This document discusses the political context of international tourism. It explains that diplomatic recognition and reciprocal relations between countries are prerequisites for international tourism. There are different types of diplomatic recognition ranging from de jure to de facto to no recognition. Consulates and embassies help facilitate tourism by issuing visas and passports. Various US government agencies like the Department of State and organizations like the World Tourism Organization also influence international tourism through policies, travel warnings, and agreements.
3. Pre-requisites for
international tourism
Diplomatic recognition, reciprocal relations
Negotiate agreements on
trade, visas, commerce, transportation, cons
ular rights
Exchange consular and ambassadorial
officials
Establish facilities and procedures for issuing
passports and visas
4. Types of Diplomatic
Recognition
de jure - highest level, given to a
government with legal franchise or
mandate from its citizens
de facto - lesser recognition, may be
temporary
No recognition - complete absence of
diplomatic relationship (North Korea)
5. Consulates and Embassies
In the US this falls under the Department of
State (DOS)
US has embassies in major capitals of the
world
Consulates are representative offices in
smaller or secondary cities - Mexican
Embassy in DC but Mexican Consulate in
Phoenix
6. Role of US Consular Offices
Protect US citizens abroad
Provide services for distressed US citizens
abroad
Promote US interests abroad
Report accidents involving US civil aircraft
abroad
Report disasters involving US vessels
Aircrafts
Ships
7. Role of US Consular Offices
cont.
Provide documentation for non-immigrants
(tourists) visiting the US on a temporary
basis - issuing visas for visitors who need
them
Work with other federal agencies such as
DHS, DOT, DOA, FBI, INTERPOL, CIA, CDC,
et.
8. Visa Agreements
US visa policy is mostly an extension of its
immigration policy
Visa Agreements are negotiations between countries
For example - Visa Waiver programs
Established to promote inbound tourism to the
US in 1988 between US, UK and Japan
Travel for 90 days or less for business or
pleasure without a visa but with a valid
passport
Expanded to 22 countries in 1993
More than 30 million had used the program by
1995
9. Warning: Influence of Non-tourism
Policies/rules
Customs and immigration policy – can facilitate or
hinder international visitation
Currency / exchange rate policies – directly affects
destination cost competitiveness
Foreign investment policy – can affect availability of
investment capital
Taxation – affects costs and thus profitability
Environmental policy – limits growth and access to
attractive but sensitive areas
Local zoning policy – can restrict or encourage specific
types of tourism facility development
14. Centers for Disease Control
Traveler’s Health
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
Health Information of over 200
international destinations
Can impact tourism arrivals to a
destination
15. World Tourism Organization
(WTO) www.world-tourism.org
Most widely recognized organization in tourism
Established: 1925
Goals:
Working to support the UN Millennium Development
Goals
Serves as a global forum
Transfers tourism know-how
Produces statistics and market research
Developed tourism human resources
Works to facilitate travel- pp, visa.
Promotes sustainability (Culture, Environment)
Regional offices-liaison with the government
Special Projects
Members:
145 countries, seven territories and >350 Affiliate Members
representing local government, tourism associations,
educational institutions, private sector companies,
including airlines, hotel groups and tour operators.
16. Tourism and the Millennium
Development Goals
End Poverty and Hunger *
Universal Education
Gender Equality *
Child Health
Maternal Health
Combat HIV/AIDS
Environmental Sustainability *
Global Partnership *
