World Committee on Tourism Ethics Statement on World Tourism Day 2024

International

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body reporting directly to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) General Assembly, met under interim chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement:

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) welcomes the decision of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to designate "Tourism and Peace" as the theme for World Tourism Day 2024. The theme is particularly timely in light of the current global climate of conflict and division.

Recognizing tourism´s significant influence in fostering cross-cultural understanding as a foundation for peace and sustainable development, the Committee reaffirms the vital role of tourism as a catalyst for peace, mutual understanding, and friendship among people worldwide.

Acknowledging the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General “building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act.” and guided by article 1 of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls for all efforts to support peace negotiations in conflict-affected destinations, adhering to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics interprets, implements, and evaluates the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, promotes its ethical principles, and monitors their practical application by the private sector including the right to Tourism.

Tourism should always serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance and mutually beneficial interactions between people and countries.