UN Tourism

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UN Tourism

UN Tourism refers to the initiatives and activities undertaken by the United Nations to promote and support sustainable tourism development worldwide. The primary body within the UN responsible for tourism is the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency that plays a central role in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

History

The UNWTO was established in 1975, succeeding the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO). It became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 2003. The organization is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

Objectives

The main objectives of UN Tourism include:

• Promoting tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.
• Offering leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
• Advocating for the value of tourism as a tool for development and international cooperation.

Key Initiatives

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

UN Tourism aligns its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is a comprehensive set of principles designed to guide key-players in tourism development. It aims to maximize the sector’s benefits while minimizing its potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage, and societies across the globe.

Tourism and COVID-19 Recovery

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNWTO has been actively involved in efforts to support the recovery of the tourism sector. This includes providing guidelines and recommendations for safe travel, advocating for financial support for tourism businesses, and promoting domestic tourism.

Membership

The UNWTO has 159 member states, 6 associate members, and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations, and local tourism authorities.

Related Pages

• World Tourism Organization
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
• COVID-19 pandemic

See Also

• United Nations
• Sustainable tourism
• Economic development
• Environmental sustainability

External Links

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