What Is United Nation World Tourism Organization?

By Anna Duncan

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is an agency of the United Nations that is responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. It was founded in 1975 and is based in Madrid, Spain.

What does the UNWTO do?

The primary goal of the UNWTO is to encourage and support sustainable tourism development around the world. This includes working with governments, organizations, and businesses to promote responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Some of the key initiatives of the UNWTO include:

  • Developing policies and guidelines for sustainable tourism
  • Promoting cultural tourism
  • Supporting small businesses in the tourism industry
  • Encouraging innovation and technology in tourism
  • Providing training and education for those working in the tourism industry

The Importance of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism refers to a type of travel that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. This means minimizing negative effects such as pollution, overuse of resources, or exploitation of local communities while maximizing benefits like job creation or preservation of cultural heritage.

The UNWTO recognizes that sustainable tourism is essential for both the long-term health of our planet and for ensuring that future generations can enjoy travel experiences. By promoting sustainable practices, they hope to create a more responsible travel industry that benefits all stakeholders.

UNWTO’s Impact on Global Tourism Policy

As an agency of the United Nations, the UNWTO has significant influence on global tourism policy. They work with governments around the world to develop policies and guidelines that promote sustainable practices in their respective countries.

In addition to working with governments directly, they also provide research and data on tourism trends and impacts, which can inform policy decisions at both the national and international levels.

Conclusion

The United Nations World Tourism Organization plays a critical role in promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world. By working with governments, organizations, and businesses to promote responsible tourism development, they hope to create a more sustainable future for the industry and our planet as a whole.