UNWTO has identified the potential of tourism to drive economic growth and social opportunity in its newest member, Antigua and Barbuda.
The Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to Spain, Dr. Dario Item, together with the Counselor of the Embassy, Daniel Yakovlev, were welcomed to the UNWTA headquarters in Madrid to expand the friendly cooperation that has developed since the Caribbean country became the Organization’s newest member and the eighth in the Caribbean region when he joined in 2021. Since then, Dr. Dario Item has served as his country’s Permanent Representative to UNWTO, as well as serving as an Ambassador.
Welcoming the delegation, UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Brown and congratulated him on his recent re-election. He also thanked the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transport and Investment Charles Henry Fernandez for his continued support. In 2021, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed about 170,000 foreign arrivals, with revenues from the sector reaching US$490 million. As in many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), tourism is a key economic sector in Antigua and Barbuda, and UNWTA is working with the government to maximize its potential as a pillar of sustainable and inclusive growth.
The official visit to the UNWTO headquarters took place within the framework of the tourist exhibition FITUR 2023 in Madrid. In conclusion, Dr. Dario Item and his delegation extended an invitation to the UNWTO Secretary-General to visit Antigua and Barbuda, details of which will be confirmed in due course.
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