Asia’s tourism businesses commit to UNWTO Global Code of Ethics
PR No.: PR12038
Some of Asia’s most prominent tourism businesses have signed the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, committing to implement the ethical provisions of the Code in their policies, plans and business operations. The signing took place at the first Regional Conference on Tourism Partnerships on Future Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in the presence of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai and H.E. Mr. Yoo Jinryong, Korea´s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (1 June, Seoul, Republic of Korea).
It is the first time that Asian tourism businesses have pledged to adhere to the Code. Eight companies from Korea and Hong Kong (China) joined more than 100 others from all over the world who already subscribed to the fundamental idea that the realization of responsible tourism requires that the private sector, like their counterparts in the public sector, embrace the principles of ethical, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The signing was witnessed by H.E. Mr. Yoo Jinryong, Korea´s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who was present at the conference.
“This is a testimony of the commitment of these companies to the principles of a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “I trust that this will lead the way for other companies from Asia and the Pacific, a region which is one of the main engines of sustainable tourism growth today and in the foreseeable future,” he added.
The Code is UNWTO’s core policy document and represents a guide for the development of sustainable tourism. Adopted in 1999 by the UNWTO General Assembly and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, it is designed to guide the development of tourism in a way that maximizes the socio-economic benefits of the sector, while minimizing any negative impacts.
The signatory companies and associations were Asiana Airlines, Hana Tour, Korean Air, the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), the Korea MICE Association, the Korea Tourism Association (KTA), Lotte Hotel and Resorts and Sanctuary Resorts.
This group of companies and an association joins another 119 companies spread over 13 countries: Armenia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, Spain, Tunisia and Uruguay.
Relevant links:
1st UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Partnerships: Future Tourism for Asia and the Pacific
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: +34 91-567-8100
Fax: +34 91-567-8218
