Every people and every place possess a unique culture. Experiencing different ways of life, discovering new food and customs and visiting cultural sites have become leading motivations for people to travel. As a result, tourism and travel activities are today a crucial source of revenue and job creation.

With millions of people travelling the world each year, never before have so many people been to so many places, nor been so exposed to other cultures. This interaction between individuals and communities, and their diverse cultures, can lead to tolerance, respect and mutual understanding - core aims of the Alliance of Civilizations. Yet tourism growth also brings serious responsibilities to minimize any potentially negative impacts on the cultural assets and heritage of mankind.
This session will focus on how the Tourism and Travel sector, as an economic sector based on human interaction, exchange and dialogue, can find ways to allow more direct contact between Tourists/Travellers and local people and to open and stimulate broader discussions among them. Tourism sector stakeholders will discuss how to encourage tourists to act in a way that is conscious and respectful of culture, promotes intercultural dialogue and ensures that local communities fully participate in, and benefit from, the development opportunities of tourism.

Participants will also discuss how the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a set of universal values, principles and standards, can guide tourism´s development so that it is sustainable, ethical and responsible.

Ideas and proposals for future innovative actions to strengthen the role of tourism in promoting mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue shall thus be the outcome of this session.
 

AoC website:
http://www.unaoc.org/

AoC Doha Forum website:
http://www.qatar4unaoc.org/
 

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