Historical decision: approval of the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics

The member States of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) approved today an historical document – the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics. The Convention, approved at the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly transforms the Code of Ethics for Tourism into an international convention, the first in the life of the Organization.

The Convention covers the responsibilities of all stakeholders in the development sustainable tourism, providing a framework that recommends an ethical and sustainable modus operandi, including the right to tourism, the freedom of movement for tourists and the rights of employees and professionals.

“In an interconnected world where the business volume of tourism equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, ‎food products or automobiles, it is important to set out a legal framework to ensure that growth is dealt with responsibly and that it can be sustained over time. Tourism is a power that must be harnessed for the benefit of all,” said the Chairman of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), Pascal Lamy.

Appointed as Chairman of the WTCE in 2013, Pascal Lamy, together with his colleagues in the Committee, has been instrumental in the process of presenting the Convention on Tourism Ethics to the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly.

The conversion of the Code, which was adopted in 1999, into a proper Convention represents a significant step towards ensuring that tourism development is done with full respect for sustainable development, social issues, local community development, improves understanding between cultures and addresses labour issues.

“This is an historical moment for UNWTO, said the Secretary-General”, Taleb Rifai. “The approval of the Convention is a strong legacy of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development that we celebrate this year. It is also a strong sign that countries are committed to make tourism a force for a better future for all. It reinforces UNWTO institutional outreach in the UN system,” he added.

You might also like

Government

Indian Railways launches new train services from Bhubaneswar and Bhopal

The Indian Railways on Thursday launched two train services from Bhubaneswar and Bhopal to cater to growing demand of passengers from the region. The weekly ‘Humsafar Express’ was pressed into

Destinations

AirAsia India announces ‘Mid-Summer Sale’

AirAsia India’s ‘Mid-Summer Sale’ offer is applicable on destinations including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ranchi. AirAsia India has announced flight tickets starting under Rs. 1,500 on select routes.

Trending

India International Hospitality Expo 2018 concluded successfully

India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 18) started out with a grand vision – to become the Biggest Hospitality Show in Asia. As the curtain falls on the first chapter of