How WTO Works
The principle organs of the World Tourism Organization are the:
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the World Tourism Organization. It meets every two years to approve the budget and programme of work, and to debate topics of vital importance to the tourism sector. Every four years it elects a Secretary-General. The General Assembly is composed of voting delegates representing Full Members and Associate Members. Affiliate Members and representatives of other international organizations participate as observers.
Executive Council
The Executive Council is WTO’s governing board, responsible for ensuring that the organization carries out its work and sticks to its budget. It meets twice a year and is composed of 26 members elected by the General Assembly in a ratio of one for every five Full Members. Associate Members and Affiliate Members participate in Executive Council meetings as observers.
Regional Commissions
WTO has six regional commissions—Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. The commissions meet at least once a year and are composed of all the Full Members and Associate Members from that region. Affiliate Members from the region participate as observers.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is led by Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli, who supervises about 80 full-time staff at WTO’s Madrid headquarters. These officials are responsible for implementing WTO’s programme of work and serving the needs of members.