Russia withdraws from UN tourism body ahead of vote on its suspension

Russia is withdrawing from the United Nation's tourism body, the UN World Tourism Organization ahead of a vote to suspend Moscow's membership over its military operation of Ukraine.

The UNWTO said in a tweet, that Russia has announced its intention to withdraw from UNWTO, adding that Russia's suspension is effective immediately.

The UNWTO announced in March that it wanted to



suspend Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The decision must be approved by two-thirds of its 159 member states at a two-day extraordinary general assembly which got underway in Madrid on Wednesday.

The UNWTO said the vote will go ahead even though Russia has said it is withdrawing from the body to give member states their say.