The Polish city of Krakow has been confirmed as the host city of the third International Congress on Ethics and Tourism on 27-28 April 2017.
The event is being organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the Government of Poland, focussing on promoting a more sustainable tourism sector.
The 2nd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism took place in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito in 2012, following the first edition in Madrid in 2011.
The revival of the event in 2017 has particular significance as it coincides with the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to be celebrated throughout the year.
“I have gladly accepted the decision of the World Tourism Organization to choose Poland as a host for the third edition of the International Congress on Ethics and Tourism” said Witold Bańka, Minister of Sport and Tourism.
“Poland is actively channelling efforts to implement ethical standards among the tourism organisations in their everyday business. I am confident that the great atmosphere of Krakow, one of the most beautiful sites in Europe, will foster thoughtful discussions and yield positive results of the Congress.”
Issues of governance and corporate social responsibility, responsible consumption patterns and universal accessibility will be discussed, as well as effective management models for natural and cultural resources, UNWTO said in a statement.
Also on the agenda are inclusive tourism practices that spread the benefits of tourism development by empowering local communities and individuals – particularly women, youth, indigenous people and persons with disabilities. The congress will also highlight the competitive advantages of investing in a more inclusive and diverse tourism sector.
“With more than 1.2 billion international tourists crossing international borders in one single year and the prospects of continuous growth, it is crucial that we manage growth in an ethical and responsible manner” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.
“The tourism sector needs to build equitable partnerships and adopt effective national policies and sustainable business strategies in all areas of development.”
The 3rd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism will be held within the framework of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in the framework of the cooperation between UNWTO and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission (DG GROW), with the support of the EC and the Government of Poland.
A group of prominent companies and trade associations with sound CSR policies and strategies will sign a “Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism” at the event.
