India elected chairman of UN World Tourism Organisation

New Delhi, Nov 30: India has been unanimously elected chairman of the Executive Council of the General Assembly of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

In its 82nd meeting held on Nov 29 at Cartegena de Indias, Colombia, the Executive Council elected India as its Chairman for a period of one year.

Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni attended the meeting.

The Council meets twice a year and is empowered to take all measures necessary in consultation with the Secretary General for the implementation of the decisions and the recommendations of the Assembly.

Besides, the Executive Council meets between sessions of the UN General Assembly and takes necessary administrative and technical decisions, within the functional and financial framework of the organisation, and reports decisions which have been taken to the Assembly at its following session, for approval.

The General Assembly of the UNWTO comprises more than 150 countries.

The membership of the Executive Council is held through election, according to which 30 members are elected on a regional rotational basis for a period of four years.

UNI