The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) have launched the UNWTO Ethics Award. The Award will recognize companies committed to making their business more responsible and sustainable through the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
The UNWTO Ethics Award, geared to recognize the engagement of tourism enterprises in promoting and implementing the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, is open to all tourism companies and trade associations that are official signatories of the Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
As the organ responsible for the promotion and monitoring of the implementation of the Code, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics conceived this initiative to promote the positive initiatives steaming from the growing number of companies and trade associations that have adhered to the Private Sector Commitment to the Code. As of June 2016, a total of 463 signatories from 64 countries have committed to promote and implement the Code.
According to the Committee “in these times of needed awareness and common action we should praised those entrepreneurs worldwide who contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism through their Corporate Social Responsibility”.
The candidatures will have to demonstrate to be long-lasting and have a positive impact in at least two of the following areas: (a) Corporate governance and business ethics; (b) Employment quality; (c) Social Equity and Human Rights; (d) Community Well-Being; and (e) Environmental sustainability.
The winner of the first UNWTO Ethics Award will be announced on 18 January 2017 during the 13th UNWTO Awards ceremony and gala dinner organized in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair (IFEMA/FITUR) in Madrid, Spain. The prize will be conferred by a representative of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, which will act as the Jury of the Award.
Candidacies are open until 30 September 2016.