Riyadh, November 8, 2025 – The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) has been re-elected to the UN Tourism (UNWTO) Committee of Affiliate Members for the 2026–2029 term — a significant international recognition of Croatia’s standing in the global tourism community.
The decision was confirmed today in Riyadh, during the inaugural session of the Committee of Affiliate Members, following a highly competitive international vote. HTZ received a notably high number of votes, reaffirming its role as one of the world’s most active and respected tourism institutions.
A Continued Role in Global Tourism Policy
“This re-election is a great honour for Croatia and a testament to our consistent engagement in international tourism initiatives,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, who attended the session in Riyadh.
“During our previous mandate, we successfully proposed and implemented a number of initiatives and programmes, most notably hosting the 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress in Zadar in 2023, which gathered around 400 participants from across the globe. We also took part in working groups on Accessible Tourism and the Silk Road, contributing to UN Tourism’s broader strategic goals. This new term allows us to continue these efforts, develop new projects, and strengthen Croatia’s position as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism,” Staničić said.
Strengthening Croatia’s Global Voice
The Committee of Affiliate Members includes 23 members – 12 regional, eight global, and three appointed by the UN Tourism Secretary-General. The Committee serves as an advisory body to the Secretary-General, supporting the integration of affiliate members into UN Tourism’s objectives and programmes. It also contributes to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of sustainable and ethical tourism practices aligned with the UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Croatia’s continued membership ensures that the country will remain actively involved in shaping global tourism policy, promoting sustainability, accessibility, and knowledge exchange across the sector.
With this renewed mandate, HTZ is set to play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the new biennial work programme for Affiliate Members — a key document that will guide UN Tourism’s collaborative projects and priorities over the coming years.
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