ABSTRACT
As the leading international body in the field of tourism, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) is the United Nation's specialized agency entrusted with its promotion and development. The WTO serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and as a practical source of tourism know-how. Membership currently consists of 145 countries, 7 territories and around 300 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, education institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities (www.world-tourism.org).
