III. Committing to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Private Sector Commitment to the
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
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“UNWTO is guided by the belief that tourism can make a meaningful contribution to people’s lives and our planet. This conviction is at the very heart of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a roadmap for tourism development. I call on all to read, circulate and adopt the Code for the benefit of tourists, tour operators, host communities and their environments worldwide.”
- Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General
I. The UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
The UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is a roadmap for responsible and sustainable tourism development endorsed by the United Nations Generally Assembly in 2001.
Its 10 principles, covering the economic, social, cultural and environmental components of tourism, are intended to help maximize the sector’s benefits while minimizing any potentially negative impacts.
While the Code of Ethics is not legally binding, it features a voluntary implementation mechanism through the recognition of the role of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics. Established in 2004 as an independent and impartial body, stakeholders may refer any matters regarding the Code’s interpretation and application to the Committee.
Full-text is available at http://ethics.unwto.org.
II. Ethical Principles for the Private Sector
The following principles are most relevant for private sector corporate social responsibility:
• Article 2: Tourism as a vehicle for individual and collective fulfillment
Tourism businesses should promote tolerance and gender equality, respecting human rights while combating the exploitation of the most vulnerable groups in society.
• Article 3: Tourism, a factor of sustainable development
Tourism practitioners should safeguard the environment and natural heritage, preserve resources, and avoid waste production, ideally by agreeing to limitations on their activities in highly sensitive areas.
• Article 5: Tourism, a beneficial activity for host countries and communities
Tourism companies should integrate locals into a destination’s economic and social fabric, giving priority to local manpower. Studies on the impact of development projects and dialogue with host populations are both essential.
• Article 6: Obligations of stakeholders in tourism development
Tourism professionals should provide tourists with objective information on destinations and conditions of travel, demonstrating concern for clients’ security, ensuring suitable insurance and assistance systems, and supporting tourists’ cultural and spiritual fulfilment.
• Article 9: Rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry
Tourism enterprises should not exploit their positions or impose socio-cultural models on host communities. They should be involved in local development, avoid the excessive repatriation of profits, and guarantee workers’ fundamental rights.
III. Committing to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
The Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism represents a public declaration on behalf of a tourism enterprise or association to uphold and integrate the Code’s principles in its corporate governance.
Signature is fully complimentary and open to all tourism companies (hotels, accommodation chains, airlines, Global Distribution
Systems (GDS), tour operators, travel agencies) and relevant national and regional associations.
By signing the commitment companies pledge to:
• Observe the principles of the Code
To adhere to the principles of the Code of Ethics related to sustainable and responsible tourism, human rights – particularly those of host communities and workers – and the fight against the exploitation of human beings and natural heritage.
• Disseminate the Code
To disseminate and promote the Code to partners, providers, staff and clients throughout the travel and tourism sector.
• Report on the implementation of the Code in its corporate governance
To report to the World Committee on Tourism Ethics on actions taken to put into practice the principles of the Code in the field of corporate social responsibility. Special focus should be placed on socio-cultural and economic issues, such as human rights, gender equality, accessibility, social inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable groups.