PR No.: PR 17077

The meeting dedicated special attention to the need to continue enhancing UNWTO’s work on the promotion of safe, secure and seamless travel. UNWTO has recently launched a High Level Tourism and Security Task Force to advance this issue. The Member States expressed their condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, and a minute of silence was held in memory of the victims.

An authentic and unexplored gem in European tourism, whose wines are appreciated and renowned worldwide, the Republic of Moldova has demonstrated a strong commitment with sustainable tourism. “The Republic of Moldova is still an emerging tourist destination, but has all the potential to become a must-see destination; the demonstrated commitment to sustainable development of tourism will ensure that the country reaps all the rewards that tourism has to offer.” said UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai.

UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai met the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Pavel Filip, to discuss the role of tourism in the socio-economic development of the country. The meeting underlined the importance that Moldova is giving to the tourism sector in the country's economy. 

 “We are convinced that tourism is a key tool for Moldova to achieve sustainable growth and job creation, and indeed to help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This meeting will undoubtedly help us to support our tourism sector in achieving its potential” said Stanislav Rusu, Director General of the Tourism Agency of the Republic of Moldova.

UNWTO’s Commission Meeting also reviewed the work of the Organization’s technical committees on Competitiveness, Sustainability and Statistics and Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), and the activities of Member States to celebrate the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. Further items on the agenda included the transformation of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics into an international convention, the creation of national committees on tourism ethics and the priorities of UNWTO’s Programme of Work for 2018-2019.

The Meeting was completed with an Official Event of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 showcasing initiatives developed in Italy and France - Ecobnb (http://ecobnb.com) and Betterfly Tourism (http://www.betterfly-tourism.com) and a tree planting ceremony with the presence of UNWTO Secretary-General, the Director General of the Tourism Agency of the Republic of Moldova, the Head of the  EU Delegation to Moldova, Pirkka Tapiola, and the diplomatic community of Moldova.

Hungary was nominated to host the official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2018 and the Member States welcomed the Czech Republic’s candidacy to hold the 2019 UNWTO Regional Commission meeting. Both decisions will be taken to the UNWTO General Assembly and the Regional Commission for Europe, respectively, in September in Chengdu, China.

Additional information:

Website of the Regional Commission

Website of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Photos of the Event

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

PR No.: PR 17069

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

Tourism and SDGs

Photos of the event

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

PR No.: PR 17061

The Congress, jointly organized by UNWTO and the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of Poland in collaboration with the European Commission is part of the EU project ‘Enhancing the Understanding of European Tourism.’

Moderated by BBC The Travel Show presenter Rajan Datar, the event touched upon fundamental topics of responsible and sustainable tourism development such as the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation aimed at advancing resource efficiency, shared value and accountability of all stakeholders.

In line with the principles of accessible tourism for all, the Congress further underlined that tourism is a human right and not a privilege and that an inclusive tourism sector is good for its direct beneficiaries but also enhances competiveness and the quality of destinations and businesses.

In terms of responsible management of tourism destinations, the Congress evidenced the need for meaningful participation of local communities in tourism development, especially in early phases of planning.

In the context of social responsibility and accountability of tourism business, representatives from the private sector showcased how companies can contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Good practices were presented spanning from promoting sustainable consumption patterns, promoting diversity at work place, empowering women and youth, ensuring the protection of children in tourism, raising awareness about humanitarian crises and disasters, as well as motivating employees’ to get involved in the communities in which they operate. 

Against this backdrop and leading by example, five Polish companies publicly signed the Private Sector Commitment to Global Code of Ethics for Tourism – the Chamber of Commerce of the Polish Hotel Industry IGHP, Events Industry Association, Orbis S.A., Polish Camping and Caravanning Federation PFCC, Polish Tour Operator Association, in which they were joined by Trip Advisor.

Speakers in the Congress comprised representatives from the Ministries of Tourism of Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Romania, Germany and Greece and the tourism boards of Iceland and Scotland.

UNESCO, the European Network for Accessible Tourism, Europe without Barriers, Tourism Watch, Social Enterprise Banglanatak-India as well as academics from Lodz and Surrey University also featured in the programme.

The private sector was represented by NH Hotels, TripAdvisor, TUI Group, ClubMed, Amadeus IT Group, Scandic Hotels, Stora Brannbo Con and Orbis Hotels.

Additional information:

The ‘Enhancing the Understanding of European Tourism’ Project is a joint project by UNWTO and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission (DG GROW). The project aims to improve the socio-economic knowledge of the tourism sector, enhance the understanding of European tourism and contribute towards economic growth, job creation, thus improving the competitiveness of the sector in Europe. The project includes three components: 1) increased cooperation and capacity building in tourism statistics; 2) assessment of tourism market trends; 3) promotion of cultural tourism through the Western Silk Road and; 4) promoting sustainable, responsible, accessible and ethical tourism. The project is co-financed with COSME funds and will run until February 2018.

Useful links:

Brochure of the 3rd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism

Conclusions of the 3rd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism

UNWTO Ethics and Social Responsibility Programme

European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG-Growth)

World Committee on Tourism Ethics

UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

UNWTO Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

Photos of the Event

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