As a fundamental frame of reference for responsible and sustainable tourism, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of principles for guiding key-players in tourism development. Addressed to governments, the travel industry, communities and tourists alike, it aims to help maximize the sector’s benefits while minimizing its potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and societies across the globe.
Adopted in 1999 by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, its acknowledgement by the United Nations two years later expressly encouraged UNWTO to promote the effective follow-up of its provisions. Although not legally binding, the Code features a voluntary implementation mechanism through its recognition of the role of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), to which stakeholders may refer matters concerning the application and interpretation of the document.
Ethical tourism means tourism which benefits people and the environment in different destinations. It can offer a better income to families living in the area, by sourcing products and services locally. Tourism has the potential to be more sustainable and could have the following characteristics:
Economic prosperity
Long term competitive and tourism businesses, who offer fair pay and conditions for all employees. There are maximum economic benefits to local communities, when products and services for tourism are sourced locally. Sustainable tourism should be relevant to every holiday sold and should offer an opportunity to customers concerned about their travel making a difference.
Social equality
Sustainability offers great benefits to customers keeping destinations special, offering safe, and satisfying new experiences whilst having the opportunity to interact with happy locals, who are truly benefiting from their visit. More of you are concerned about sustainable travel and want to make a positive difference on holiday.
Environmental and cultural protection
It gives resources and incentive for destinations to conserve ancient culture and traditions, as well as wildlife and the natural environment. It helps reduce carbon emissions, by encouraging accommodation providers and holiday makers to conserve energy. Most importantly it helps ensure there will be great destinations for us all to visit for generations to come.
