What Is the Role of UNWTO in Tourism Industry?

By Alice Nichols

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is an agency of the United Nations that is responsible for the promotion and development of sustainable tourism. It was established in 1975 and has since been working towards its mission of promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

The Role of UNWTO in Tourism Industry

1. Advocacy: One of the primary roles of UNWTO in the tourism industry is to advocate for policies that promote sustainable tourism. The organization works closely with governments, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders in the tourism industry to influence policies that support responsible tourism practices.

2. Research: UNWTO conducts research on a variety of topics related to tourism, including market trends, economic impacts, and sustainability issues. The organization’s research helps to inform policymakers and stakeholders in the industry about emerging trends and challenges.

3. Capacity Building: UNWTO provides training and technical assistance to countries around the world to help them develop their tourism industries. This includes training on topics such as marketing, product development, and sustainable tourism practices.

4. Promotion: UNWTO promotes sustainable tourism practices through various campaigns and initiatives. For example, the organization launched a campaign called “Travel.Enjoy.Respect” to raise awareness about responsible travel practices.

The Impact of UNWTO

UNWTO has had a significant impact on the global tourism industry since its inception. The organization’s advocacy efforts have helped to promote policies that support sustainable tourism practices around the world.

UNWTO’s research has also been instrumental in shaping policies related to tourism development. For example, the organization’s research on overtourism has helped to raise awareness about this issue and has led to policy changes in some destinations.

Additionally, UNWTO’s capacity building efforts have helped countries around the world develop their tourism industries in a sustainable manner. This has led to the creation of jobs and economic growth in many countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United Nations World Tourism Organization plays a critical role in the tourism industry. The organization’s advocacy, research, capacity building, and promotion efforts have helped to promote sustainable tourism practices around the world. As the tourism industry continues to grow, it will be important for organizations like UNWTO to continue their important work to ensure that tourism is developed in a responsible and sustainable way.