Part II Commercial Aspects of the Marine Environment, 9 The UN World Tourism Organization and Global Ocean Governance

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in global ocean governance. The UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and helps to ensure that Member States, tourist destinations and the business community maximize the positive economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts. It has three primary objectives: to promote safe and seamless travel, enhance the role of technology in tourism, and link growth and sustainability and promote tourism as a tool for development. After providing a general overview of the UNWTO’s aims, structure and governance, and membership, the chapter examines its work with respect to ocean governance and sea-related tourism, along with the ways in which it promotes sustainable development of tourism.