Unit 4 International Tourism Organizations
WTO- The World Tourism Organization (WTO), an inter-governmental technical
body dealing with all aspects of tourism began its legal existence of January 2, 1975.
It came into existence as a result of the transformation of IUOTO and was called upon
to succeed it. The swift expansion of travel had created the need for a world body able
to deal with tourism problems at the government level, and this led to the
transformation of IUOTO into WTO. The headquarters of the organization were set up
in Madrid (Spain) in January 1976. The activities of the organization cover all sectors
of tourism on a worldwide basis. WTO works in cooperation with all international
organizations, the United Nations in particular, as well as with commercial and non-
commercial bodies involved in tourism. The WTO has a very emphatic technical
character. The WTO was originally conceived as an inter-Governmental organization
in a UN General Assembly resolution on December 6, 1969. This resolution called for
the establishment of WTO to play a “central and decisive role” in the field of tourism
and to maintain effective collaboration with the appropriate organs of the United
Nations and its specialized agencies. At Torremolinos (Spain), in June 1977, the
second General Assembly of WTO approved an Agreement with the United Nations
for Cooperation and Relationship. On December 20, 1977 the 32nd General Assembly
of the UN approved Torremolinos (Spain), Agreement, which is now in force. In
immediate implementation of this Agreement, the UN General Assembly in December
1977 also approved a resolution sponsored by the Philippines with 24 cosponsors,
including India, requesting the WTO “to intensify its efforts to promote tourism,
particularly in the developing countries, through international cooperation and to
report to the General Assembly at its 33rd session on action taken.” The WTO became
an executing agency of the UNDP in May 1976. A few months later, UNDP Resident
Representatives throughout the world became WTO representatives for all matters
concerning technical cooperation in the field of tourism.
Roles/Aims of WTO- The aims of the organization are defined in Article 3 of the
Statute which is divided into the following three sections:
• The fundamental aim of the organization shall be the promotion and development of
tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international
understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of human
rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction to race, sex, language or
religion. The organization shall take all appropriate action to attain this objective.
• In pursuing this aim, the organization shall pay particular attention to the interests of
the developing countries in the field of tourism.
• In order to establish its central role in the field of tourism the organization shall
establish and maintain effective collaboration with the appropriate organs of the
United Nations and its specialized agencies.
In the connection the Organization shall seek a cooperative relationship with and
participation in the activities of the United Nations Development Programme as a
participating and executing agency.
Functions of WTO- The major activities of WTO include the following:
• Constant review of tourism trends and developments and exercising vigilance over
changes in world economic and social conditions affecting tourism, market
fluctuations and maintenance of standards within the tourism sector.
• Clearing house for all available information on international and domestic tourism
including statistical data, legislation and regulations, facilities and special events.
• Systematic collection, analysis and dissemination of data on various aspects of
tourism. Collecting legislative texts, regulations and documentation on all aspects of
travel. Conducting research studies covering tourism markets, plant and enterprises,
physical planning and area development, promotion and marketing, economic analysis
and financing techniques etc.
• Regular supply of studies, as well as updated information on trends in the various
fields of tourism to its members.
• Fostering the adoption of measures in cooperation with competent specialized bodies
regarding simplifying frontier formalities and removing barriers to the free movement
of tourists. Organizing and convening international Conferences, seminars,
workshops, round tables and technical meetings on all aspects of tourism. Preparation
of draft international agreements on tourism.
• Examining vocational training programs with a view to contributing to the
establishment of suitable teaching programs tailored to specific needs, especially in
the developing countries.
