By NDUBI MVULA –
LIKE in any given profession, there are rules that govern operations so that it attracts attention and players in the quest to present a picture of acceptability.
Professions like law, engineering, journalism, procurement, medicine and security, among others, thrive on what is known as the code of ethics, which are agreed upon by the practitioners.
However, in the field of tourism, there is also a Code of Ethics as prescribed by the World Tourism Organisation which was adopted through resolution at the 30th General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, on September 27 – October 1, 1999.
In its preamble, members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) did re-assert out the aims in Article 3 of the Statutes of the world tourism body and are aware of the decisive and central role of the organisation as recognised by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
This is in promoting and developing tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts principal tourism development and research officer Chilala Mayanda-Habasimbi stated that Zambia, as a signatory to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism does abide by the tenets that govern the sector.
In the Code of Ethics, it is stated that firmly believing that, through the direct, spontaneous and non-mediatised contacts it engenders between men and women of different cultures and lifestyles, tourism represents a vital force of peace and factor of friendship and understanding among the peoples of the world.
The document also aims at promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism in the framework of the right of all persons to use their free time for leisure pursuits or travel with respect for the choices of society of all people.
A look at the most salient feature in the Code of Ethics brings to the fore articles such as Article 3 under the subtitle, Tourism, a Factor of Sustainable Development.
The article on all stakeholders in tourism development to safeguard the natural environment with a view to achieving sound, continuous and sustainable economic growth geared to satisfying equitably the needs and aspirations of the present and future generations.
It further states that all forms of tourism development that are conducive to saving rare and precious resources, in particular water and energy as well as avoiding waste production, should be given priority and encouraged by national, regional and local public authorities.
It also calls for the design of tourism infrastructure as well as activities programmed in such a way as to protect the natural heritage composed of ecosystems and biodiversity and to preserve endangered species of wildlife, stakeholder in tourism development and especially professionals who should agree to the imposition of limitations or constraints on their activities when these are exercised in sensitive areas such as deserts, polar or high mountain regions, coastal areas, tropical forests or wetlands, propitious to the creation of nature reserves or protected areas.
However, nature tourism and ecotourism are recognised as being particularly conducive to enriching and enhancing the standing of tourism, provided they respect the natural heritage and local populations and are in keeping with the carrying capacity of the sites.
Under the Global Code of Ethics, tourism is considered as a right and Article 7 has a provision where it states that the prospect of direct and personal access to the enjoyment of the planet’s resources constitutes a right equally open to all the world’s inhabitants.
It further notes that the increasingly extensive participation in national and international tourism should be regarded as one of the best possible expressions of the sustained growth of free time and obstacles should not be placed in its way.
However, it is pointed out that the universal right to tourism must be regarded as the corollary of the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay, guaranteed by Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 7.d of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Also on the cards is social tourism, in particular associative tourism which facilitates widespread access to leisure, travel and holidays, should be developed with the support of the public authorities.
The right to tourism also calls for the encouragement and facilitation of family, youth, student and senior tourism as well as tourism for people with disabilities.
And in Article 10 under the Implementation of the Principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, it is stated that the public and private stakeholders in tourism development should cooperate in the implementation of these principles and monitor their effective application.
Furthermore, the stakeholders in the tourism industry are expected to recognise the role of international institutions among which the World Tourism Organisation ranks first and non-governmental organisations with competence in the field of tourism promotion and development, the protection of human rights, the environment or health, with due respect for the general principles of international law.
And the same stakeholders should demonstrate their intention to refer any disputes concerning the application or interpretation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism for conciliation to an impartial third body known as the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.
The above pointers are but just a few salient features that are contained in the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism that Zambia through the Ministry of Tourism and Arts do abide by.
“As members of the world tourism body, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is like our Bible. Tourism operations are guided by the same code of ethics,” concludes Ms Mayanda-Habasimbi.