UNWTO stands for the United Nations World Tourism Organization. It is an international specialized agency that operates within the framework of the United Nations (UN) system. UNWTO serves as a global forum that promotes the development of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism worldwide.
The primary objective of UNWTO is to foster tourism as a driver for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. It provides leadership in realizing the potential of tourism, promoting tourism activities as a tool for sustainable development, and ensuring the protection and equitable distribution of the benefits derived from it. UNWTO supports member states in their efforts to develop and implement policies and strategies that enhance their tourism sectors.
The organization also serves as a global advocate for sustainable tourism, encouraging responsible practices that minimize the negative impacts, both environmental and socio-cultural, while maximizing the positive economic and social benefits. UNWTO conducts research, collects and disseminates knowledge and best practices, and provides technical assistance and capacity-building programs to its member states.
Moreover, UNWTO fosters collaboration and cooperation among governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders in the tourism industry, aiming to create a conducive environment for sustainable tourism development. It promotes tourism as a force for fostering cultural understanding, peace, and sustainable development around the world.
Overall, UNWTO plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding the global tourism industry towards sustainable and responsible practices, while ensuring its potential for economic development is fully realized.
