In today’s world, tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry and a significant contributor to the global economy. However, have you ever wondered when the World Tourism Organization (WTO) officially defined tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
The Birth of WTO
The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism worldwide. It was established in 1975 and replaced the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO).
Definition of Tourism by WTO
In 1993, the WTO defined tourism 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 has been widely accepted and adopted by various countries worldwide.
Breaking Down the Definition
Let’s break down the definition provided by WTO. Firstly, it defines tourism as an activity that involves traveling to places outside one’s usual environment. This means that a person traveling within their home country cannot be considered a tourist.
Secondly, it specifies that a tourist can stay in one place for no more than one consecutive year. This is because staying longer than this period may require legal documentation and formalities such as obtaining residency permits or work visas.
Lastly, the definition includes that people travel for various reasons such as leisure, business, or other purposes. This means that any travel that is not primarily related to work or business can be considered tourism.
Why Define Tourism?
Defining tourism is essential because it helps governments and organizations understand its impact on society and the economy. It provides a clear framework for measuring tourist numbers, understanding their needs and preferences, developing effective policies to promote sustainable tourism practices while minimizing negative impacts on local cultures and environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the WTO officially defined tourism in 1993 as an activity 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 has become widely accepted and is used by governments and organizations worldwide to understand the impact of tourism on society and the economy.
9 Related Question Answers Found
World Tourism Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on September 27th. The day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. The celebration of World Tourism Day began in 1980 when the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) decided to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on September 27th.
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