As a specialized multilateral agency of the United Nations, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the multi-lateral international body in the field of tourism, acting as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a source of tourism know-how. While primarily an intergovernmental organization with over 150 member countries, it also welcomes the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities to participate as Affiliate Members. India participated in the 88th Session of the Executive Council Meeting of UNWTO in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina from 6 -8 June, 2010 and in the 89th Session of the Executive Council Meeting at Kish Island, Iran from 24-26 October 2010. India was elected to the Executive Council of UNWTO in October 2009 during the General Assembly Session at Astana, Kazakhstan. The Executive Council is the governing body of the UNWTO, which is responsible for ensuring that the Organisation carries out the work and adheres to its budget. India is a member of the Executive council of UNWTO continuously for the last 19 years; during this period, India has been elected to the Chairmanship of the Executive Council twice.