When Did Unwto Define Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It was established in 1975 and has been working towards promoting sustainable and responsible tourism ever since.

But when exactly did UNWTO define tourism? Let’s explore.

What is UNWTO?

Before we dive into the definition of tourism by UNWTO, it’s important to understand what UNWTO is. UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Its mission is to promote and develop tourism as a means of contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for human rights.

When Did UNWTO Define Tourism?

UNWTO defined tourism in 1993 as follows: “Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.” This definition was adopted by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization during its 12th session held in September 1995.

The Significance of Defining Tourism

Defining tourism is crucial as it helps in understanding its scope and impact on various sectors. With a clear definition in place, policymakers can design effective policies that promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

The Evolution of Tourism Definition

Over time, there have been several attempts to redefine tourism to reflect its changing nature. In 2007, UNWTO updated its definition to include new forms of tourism such as ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, etc.

The current definition of tourism by UNWTO is: “Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes. It also includes the activities undertaken during their stay in these destinations, such as sightseeing, recreation, and attending cultural events.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, UNWTO defined tourism in 1993 as an activity that involves traveling to and staying in places outside one’s usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes. This definition has evolved over time to include new forms of tourism. The significance of defining tourism is that it helps policymakers design effective policies that promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.