Presentation by Sietske Gras-Dijkstra
Member of the UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics
Member of the UNWTO Themis Foundation for Education
and Training
Lecturer in Tourism Ethics
1. Tourism Ethics
in Tourism Education
Sietske Gras-Dijkstra
Member of the UNWTO World
Committee on Tourism Ethics
Member of the UNWTO Themis
Foundation for Education
and Training
Lecturer in Tourism Ethics
Values in Tourism
An Itinerary to Tourism Ethics
2. Tourism Ethics
in Tourism Education
What? Why?
Fundamental moral Growing impacts of
values / principles (mass) tourism
Applied Ethics: Growing need for
▪ Medical ethics moral responsibility
▪ Animal ethics in accordance with
▪ Environmental ethics Millennium Goals
3. WHAT: moral issues in tourism
Respect and understanding
Guest – Host Relations
Tourism impacts CHALLENGE !
Minimize negative, maximize positive impacts
Protect natural and cultural heritage
They belong to the common Heritage of Mankind
Tourism growth is there a limit?
Carrying capacity may demand Limits
Poverty reduction exploitation
Opportunities Threats
4. WHY
Tourism Ethics in Tourism Education
Understand and disseminate
the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Recognize and raise awareness for
moral issues and dilemmas in tourism
Teach students in tourism (on each level)
– to form a well-argued moral judgement
– to be able to debate on moral issues
5. UNWTO
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Tourism students: instrumental in
dissemination and implementation
of the Code of Ethics
6. Implementation of moral principles
in educational institutions
UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for Quality
Improvement of Tourism Education
1. “Walk the Talk”:
Code of Ethics (Conduct) of the School
Admission of Students EQUAL RIGHTS
Promotion of Respect and Understanding
1. Implementation of the principles of the Code into
the curriculum/program:
Knowledge, Skills, Values, Attitude
7. Curriculum formulation
Support each strategy by a case study
1. Pragmatic approach
Starting from rules / principles Code of Ethics
1. Theoretical approach
Starting from ethical theories and moral
responsibilities considering real-life situations
1. Empirical approach
Research of moral arguments and moral actions
8. Global Code of Ethics for Tourism:
an umbrella for responsible development of tourism
1. Mutual understanding and respect
2. Individual and collective fulfillment
3. Sustainable development SUSTAINABILITY
4. Enhancement of cultural heritage
5. Beneficial for host countries and communities
6. Obligations of stakeholders
7. Right to tourism
8. Liberty of tourist movements
9. Rights of workers and entrepreneurs
10. World Committee on Tourism Ethics
9. Debate on moral issues
Practical moral issues and dilemmas:
Recognize – Analyze – Debate
1. What is the central question?
2. What factual aspects do you need to know
(and why?)
3. Which principles or theoretical
considerations might be relevant?
4. Is there sufficient basis for advice?
10. FOR EXAMPLE:
1. Should tourists respect the culture of their hosts, or
do they have a right to an “indulgent” vacation?
2. Do the benefits of tourism outweigh the impacts?
3. Does ecotourism really contribute to combating
climate change/reducing carbon emissions?
4. What steps can we take to prevent overcrowded
national parks and other tourist attractions?
5. What are arguments for and against for developing
tourism in lands of indigenous people?
6. How can winter sports and mountain climbing be
developed in a sustainable way?
7. Can sex tourism be justifiable?
The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of moral principles whose purpose is to guide stakeholders in tourism development: c entral and local governments local communities the tourism industry and its professionals visitors, both international and domestic. UNWTO Global Code of Ethics Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Fair Behaviour for Visitors & Hosts Global Principles: Local Actions Public, Private & Civil Stakeholders Although the Global Code of Ethics is not a legally binding document , its Article 10 provides for a voluntary implementation mechanism through the recognition of the role of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) , to which stakeholders may refer, on a voluntary basis, any matters concerning the application and interpretation of the Code.
The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of moral principles whose purpose is to guide stakeholders in tourism development: c entral and local governments local communities the tourism industry and its professionals visitors, both international and domestic. UNWTO Global Code of Ethics Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Fair Behaviour for Visitors & Hosts Global Principles: Local Actions Public, Private & Civil Stakeholders Although the Global Code of Ethics is not a legally binding document , its Article 10 provides for a voluntary implementation mechanism through the recognition of the role of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) , to which stakeholders may refer, on a voluntary basis, any matters concerning the application and interpretation of the Code.