and competitiveness in South Asia. Lead by the minister of tourism, the tourist industry looks forward to collaborating with UNWTO and member states to create a thriving and responsible tourism landscape in the region,” a statement from the Tourism Ministry added.