DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper has been elected Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly for the Americas region.

The appointment, announced in a press release yesterday, follows last week’s election, held during the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas session in Lima, Peru. 

Mr Cooper, who is also the Minister of Tourism, will serve in the role for the remainder of the year.

The Bahamas previously held a vice presidency at the UNWTO General Assembly. 

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Cooper described it as the result of strong regional partnerships and a shared vision for a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector.

“It is an honour to represent The Bahamas and the Caribbean at this level and I am committed to ensuring that our collective voice helps shape the future of global tourism policy and practice,” he said.

The UNWTO General Assembly is the supreme decision making body of the organisation, responsible for electing officers, adopting policies and guiding the global tourism agenda.