Madrid, 21 January 2026 – NECSTouR reached a new milestone on the global tourism stage as its President chaired, for the first time, the 63rd Meeting of the Board of Affiliate Members (AM Board) of UN Tourism, held in person in Madrid during FITUR 2026, one of the world’s leading tourism fairs. This appointment marks a significant step forward for NECSTouR, strengthening its role as a key interlocutor between regions, international organisations and the private sector, while enhancing the visibility and influence of the network within the UN Tourism framework.
The Board Meeting took place at IFEMA Madrid and officially opened the new 2026–2029 mandate of the Affiliate Members Board, setting the strategic direction for public‑private collaboration in tourism over the coming years. The session brought together representatives from across the UN Tourism Affiliate Members community, highlighting the growing importance of inclusive, multi‑level governance in tourism development. The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Mr Ion Vilcu, Director of the Affiliate Members and Public‑Private Collaboration Department at UN Tourism, followed by the Chair of the AM Board, a role now held by NECSTouR’s President. Particular attention was given to recalling the roles, functions and working methods of the Board at the start of the new mandate, reaffirming its strategic advisory and representative role within UN Tourism.
Chairing the AM Board provides NECSTouR with a privileged platform to bring regional perspectives to the heart of global tourism policy discussions. For NECSTouR members, this translates into increased opportunities to:
Another discussion focused on innovative approaches included in the UN Tourism Programme of Work 2026–2027, notably the introduction of a new collaboration framework titled “Affiliate Members‑driven services for Member States”. This approach aligns closely with NECSTouR’s long‑standing mission to promote cooperation between regions, public authorities and the tourism ecosystem, reinforcing the relevance of the network’s experience and methodologies at international level. Holding the Chair of the AM Board at a high‑profile international event such as FITUR significantly enhances NECSTouR’s global visibility, positioning the network as a trusted leader in regional and sustainable tourism development. This visibility benefits not only NECSTouR as an organisation, but also its members, whose voices and priorities gain greater exposure within the UN system and beyond.
By chairing the UN Tourism Board of Affiliate Members, NECSTouR reinforces its commitment to shaping international tourism policy from a regional perspective. This new leadership role further strengthens the network’s capacity to support its members, foster innovation and contribute to a more collaborative, sustainable and resilient global tourism sector.
