UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

A vocabulary flashcard deck detailing the articles, foundational principles, stakeholder obligations, and dispute settlement procedures of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

A comprehensive set of interdependent principles adopted by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) in 1999 to guide stakeholders in tourism development toward responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

Resolution A/RES/406(XIII)

The formal resolution adopted at the thirteenth WTO General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, on 1 October 1999, which officially enacted the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Ottawa International Conference (1991)

A conference held from 24 to 28 June 1991 that established the definitions and classifications applicable to travel, notably the core concepts of "visitor", "tourist", and "tourism", later approved by the UN Statistical Commission in 1993.

Article 1 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Tourism's contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies"; it promotes tolerance, ethical values, the protection of tourists and cultural/natural heritage by public authorities, and visitor compliance with local laws.

Article 2 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Tourism as a vehicle for individual and collective fulfilment"; it identifies tourism as an activity for rest and self-education, promotes human rights and equality, and strictly condemns all forms of human exploitation, particularly child sexual exploitation.

Article 3 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Tourism, a factor of sustainable development"; it mandates safeguarding natural ecosystems, saving rare resources like water and energy, staggering tourist flows to protect environments, and adhering to site carrying capacities.

Article 4 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Tourism, a user of the cultural heritage of mankind and a contributor to its enhancement"; it designates tourism resources as common heritage, requires revenue to support site upkeep, and encourages public access while preventing cultural standardization.

Article 5 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Tourism, a beneficial activity for host countries and communities"; it stipulates that local populations must share equitably in tourism benefits, gives priority to local manpower, and requires investors to conduct transparent impact studies.

Article 6 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Obligations of stakeholders in tourism development"; it obliges professionals to provide transparent contract terms, prioritize safety and repatriation assistance, and requires governments to issue objective, proportionate travel advisories.

Article 7 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Right to tourism"; it recognizes universal access to travel as an extension of the right to rest and leisure under Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, promoting social, youth, family, senior, and accessible tourism.

Article 8 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Liberty of tourist movements"; it guarantees tourists freedom of movement under international law, access to communications and consular services, protection of electronic personal data, and simplified border and customs formalities.

Article 9 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry"; it protects fundamental labor rights, addresses seasonal worker vulnerabilities, supports SME enterprise access, and prevents multinational firms from exploiting dominant positions.

Article 10 of the Global Code of Ethics

Titled "Implementation of the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism"; it calls on public and private stakeholders to monitor compliance and refer disputes concerning the Code's interpretation to the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.

World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE)

An impartial body established by the WTO General Assembly mandated to promote the acceptance and implementation of the Code and to conduct conciliation procedures for dispute settlements.

Stakeholders in Tourism Development

Entities identified under the Code, including national and local governments, tourism enterprises and establishments, financial institutions, employees, trade unions, travelers, host communities, and specialized non-governmental organizations.

Social Tourism

A form of tourism, particularly associative tourism, that is supported by public authorities to facilitate widespread, barrier-free access to leisure, travel, and holidays for broad sectors of society.

Travel Advisories

Official warnings issued by governments to their nationals regarding travel risks; under Article 6, they must be proportionate to the situation, discussed with host nations beforehand, and cancelled as soon as normalcy returns.

Joint Submission Requirement

A procedural condition under the WCTE dispute guidelines stipulating that disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Code will only be examined if jointly submitted by all parties involved.

Conciliation Panel

A body of three members that may be appointed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics to examine the Secretary-General's report and formulate draft recommendations for dispute settlements.