World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As of February 2019, the UNWTO’s membership is comprised of 158 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. UNWTO encourages the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

To reinforce international cooperation, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) opened its Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP) in Japan in 1995. Currently, RSOAP promotes its activities out of its main location in Nara, Japan, in conjunction with its Tokyo Liaison Office located at the United Nations University Headquarters.

Tourism plays an important role in creating jobs and maximizing socio-economic development globally. It can be an effective tool to foster mutual understanding between cultures and ultimately contribute to world peace.

With a focus on the Asia Pacific region, RSOAP aims to 1) promote sustainable tourism development 2) disseminate information based on UNWTO tourism statistics, research and report, and 3) revitalize tourism exchange by organizing international conferences and enhancing partnerships with various tourism stakeholders from the private and public sectors, UN-sister agencies, and other international organizations.

To learn more about the UNWTO, please visit: www.unwto.org