WTO to become part of UN
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) is to become a specialised agency of the UN, a status that it hopes will put tourism on the global agenda.
WTO secretary-general Francesco Frangialli said: “The transformation will give increased visibility to the WTO and greater recognition for the work it does, putting tourism on an equal footing as the other great activites of humanity – industry, agriculture, transport, education, culture, health and labour – for which there already exists leading institutions within the United Nations.”
The decision follows a vote by the 143 member states, and final approval is expected from the UN General Assembly on 7 November.
The WTO has been operating for nearly 30 years. The organisation is currently holding its 15th General Assembly, which started on Monday. Issues under discussion include, “the role of the industry in helping to alleviate poverty through sustainable tourism” and “the effects of growing consolidation among tourism and travel companies on destinations”.
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