Key issues for tourism development – the AM-UNWTO contribution

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the contribution of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Afiliate Members’ Programme, its knowledge generation, prototypes and research initiatives to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the activities and projects of the UNWTO, as they generate market knowledge, promote competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, foster tourism education and training and work to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world.

Findings

The UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme serves as the major gateway for the collaboration between the private and public sectors, working together for the development of tourism. Bringing together over 470 companies, educational and research institutions, destinations and NGOs, this interactive platform provides a space for members to engage in dialogue, share information and take further action.

Practical implications

The UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme has identified some key focus areas for the overall development of tourism and accordingly designed public–private models of collaboration that can be applied in practice.

Originality/value

UNWTO offers a unique platform to stimulate public–private and academic partnerships in creation, dissemination and application of knowledge in tourism, focusing specifically on innovation.

Citation

Perdomo, Y. (2016), "Key issues for tourism development – the AM-UNWTO contribution", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 8 No. 6, pp. 625-632. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-09-2016-0050