World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)


Logo for World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)

www.unwto.org
HQ: Madrid, Spain
Focal Point: Philippe Lemaistre

Mission

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism.
UN Tourism works with its Member States and Affiliate Members to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. The Organization offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Field offices


⦁    HQ, Madrid, Spain
⦁    Regional Office for the Middle East, Riyadh, KSA

Alignment with Strategy for Sustainability Management in the United Nations System 2020–2030, Phase 1: Environmental Sustainability in the Area of Management

UN Tourism leads the sector in fulfilling its climate action responsibilities. Recognizing tourism’s position as the third-largest export category and a driver of growth and opportunity, UN Tourism also works with its Members to reduce any negative impacts. The Organization has united the sector around ambitious climate action commitments, and leads by example in accelerating the shift towards a more sustainable tourism.  

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism

Emission Reduction

The Organization reached climate-neutrality in 2015 and has stayed there ever since. Offsets bought correspond to a wind power project.

EMS and Reduction Efforts

For the 2023 reporting year, UNWTO’s progress on the EMS is rated as: Does not meet.

Environmental Training for Personnel

For the 2023 reporting year, UNWTO’s status on providing training on environmental sustainability is: No.

Next Steps

UN Tourism will change HQ premises in 2025, with higher environmental norms.