By James Ratemo

Kenya has been elected a member of the executive council at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Kenya scooped the coveted position during an election at the ongoing 18th UNWTO General Assembly in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The meeting brings together tourism ministers and senior officials from national tourism organisations, public, private and academic affiliate members.

Kenya’s election provides an opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the organisation’s programme of work and budget in the next four years.

It will also participate in selecting topics for debate in the assembly.

The country will actively participate in addressing effects of global financial crisis on the tourism sector, climate change and the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala is leading the Kenyan delegation at the assembly.

UNWTO is the specialised UN agency on tourism policy issues and development of the sector.

Members include 154 countries, seven territories and more than 350 local governments, tourism associations and private enterprises.

The executive council meets twice a year and comprises 31 members elected by the General Assembly.