Governments Back International Code for the Protection of Tourists

More than 100 countries around the world, as well as international organisations and business groups have agreed to adopt harmonised standards for assisting tourists caught up in emergency situations.

The Committee for the Development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists has agreed on the text of the first two Chapters of the Code, containing seven key principles for a landmark legal code to restore confidence in international travel in the wake of Covid-19.

The importance of harmonisation of protocols, balance, coordination, cooperation and accessibility, are among the seven core principles agreed by the Committee tasked with advancing the ‘Assistance to International Tourists in Emergency Situations’ code.

Published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it will provide guidance to countries worldwide on how to help tourists affected by emergencies, including but not limited to health emergencies.