What Is the Function of World Tourism Organization?

By Anna Duncan

The World Tourism Organization, also known as UNWTO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. Established in 1975, it is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The organization works towards the development of tourism policies and strategies that contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.

What is the function of World Tourism Organization?

The main function of the World Tourism Organization is to promote sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. It aims to achieve this by working closely with governments, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders in the tourism industry to develop policies and strategies that will enhance the economic, social, and environmental benefits of tourism.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

One of the primary functions of UNWTO is to promote sustainable tourism practices worldwide. This involves advocating for policies that balance economic growth with social development and environmental protection. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, UNWTO aims to ensure that tourism activities do not have a negative impact on local communities or the environment.

Capacity Building

Another important function of UNWTO is capacity building. The organization provides training programs and technical assistance to governments and other stakeholders in the tourism industry. This helps them develop their skills in areas such as policy formulation, marketing strategies, product development, research methodologies, and sustainability practices.

Market Research

UNWTO conducts research on global tourism trends to help governments and businesses make informed decisions about their policies and investments. This includes collecting data on tourist arrivals, spending patterns, travel motivations, market segments, and emerging destinations.

Promoting Cultural Diversity

UNWTO also promotes cultural diversity by encouraging tourists to visit different cultural sites around the world. By doing so it helps preserve cultural heritage sites thereby generating revenue for local communities while promoting understanding between different cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the World Tourism Organization plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. Through its various functions such as promoting sustainable tourism, capacity building, market research, and cultural diversity, UNWTO is helping to ensure that the tourism industry benefits both the local communities and the environment.