The Participation of Private Stakeholders in International Tourism Governance

Tourism represents a major sector of the global economy, generating around 10% of global GDP and facilitating cultural exchange, while also producing environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and unequal economic benefits. Despite its transboundary relevance, the governance of tourism has received limited attention in the law of international organizations. This paper examines the role of UN Tourism, a UN specialized agency, in coordinating global tourism regulation and integrating private stakeholders. Through its affiliate membership system, UN Tourism formally incorporates companies, industry associations, academic institutions, and civil society groups, though commercial actors often dominate decision-making. Case studies of partnerships with UNESCO, ICAO, UNEP, the African Union, and the European Union reveal how private interests shape initiatives on sustainability, digital transformation, and heritage protection. The paper concludes that while UN Tourism promotes inclusivity and sustainable development, its governance structure privileges market driven actors, risking the reproduction of global inequalities under a sustainability narrative.