Advancing Towards a Global Convention for Tourist Safeguards
International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) Gains Momentum
The Committee for the Development of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) convened for a second time, marking a significant step forward in the global effort to safeguard tourists. The meeting, hosted by UNWTO, was attended by 92 Member States and one Associate Member, underscoring the widespread support for the initiative.
The ICPT aims to offer tourists greater protection as consumers, a goal that resonates with various stakeholders. Private sector organizations showed strong interest in the work of the Committee, while the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs expressed a keen interest due to potential commonalities with its work.
Legal experts from various global regions participated in the discussions, bringing their unique perspectives to the table. The Committee elected a Chair from Brazil and a Vice-Chair from Greece to lead the proceedings. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and several business organizations, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Hotrec, representing the European hospitality sector, were also present.
The ICPT's development involves a coalition of UN tourism bodies, national governments, law enforcement agencies, industry representatives, and related experts collaborating through international forums and national implementations. The aim is to promote tourism safety and protection globally. The Code also seeks to spread the responsibility of assisting tourists affected by emergency situations across the sector.
The diverse range of observers reflected strong interest in an International Code for tourist protection, a testament to the importance of this initiative in the tourism industry. As the development of the ICPT continues, it is expected that more countries and organizations will join forces with UNWTO in this endeavour.
- The interests of private sector organizations, particularly those in the eco-tour and travel industry, align with the goals of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT).
- The development and implementation of the ICPT involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including policymakers in the field of policy-and-legislation and politics.
- The European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs sees potential commonalities between its work and the ICPT, signifying its commitment to the eco-tourist lifestyle.
- As the ICPT progresses, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the lifestyle and travel choices of tourists, as well as for the general news and public discourse surrounding tourism.
