Publicat pe 02/06/2025

Bucharest, June 2, 2025: The Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) has been accepted as an official affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), becoming the first non-governmental entity in Romania to obtain this status. This decision was made during the 123rd session of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization, which took place in Segovia, Spain, on May 30, 2025.

The World Tourism Organization, the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting tourism worldwide, brings together 160 member states and 517 affiliate members from the private sector. Romania has been a founding member since 1975.

“CCIR’s accession to UN Tourism represents recognition of the strategic role that CCIR plays in the development of the Romanian economy, including in the tourism industry. Furthermore, the new status of the National Chamber represents a step forward regarding CCIR’s strategy concerning Romania’s economic diplomacy, a subject unfortunately ignored by political decision-makers in recent times, but which we continue to consider extremely important, especially in the difficult economic situation we find ourselves in. Romania needs at least 15% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to be generated by the tourism industry, an ambitious target that would however place our country among Europe’s major tourist destinations. We greatly need a promotional spot for Romania to be broadcast on foreign TV channels, just as is currently happening with those from Turkey or Bulgaria. Thus, CCIR’s status as an affiliate member of UN Tourism becomes very important, as the National Chamber can develop concrete projects together with business environment representatives to promote Romanian tourism on the international stage,” stated CCIR President Mr. Mihai Daraban.

“CCIR’s accession to UN Tourism comes at a crucial moment for the global tourism industry. After the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, this industry is in a phase of reconstruction and fundamental transformation. Romania, through CCIR, brings a valuable perspective and unique experience in developing joint projects essential for responsible and sustainable tourism. I am convinced that CCIR, with its over 160 years of experience and deep understanding of the Romanian business environment, will very soon bring added value to our network,” stated Mr. Ion Vilcu, UN Tourism Director.

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