Fourteen of Mexico’s major tourism companies and associations have signed commitments to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, joining the growing number of private sector players that have pledged to promote and implement the values of responsible and sustainable tourism as championed by the Code.
The
signing, held on the occasion of the 94th Session of the UNWTO
Executive Council, was witnessed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb
Rifai, the Minister of Tourism of Mexico, Gloria Guevara, and the
Members of UNWTO Executive Council.
“Today
you are committing your company to the integration of ethical norms
and responsible practices in all its operations and policies,” said
Mr. Rifai. “Without the private sector committing to economic,
social and ethical responsibility, tourism cannot achieve its goals,”
he added.
“The
Code is the basis for sustainability in tourism around the world and
central for tourism development in Mexico,“ said Minister Guevara.
“The Code is vital in several areas, but most importantly because
it protects people, particularly those less favored such as children
and women, against exploitation and promotes social inclusion.”
Adopted
in 1999 by the UNWTO General Assembly and endorsed by the United
Nations General Assembly in 2001, the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for
Tourism is a set of principles designed to guide the development of
tourism in a way that maximizes the socio-economic benefits of the
sector, while minimizing any negative impacts.
UNWTO
promotes the adherence of private tourism enterprises and
associations to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. A special
focus on social, cultural and economic issues is one of the main
objectives of the Private Sector Commitment to the Code. The
Commitment seeks to draw particular attention to issues such as human
rights, social inclusion, gender equality, accessibility, and the
protection of vulnerable groups and host communities.