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who we are

Regional Vice-President (Asia & the Pacific), UNWTO Affiliates Board 2015- 2017

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

UNWTO’s membership includes 157 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 480 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

The Affiliate Members are companies (public or private), organizations, destinations, NGOs, educational institutions or bodies whose activities are related to tourism and which contribute to the UNWTO their knowledge and expertise to promote the development of tourism that’s responsible, sustainable and accessible for everyone.

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core activities

focal points

Eva Adamson

Latin America (Southern)

David Austin

East Europe

Natalie Barnes

Latin America (Northern)

Thomas Bishop

Southern and Eastern Africa

Key Regions

  • 1.

    Asia & The Pacific

    Our base is in Asia and the Pacific region, one of the fastest tourism growth regions in the world. DISCOVERYMICE holds the position of Regional Vice President (Asia and the Pacific) in the UNWTO Board of Affiliate Members.

  • 2.

    Southern/Eastern Africa

    In many African countries, ecotourism is a major economic sector and to support the sustainable development of the industry, a series of world ecotourism conferences will be convened in Africa in the next few years.

  • 3.

    Latin America

    Latin America with its vast natural and cultural resources as well as protected lands has great potential for ecotourism. Ecotourism can help to drive socio-economic programmes in poverty stricken areas and conflict areas.

travel marts

All Markets

DISCOVERYMICE participates in all major international and regional travel marts as a Buyer in search of suitable MICE venues and to network with the global MICE industry players. Among the events are:

meetings industry

  • The Meetings Industry has come of age. It has firmly placed itself at the centre of tourism as one of the key drivers of the sector’s development and an important generator of income, employment and investment.

    In addition to important business opportunities, the Meetings Industry provides immense benefits to the broader economy as it generates on average a higher spending level, reduces seasonality, contributes to the regeneration of destinations, spreads knowledge and enhances innovation and creativity.

    Dr Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
  • MICE industry development can be a key driver of economic growth, regional cooperation and intellectual development. It can bring benefits beyond profits and short term jobs to include adding competitive advantage to destinations, diversifying source markets and engaging both hosts and guests in global, regional and local issues.

    UNWTO Global Report on Meetings Industry