RENFE expresses its commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
PR No.: PR 17069
RENFE, the state-owned company responsible for providing passenger and freight rail transport services in Spain, has formalized its commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The entity, which is part of the Ministry of Public Works, made public its commitment in an official ceremony held at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid.
The Code represents the only international document focused on promoting a more responsible tourism sector. At present, 514 companies and associations from 68 countries have signed the commitment, a roadmap to guide actions towards tourism that is responsible with regard to the environment as well as to local culture and communities.
“The commitment of Renfe, a leader in the transport of goods and passengers around the world, to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is an important step forward, and comes precisely when we are observing the International Year of the Sustainable Tourism for Development,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.
“It is a pleasure for Renfe to adhere to this Code of Ethics because the promotion of sustainable tourism in order to foster development is part of our strategy as a key company in the mobility system in Spain,” said Renfe President Juan Alfaro.
Renfe is also participating in the project of the UNWTO and the Global Compact Network Spain on tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Code includes principles such as respect for human rights and cultural heritage, the protection of the environment and the most vulnerable communities, as well as concepts such as inclusiveness, gender equality and accessibility. “This is a universal document that should guide both the public and private sectors if we want to build tourism that contributes to a better future for all,” said the Secretary-General.
The Code of Ethics, which is currently undergoing a process of conversion into an international convention, was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 with the intention of inviting Member States to apply ethical principles in relation to tourism.
Additional information:
UNWTO Ethics and Social Responsibility Programme
World Committee on Tourism Ethics
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer Rut Gomez Sobrino
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 / rgomez@unwto.org
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 / comm@UNWTO.org
