LEARNING UNIT 8-INTERNATIONAL

LAW ON TOURISM
THE LAW
World Tourism Organization
• The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading
international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a
practical source of tourism know-how. It plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of
responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of
developing countries.
• The Organization encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to
ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, social
and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and
environmental impact.
• Its membership includes 157 countries (including the Philippines) and territories and more than 300 affiliate
members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism
authorities. UNWTO is committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, geared towards
reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.
 The Global Code of Ethics for
Tourism
 The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism sets a frame of reference for
the responsible and sustainable development of world tourism. It
draws inspiration from many similar declarations industry codes
that have come before and it adds new thinking that reflects are our
changing society at the beginning of the 21 st century. With
international tourism forecast to nearly triple in volume over the
next 20 years, members of the World Tourism Organization believe
that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is needed to help
minimize the negatives impacts of tourism on the environment and
on cultural heritage while maximizing the benefits for residents of
tourism destinations.
 The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a
comprehensive set of principles whose purpose is to guide
Discussion of stakeholders in tourism development, central and local
governments, local communities, the tourism industry and
the Law its professionals, as well as visitors, both international and
domestic.

The Code was called for in a resolution of the UNWTO

General Assembly meeting in Istanbul in 1997. Over the
following two years, a special committee for the preparation
of the Global Code of Ethics was formed and a draft
document was prepared by the Secretary-General and the
legal adviser to UNWTO in consultation with UNWTO
Business Council, UNWTO's Regional Commissions, and
the UNWTO Executive Council.