World Tourism Organisation (WTO)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The WTO is devoted to the promotion and development of travel and tourism. The WTO was founded in 1975 as a successor to the International Union of Official Travel Organisations (IOUTO), of which South Africa was a founder member. South Africa was forced to leave the IOUTO as a result of South Africa's apartheid policy. In 1994 South Africa joined the World Tourism Organisation as a full member. The Organisation is based in Madrid, Spain.

The fundamental aim of the Organisation is to promote and develop tourism with a view to contribute to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

In pursuing this aim, the Organisation pays particular attention to the interests of the developing countries in the field of tourism.

Further information can be found on the WTO web site

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
South African Tourism (SATOUR)

GENERAL COMMENTS

South Africa's Involvement in the WTO

In 1994 South Africa joined the WTO as a full member and has actively participated in all the major conferences organised by WTO, especially those of the General Assembly and the Executive Council. The South African Mission in Madrid has attended all the meetings of the Environmental Committee and Technical Committee of WTO which have been held in Madrid since we joined in 1994. The Mission also encourages other South African missions to attend these meetings if held in their countries of accreditation.