Tourism, which has expanded dramatically over the past 30 years, looks set to continue growing, as societies become more mobile and prosperous. Tourism is a key component of the service economy (30% of international trade in services in the OECD area) which is driving growth in most OECD countries. In terms of revenue, OECD countries generate about 70% of world tourism activity.

Globalisation, increased international competitiveness and key sectoral and cross-sectoral challenges affect and modify central governments' role in tourism. In this regard, the Tourism Committee serves as the principal point of contact on tourism policy issues at the OECD and it provides a unique forum for dialogue on tourism, socio-economic, trade, statistical and analytical related issues.

The Tourism Committee aims to enhance the capacity of OECD governments to adjust their policies and actions to support sustainable growth in tourism, and to better integrate tourism policy issues with other policy areas. In addition, it attempts to raise awareness of international issues and to foster international co-operation.

Current activities focus on: helping Member countries to improve the performance of their tourism policies so as to achieve a competitive and sustainable tourism industry; and increasing the understanding of the socio-economic significance of tourism in OECD and non-OECD countries.

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