The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism aims to transform the way tourism is done worldwide. It will focus on policy, projects, tools, and networks for all tourism stakeholders, at all scales, by working on:

	policy frameworks,
	climate change,
	environment & biodiversity,
	poverty alleviation,
	cultural and natural heritage,
	private sector sustainable practices, and
	finance & investment.

Members create and benefit from an unparallel combination of expertise, networks, and a positive public image. The Partnership builds upon the strong accomplishments of the concluding International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development (ITF-STD), including its continuing activities, network, expertise, and policy recommendations for sustainable tourism development. The indispensable criterion for being a member is the demonstrated commitment to sustainable tourism.

The Partnership will be a United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Type II Partnership, hence a multi-stakeholder, voluntary initiative. Its organizational structure will consist of an Annual General Assembly with a Steering Committee, which will be the executive body and will implement decisions of the Annual General Assembly. An Advisory Committee will provide guidance and advice to the Steering Committee. The Secretariat, to be based in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-DTIE), will support all activities and provide various services to members. The Partnership will be financed primary by direct financial contributions and in-kind support from members.