Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas appointed to key position at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation
Lithuania has received significant recognition in the field of tourism policy. The Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Lukas Savickas, will serve as Vice-President of the UNWTO during the General Assembly this autumn.
Additionally, Lithuania has been elected Vice-Chair of the UNWTO European Regional Commission for a two-year term, and has been re-elected to the working group implementing the European Tourism Agenda for a second term. These are the highest positions ever held by Lithuania within this organisation.
'These significant achievements once again demonstrate Lithuania's maturity and important contribution to shaping global tourism policy. As Vice-Chair of the UNWTO General Assembly, I will be able to raise Lithuania's profile even further and promote incoming tourism. It will also enable us to share best practice with other countries and enhance Lithuania's reputation as an attractive destination for tourists worldwide," said the Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas.
At the UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November this year, Mr Savickas will serve as Vice-Chair alongside the Swiss representative, while Lithuania will be joined by Poland (chaired by Montenegro) as Vice-Chair of the UNWTO European Regional Commission. The European Tourism Agenda Working Group will comprise Lithuania, Israel, Romania and Portugal. This agenda was initiated by Lithuania and Greece.
Lithuania's achievements in tourism policy were announced at the WTO European Regional Commission meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital. There was fierce competition for the position of WTO Vice-Chair: Lithuania received the most votes, with 29. Elections were also held during the meeting for the WTO Executive Council and other advisory posts and committees of the organisation. A total of 41 European countries participated in the elections.
Lithuania has been a member of the WTO since 2003. Its representatives participate in the organisation's events, projects and working groups with a view to promoting sustainable, innovative and competitive growth in the tourism sector.
Lithuania has also been elected to the WTO Executive Council for the 2023–2027 term. It was previously a member of this council for the term from 2018 to 2021.
The WTO brings together 160 countries worldwide, and the Executive Council oversees the organisation's activities between sessions of the General Assembly, making important decisions on strategic tourism initiatives.