Setting Tourism’s recovery on a more ethical path
Meeting in Madrid and guided by the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee explored the main topics of its working groups for the next four years (period of 2022-2025). The focus of the Committee will be on analysing the ethical aspects and impacts of the following tourism-related areas, namely, (1) Decent Work, Inclusive Growth & Community Empowerment, (2) Technology & Digital Platforms, (3) Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability, and (4) Social Sustainability & Intercultural Dialogues. These areas will include several issues to which the committee will pay specific attention.
At UNWTO’s headquarters in Madrid, WCTE Chair, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka welcomed members to the first in-person Committee session since the start of the pandemic. She said: Right now, it is safe to say that while many precautions must still be applied, the world is moving towards a positive destination. It is our job in this Committee to keep an eye open on the ethical applications of a tourism inclusive recovery.
UNWTO Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic, added: This year we have recovered almost 60% of international tourist arrivals in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers. This shows that the tourism sector, while in deep crisis, has the capacity to bounce back. Most importantly, we must have the right ethical tools as many livelihoods depend on tourism.
The World Committee on Tourism Ethics - a subsidiary body of the UNWTO General Assembly - is an independent and impartial body responsible for interpreting, applying and evaluating the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. The current World Committee on Tourism Ethics is made up of: Chair: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; Full Members: Meyada Belal, José Ignacio Besga Zuazola, Luis Fernando Jiménez Guzman, Sue Longley, Lawal Mohammed Marafa, Hiroaki Matsuura, Daniela Otero, Gabriela Tigu and Alternate Members: Gunnur Diker, Shahid Hamid Fih and Marina Novelli.
About The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency fostering tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation and a central pillar of recovery. As part of the wider UN system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural and cultural heritage.
