Abstract:

The last quarter of the 20th century has seen the development of a new economic power for states. The organized travels of masses have formed a new industry: tourism. When tourism has become one of the most important and innovative element in the economic growth of states, the need to organize and regulate tourism-related matters has also become vital. Hence, this demand has transformed itself into an inter-governmental organization i.e. World Tourism Organization. In fact, before its establishment, there was a non-governmental organization in this field, and with the help of the United Nations this organization has turned itself into World Tourism Organization. Apparently, despite its prominence, the World Tourism Organization has been neglected. The indications of this negligence can be seen either in the number of its member states, particularly comparing it to the other specialized agencies or in the misleading information about its real status in the global media. Nevertheless, this article contains a short description of a deviated specialized agency, which is World Tourism Organization, and also includes the brief history of its establishment, the features of its membership, the main structure of the organization, its legal status, and its relation with the United Nations, as well. Furthermore, this organization represents one of the most influential transformations in the whole history of international institutional law.

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