What Is the Importance of United Nations World Tourism Organization?

By Alice Nichols

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is an agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. It was founded in 1975 and has since then been working towards the development of tourism as a tool for economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will discuss the importance of UNWTO and its role in promoting sustainable tourism.

Why is UNWTO important?

1. Promoting sustainable tourism: One of the primary goals of UNWTO is to promote sustainable tourism.

This means that it aims to encourage tourism that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. Through its initiatives, UNWTO strives to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment while maximizing its positive impact on local communities.

2. Supporting economic growth: Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. UNWTO plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth by promoting international cooperation, investment in infrastructure and human resources development.

3. Encouraging cultural exchange: Tourism provides an opportunity for people from different cultures to come together and learn from one another. UNWTO works towards encouraging this cultural exchange by facilitating travel between countries while respecting their unique cultural identities.

The role of UNWTO in promoting sustainable tourism

UNWTO has several programs that promote sustainable tourism practices around the world. These include:

1. Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP): This program aims to reduce poverty through sustainable tourism development by creating job opportunities for local communities while preserving their cultural heritage.

2. Global Code of Ethics for Tourism: This code outlines ethical guidelines for the tourism industry with a focus on environmental protection, respect for local cultures, and social responsibility. Tourism Satellite Account (TSA): TSA is a statistical tool that measures the economic impact of tourism on a country’s economy. It provides policymakers with an understanding of the contribution of tourism to their economy and helps in making informed decisions related to tourism development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UNWTO plays a vital role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. Through its initiatives, it aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment while maximizing its positive impact on local communities. The organization’s efforts towards promoting economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices are commendable and deserve recognition and support from all stakeholders involved in the travel industry.