Norway becomes member of UNWTO

Norway could soon see a number of developments in its tourism industry after becoming a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The Scandinavian country has become the UNWTO's 154th member state and its 45th member in Europe.

Norway's inclusion in the organisation is part of its strategy to utilise tourism, as well as industries such as agriculture, fishing and oil, as a driver of economic growth.

Over the coming years, the country intends to support rural communities through local tourism and also establish itself as a sustainable holiday destination.

Holidaymakers have shown an increasing interest in Norway over recent years, with an average 4.1 per cent year-on-year increase in visitors between 2000 and 2006 leading to more than four million international tourists for the first time two years ago.

British travellers can catch flights to a number of destinations in Norway, such as Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen, with airlines including SAS and bmi.

The country's main tourist attractions include its fjords and rugged landscapes. In winter, Norway is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding holidays.

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