5.3 International tourism organizations and agreements
5 min read•august 16, 2024
International tourism organizations play a crucial role in shaping global travel policies and practices. From the United Nations World Tourism Organization to regional bodies like the Pacific Asia Travel Association, these groups guide sustainable development, provide market insights, and foster cooperation among stakeholders.
Global tourism agreements, such as the and aviation pacts, facilitate travel and set industry standards. These agreements, along with initiatives promoting sustainability and competitiveness, help create a framework for responsible tourism growth and destination management worldwide.
International Tourism Organizations
United Nations and Global Organizations
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- promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism
- Provides guidance on tourism policies
- Publishes tourism statistics and market research
- Organizes conferences and workshops for knowledge sharing
- represents global private sector of travel and tourism
- Conducts economic impact research on tourism industry
- Advocates for policies supporting sustainable tourism growth
- Organizes global summits bringing together industry leaders
- promotes tourism for peace, development, and poverty reduction
- Facilitates cooperation between tourism stakeholders
- Supports tourism initiatives in developing countries
- Organizes forums on sustainable tourism practices
Regional Tourism Organizations
- promotes responsible tourism development in Asia Pacific
- Provides market insights and forecasts for the region
- Organizes travel trade shows and events (PATA Travel Mart)
- Offers training and capacity building programs
- (ETC) promotes Europe as a tourist destination
- Conducts joint marketing campaigns (Visit Europe)
- Produces research on European tourism trends
- Advocates for policies supporting European tourism sector
- promotes Caribbean tourism
- Provides tourism statistics for the Caribbean region
- Organizes Caribbean Week events in major source markets
- Offers training programs for tourism professionals
Aviation and Transport Organizations
- represents global airline industry
- Develops global standards for airline safety and security
- Manages airline settlement systems (BSP, CASS)
- Advocates for policies supporting aviation industry
- Provides training and certification programs (IATA Diploma)
Global Tourism Agreements
Travel Facilitation Agreements
- Schengen Agreement allows free movement between participating European countries
- Eliminates internal border checks for 26 European countries
- Implements common visa policy for short-stay visits
- Enhances police and judicial cooperation
- scheme streamlines business travel in Asia-Pacific
- Provides expedited entry at participating APEC economies
- Eliminates need for separate business visas
- Valid for three years, allowing multiple short-term entries
Aviation Agreements
- establishes global air travel regulations
- Sets rules for airspace, aircraft registration, and safety
- Creates International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Standardizes air navigation and airport operations
- regulate international air transport services
- Determine flight routes between countries
- Set capacity limits and frequency of flights
- Establish pricing and competition guidelines
Ethical and Sustainability Agreements
- provides framework for responsible tourism
- Outlines principles for governments, tourism industry, and travelers
- Promotes sustainable and inclusive tourism development
- Addresses issues like cultural preservation and environmental protection
- influences sustainable tourism practices
- Sets global goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Encourages development of low-carbon tourism initiatives
- Impacts transportation and accommodation sectors in tourism
Economic Measurement Agreements
- standardizes measurement of tourism's economic impact
- Allows comparisons of tourism's contribution across countries
- Measures direct and indirect economic effects of tourism
- Provides data on tourism employment and GDP contribution
Tourism Initiatives and Competitiveness
Regional Tourism Strategies
- promotes sustainable and high-quality tourism
- Enhances competitiveness of European destinations
- Supports digitalization of tourism services
- Promotes off-season and alternative forms of tourism
- develops region as single tourism destination
- Implements ASEAN tourism standards (green hotels, spa services)
- Promotes intra-ASEAN travel through visa facilitation
- Develops multi-country tourism products (Mekong River cruises)
- includes tourism as key sector for development
- Aims to increase Africa's share of global tourism market
- Promotes development of transboundary tourism attractions
- Supports improvement of tourism infrastructure and services
Sustainability and Competitiveness Initiatives
- Criteria provide framework for sustainable tourism
- Establishes global standards for sustainable destinations
- Offers certification programs for hotels and tour operators
- Influences destination management practices worldwide
- monitors tourism impacts
- Collects data on economic, environmental, and social impacts of tourism
- Facilitates evidence-based decision making for destinations
- Promotes knowledge sharing between participating observatories
Destination Marketing Initiatives
- Regional tourism marketing campaigns enhance global competitiveness
- "" showcases country's diverse attractions
- "" promotes Thai culture and hospitality
- "" highlights country's rich heritage and experiences
- Collaborative marketing initiatives promote multi-destination travel
- "" (US and Canada)
- "" (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam)
- "" (Indian Ocean islands)
Effectiveness of International Tourism Organizations
Crisis Management and Recovery
- UNWTO's crisis management guidelines supported tourism recovery during COVID-19 pandemic
- Provided recommendations for safe restart of tourism
- Organized webinars and knowledge sharing sessions
- Developed "" to monitor industry recovery
- IATA's provides real-time travel requirements
- Updates entry requirements and health regulations
- Crucial for airlines and travelers during rapidly changing situations
- Reduces complexity of international travel regulations
- WTTC's "" global protocols restored traveler confidence
- Established common health and hygiene standards across tourism sector
- Widely adopted by destinations and businesses worldwide
- Provided recognizable safety stamp for travelers
Addressing Global Challenges
- International organizations' advocacy for vaccine equity showed mixed results
- Pushed for equitable distribution of vaccines to tourism-dependent countries
- Advocated for recognition of different vaccines for travel purposes
- Limited success due to national interests and vaccine nationalism
- Efforts to address have been limited in effectiveness
- Venice implementing entry fees and visitor limits
- Amsterdam discouraging certain types of tourism (cannabis cafes)
- Challenges remain in balancing tourism growth with local quality of life
- Climate change initiatives in tourism face implementation challenges
- sets ambitious goals
- Difficulty in measuring and reducing carbon emissions across sector
- Varying levels of commitment and resources among signatories
Influence on Policies and Regulations
- International organizations' ability to influence national policies remains limited
- Recommendations often non-binding and subject to voluntary compliance
- Best practices sharing more effective than policy mandates
- Success stories include adoption of sustainable tourism indicators
- Collaborative efforts between organizations show promise
- UNWTO and UNEP partnership on sustainable tourism initiatives
- WTTC and IATA cooperation on seamless traveler journey
- Challenges in aligning priorities and resources among organizations
Key Terms to Review (32)
African Union's Agenda 2063: The African Union's Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse by the year 2063. It focuses on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the strengthening of the continent’s unity, while addressing various challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The agenda envisions a prosperous Africa that is integrated, peaceful, and driven by its citizens.
Amazing Thailand: Amazing Thailand is a marketing campaign launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote Thailand as a premier travel destination. This initiative emphasizes the country's diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and rich heritage, helping to position Thailand on the global tourism map and connect with international tourism organizations and agreements aimed at boosting travel and tourism growth.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document that facilitates business travel for cardholders within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region. It aims to promote trade and investment by simplifying the process of obtaining visas and expediting border crossing, making it easier for business professionals to engage in cross-border activities and strengthen economic ties among member economies.
ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan: The ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance cooperation and sustainable development in tourism among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This plan aims to promote ASEAN as a single tourist destination, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability while addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector in the region.
Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs): Bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) are treaties between two countries that establish the rights for airlines to operate flights between them. These agreements dictate the terms of air travel, including the number of flights, destinations served, and conditions of operation. They play a critical role in shaping international air travel, influencing tourism, trade, and economic relations between nations.
Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO): The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is a regional organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, serving as a hub for information, advocacy, and collaboration among its member countries. By fostering partnerships and initiatives, the CTO aims to enhance the region's tourism competitiveness while preserving its cultural and natural heritage. The organization plays a vital role in supporting tourism development policies, marketing strategies, and research that benefit the entire Caribbean region.
Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation: The Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in 1944, is a key international agreement that establishes the principles and framework for the regulation of international air travel. It laid the groundwork for the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which oversees the global aviation industry and ensures safe and orderly air transport across borders.
European Travel Commission: The European Travel Commission (ETC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1948 to promote Europe as a travel destination and to support the sustainable development of tourism across the continent. It acts as a platform for collaboration among its member countries, sharing research, insights, and marketing strategies to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness in tourism.
European Union's Tourism Policy Framework: The European Union's Tourism Policy Framework refers to the set of strategies, regulations, and guidelines established by the EU to promote sustainable tourism development across member states. This framework aims to enhance the competitiveness of the European tourism sector, support regional development, and ensure the sustainability of cultural and natural resources while addressing challenges such as overtourism and environmental impact.
Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism: The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is a commitment made by various tourism stakeholders to collectively tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices within the tourism sector. This declaration emphasizes the need for urgent action and collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate goals.
Global code of ethics for tourism: The global code of ethics for tourism is a set of guidelines and principles aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices worldwide. It encourages stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and travelers, to adopt ethical practices that respect cultural diversity, protect the environment, and ensure the welfare of local communities. This code serves as a framework for international cooperation among tourism organizations and agreements.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an international organization that establishes and manages global standards for sustainable tourism. It aims to promote sustainable practices in the tourism sector by providing guidance, resources, and certification for various stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and destinations. The GSTC plays a crucial role in ensuring that tourism development respects local cultures, preserves the environment, and supports economic growth for communities.
Incredible India: Incredible India is a marketing campaign initiated by the Government of India to promote tourism in the country, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant traditions. This campaign aims to position India as a premier global travel destination, enhancing its appeal through various international tourism organizations and agreements that encourage collaboration and exchange among countries.
International Air Transport Association (IATA): The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a trade organization that represents approximately 290 airlines worldwide, accounting for about 82% of global air traffic. IATA plays a crucial role in facilitating safe, secure, and efficient air transport by setting industry standards, providing training, and advocating for the interests of its member airlines. It connects to various aspects of tourism development, international cooperation among organizations, and the essential infrastructure needed for global travel.
Mekong Tourism: Mekong tourism refers to the travel and tourism activities centered around the Mekong River, which flows through several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems, making it a popular destination for international travelers seeking unique experiences and adventure in a culturally vibrant environment.
Overtourism: Overtourism refers to the phenomenon where a destination receives more tourists than it can sustainably accommodate, leading to negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and the quality of the tourist experience. This issue raises concerns about the capacity of attractions, cultural heritage sites, and ecosystems to handle excessive visitor numbers without degradation.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA): The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop travel and tourism throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1951, PATA facilitates cooperation between various stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, including government agencies, private sector companies, and non-governmental organizations, to enhance the economic and social well-being of the region.
Pandemic recovery: Pandemic recovery refers to the process of restoring and revitalizing the tourism industry and related sectors after a pandemic disrupts travel and tourism activities. It encompasses strategies and actions taken by governments, organizations, and businesses to rebuild consumer confidence, revive travel demand, and adapt to new health protocols. This recovery phase is crucial for international tourism organizations and agreements that aim to support the global tourism landscape in a post-pandemic world.
Paris Agreement on Climate Change: The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a legally binding international treaty that was adopted in 2015, aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement is significant as it brings together nations to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhances the global response to climate change, making it particularly relevant to international tourism organizations and agreements as they navigate sustainable practices.
Safe travels: Safe travels refer to the practices and precautions taken to ensure the safety and security of travelers during their journeys. This concept is deeply connected to international tourism organizations and agreements, which work to promote safe travel protocols, enhance traveler confidence, and mitigate risks associated with global mobility.
Schengen Agreement: The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that allows for the abolishment of internal border controls between participating European countries, enabling free movement of people across these borders. It plays a crucial role in facilitating international tourism by simplifying travel arrangements and enhancing the visitor experience within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European nations.
Timatic Database System: The Timatic Database System is a global travel information database that provides essential details on entry requirements for international travelers, including visa regulations, health advisories, and documentation needed for various destinations. This system helps airlines, travel agents, and travelers themselves by offering real-time access to critical information that can affect travel plans, ensuring compliance with varying regulations across countries.
Tourism recovery tracker: A tourism recovery tracker is a tool used to monitor and evaluate the progress of the tourism industry as it rebounds from disruptions, such as economic downturns or global crises. This tracker helps stakeholders understand trends in travel behavior, demand for services, and overall performance metrics, which are essential for strategic planning and decision-making in the tourism sector.
Tourism Satellite Account (TSA): A Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is a specialized economic framework that measures the economic impact of tourism on a country's economy. It provides detailed data on the consumption, production, and employment related to tourism, enabling governments and organizations to analyze tourism's contribution to the overall economy. TSAs help in making informed decisions about tourism policies and planning by providing reliable statistics that reflect the economic significance of tourism activities.
Travel safety: Travel safety refers to the measures and precautions taken to ensure the well-being of travelers while they are away from home. This includes protecting against risks such as crime, health emergencies, natural disasters, and transportation issues. Ensuring travel safety is a crucial aspect of international tourism organizations and agreements, which work collaboratively to create guidelines, promote awareness, and implement strategies that safeguard tourists in various destinations.
Two Nation Vacation: A two nation vacation refers to a travel experience that involves visiting two different countries during a single trip, often leveraging geographical proximity to create an itinerary that maximizes cultural exposure and adventure. This concept is significant as it promotes international tourism by allowing travelers to explore diverse experiences and attractions without extensive travel logistics. It highlights the interconnectedness of nations and emphasizes the role of international tourism agreements in facilitating cross-border travel.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO): The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy and a source of knowledge for countries to foster tourism development, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental aspects are balanced.
UNWTO's International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO): INSTO is a global initiative by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that aims to support the development of sustainable tourism practices through a network of observatories. These observatories collect and analyze data related to tourism’s social, economic, and environmental impacts, helping destinations to monitor their sustainability efforts and improve decision-making.
Vanilla Islands: The Vanilla Islands refer to a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, specifically the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, and Comoros, known for their rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and strong cultural heritage. These islands collaborate to promote tourism through joint marketing efforts and sustainable development initiatives, enhancing their appeal as a travel destination while preserving their unique environments.
Wonderful Indonesia: Wonderful Indonesia is a national branding campaign initiated by the Indonesian government aimed at promoting tourism to the country. It focuses on showcasing Indonesia's rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse attractions to attract international visitors and enhance the country's image as a premier travel destination.
World Tourism Alliance (WTA): The World Tourism Alliance (WTA) is a global organization aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development and enhancing cooperation among tourism stakeholders. It serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to address challenges in the tourism sector. The WTA plays a vital role in advocating for policies that support inclusive and sustainable growth within the international tourism industry.
World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC): The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is an organization that represents the global travel and tourism sector, focusing on promoting sustainable growth and development in the industry. It brings together leaders from the private sector to share insights, data, and best practices, which helps to influence policies that impact tourism worldwide. By advocating for the economic and social benefits of travel and tourism, the WTTC aims to foster understanding and support for this vital industry among governments and stakeholders.