Sri Lanka makes tourism history

FRANCE – Adopted in 1999 by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization as a fundamental frame of reference for responsible and sustainable tourism, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

FRANCE – Adopted in 1999 by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization as a fundamental frame of reference for responsible and sustainable tourism, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of principles designed to guide key-players in tourism development.

Sri Lanka made history once again, with the signing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) by premier hospitality brand Jetwing. The ceremony took place in Paris, France and is the first company in Sri Lanka to sign the Code of Ethics.

With the intention of reaching governments, the travel industry, communities and tourists alike, the Code aims to help maximize the sector’s benefits while minimizing its potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and societies across the globe. The Code’s 10 principles amply cover the economic, social, cultural and environmental components of travel and tourism; including tourism’s contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies, a vehicle for individual and collective fulfillment, obligations of stakeholders in tourism development, rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry amongst others.

Signing on behalf of Jetwing was Hiran Cooray, Chairman of the company in the presence of Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO, and Pascal Lamy, Chairman of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE). Hiran Cooray is also the first South Asian representative to be appointed as an alternate member to the WCTE, a position approved by the 20th UNWTO General Assembly in 2013.

“Jetwing is a family that has been deeply ingrained in the inception and development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, ever since my father began this journey over 40 years ago. We have learnt much from the world around us whilst we were struggling during the war, and today we are on a level playing field – where we go from here rests solely on our shoulders”, said Hiran Cooray. “Being a signatory of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics now brings us a clear and comprehensive framework, with which I am confident will see both Jetwing and Sri Lanka rise to new heights internationally”, he continued.

“We at UNWTO very much welcome Jetwing Hotels’ pioneering in signing the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics and fully committing to advancing responsible, sustainable and inclusive tourism in Sri Lanka and beyond. The private sector plays a key role in creating a more ethical tourism sector and I hope more companies in Sri Lanka will follow Jetwing Hotels’ example and leadership”, said Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 43 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Program; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the Program.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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