Global Codes of Ethics in Tourism
Are you curious about the number of Global Codes of Ethics that exist in the tourism industry? Well, to answer your question, there are two main Global Codes of Ethics that govern tourism practices worldwide. These codes are designed to regulate and promote responsible tourism management practices across the globe.
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) introduced the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in 1999. This code aims to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction, cultural and environmental preservation.
The UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism has nine fundamental principles:
Principle 1: Tourism should contribute to socio-economic development. Principle 2: Tourism should be a vehicle for individual and collective fulfillment. Principle 3: Tourism should be conducted with respect for human rights. Principle 4: Tourism should be sustainable.
Principle 5: Tourism stakeholders should work together for mutual benefit. Principle 6: Tourism activities should be developed with appropriate planning and management processes. Principle 7: The benefits of tourism should be shared widely and fairly among all stakeholders. Principle 8: Information on tourism policies, plans, programs, and activities should be disclosed to all stakeholders. Principle 9: Ethical principles and values should guide all tourism stakeholders.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria
The GSTC was established in 2007 by several international organizations with an aim to promote sustainable tourism practices around the globe. The council developed its criteria as a set of guidelines that can help destinations, hotels, and tour operators to adopt sustainable practices.
The GSTC Criteria consists of four categories:
Category 1: Sustainable management
This category focuses on the implementation of sustainable policies, strategies, and management practices.
Category 2: Socio-economic impacts
This category reflects the importance of tourism to support local economic development, social well-being, and cultural heritage preservation.
Category 3: Cultural heritage conservation
This category emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage through tourism activities while respecting local communities’ cultural values.
Category 4: Environmental conservation
This category focuses on minimizing the negative environmental impacts of tourism and promoting sustainable practices to protect natural resources.
The Benefits of Global Codes of Ethics for Tourism
The existence of global codes of ethics for tourism is essential because it helps ensure that tourism activities are conducted responsibly, sustainably, and with respect for human rights. These codes guide all stakeholders in the tourism industry about their ethical responsibilities towards society, culture, and environment. Moreover, these guidelines help promote sustainable tourism development by encouraging better planning processes that consider environmental impacts and local community needs.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are two primary Global Codes of Ethics that govern tourism worldwide: The UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria. These codes provide a set of guidelines that can help destinations, hotels, tour operators adopt responsible and sustainable practices that respect human rights while contributing to socio-economic development. By adopting these principles in their operations, stakeholders in the tourism industry can promote sustainability while providing unforgettable experiences to travelers around the world.