DUSHANBE
, February 27, Asia-Plus —
Tajikistan
may possibly join the World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO/OMT) already this year, according to information from the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MET).
The MET source says it is provided for by
Tajikistan
’s national tourism development program designed for 2004-2009.
At present
Tajikistan
is preparing all relevant documents and information that will be sent to the Organizations Headquarters in
Madrid
.
But
Tajikistan
has to resolve numerous problems on the way to joining the UNTO/OMT.
“The membership fee, for example, amounts to US$30,000 a year and it is necessary to determine now whether Tajikistan will be in position to fulfill its obligations,” the source said, adding that admittance to membership of the Organization will give opportunities to Tajikistan to develop tourism, participate in all UNWTO/OMT-sponsored events, as well as provide access to materials about tourism and appropriate methodical assistance, etc.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism know-how.
With its headquarters in
Madrid
,
Spain
, the UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, with the aim of contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms. In pursuing this aim, the Organization pays particular attention to the interests of developing countries in the field of tourism.
The UNWTO plays a catalytic role in promoting technology transfers and international cooperation, in stimulating and developing public-private sector partnerships and in encouraging the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts.
The UNWTO/OMT”s membership is comprised of 146 countries, seven territories and more than 300 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
