From correspondents in Delhi, India, 06:03 PM IST

Tourism Minister Ambika Soni Monday left for Madrid to attend the meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) during which the impact of global meltdown on tourism would be dicussed.

Soni will be chairing the 84th session of the UNWTO's Executive Council meeting in Madrid Oct 14-15.

In the meeting, the members would be taking up the findings of a study conducted by tourism experts on global imbalances and tourism growth. "They would be highlighting the steps that can be taken by member states for promoting tourism in the current economic scenario," said a statement issued here Monday.

Soni, who is also culture minister, will return Oct 16.

The UNWTO serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and promotes the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of developing countries.

The Executive Council is UNWTO's governing board and is responsible for ensuring that the organization carries out its work. It meets twice a year and is composed of 30 member countries.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)