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WTO serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know how. Its membership includes 138 countries and territories and more than 350 affiliate members representing local government, tourism associations and private sector companies, including airlines, hotel groups and tour operators. Based in Madrid, WTO is entrusted by the United Nations to help countries maximize the positive impacts of tourism, such as job creation, infrastructure development and foreign exchange earnings, while at the same time minimizing negative environmental or social impacts. Representatives covering Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia are responsible for overseeing specific projects and working with tourism officials in various countries to analyze problems and seek such as aviation, infrastructure, development planning and marketing. WTO is the only inter – governmental organization that offers membership to the operating sector and in this way becomes unique contact point for discussion between government officials and industry leaders. Affiliate members include retail travel agents, tour operators, airlines and other transport companies, accommodation companies, banks, media groups, consultancies, educational and research institutes, local and regional tourism boards, and travel industry associations. The transfer of tourism knows – how to developing countries is one of its fundamental tasks. As an executing agency of the un development programme, WTO contributes to the sustainable development goals of nations. Acting on requests from member governments, WTO secures financing, locates experts, and carries out all types of tourism development projects. |
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