The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has presented the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. The plan seeks to raise the legal backing of travelers as consumers and will provide tourists affected by emergency situations with clearer and more consistent assistance conditions worldwide.
The Committee for the Development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists was attended by 92 UNWTO Member States. Together, they adopted a specific action plan aimed at restoring tourists’ confidence, thanks common and harmonized framework.
In the coming next weeks, International Organizations, the European Commission and the Private Stakeholders will be invited to join this initiative to achieve a more fair and balanced share of responsibilities among all tourism stakeholders in the post-COVID-19 world.
Recommendations for the Assistance to International Tourists in Emergency Situations:
- Preventing potential problems by developing, implementing coordination protocols, and training tourism stakeholders.
- Providing real-time information for tourists.
- Addressing cross-border cooperation between governments and tourism service providers.
- Fostering close collaboration between governments and travel and accommodation providers.
- Addressing the effective repatriation of tourists.
The next UNWTO General Assembly is expected to be held at the end of 2021 in Morocco, where a report will be presented on the progress made with the development of the international code.
