The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTW) launched the UNWTO Ethics Award, according to a press release by the organizations on Thursday.

The award will take into account the commitment of the companies to sustainability through the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which consists of several principles that aim at building sustainable tourism development.

Those companies that are "official signatories of the Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism," now 463 signatories from 64 different countries, could all participate in the award and candidacies are open until Sept. 30.

They have to "demonstrate to be long-lasting and have a positive impact in at least two" of the five areas, namely corporate governance and business ethics, employment quality, social equity and human rights, community well-being and environmental sustainability.

The WCTE aims at promoting positive initiatives and said that "in these times of needed awareness and common action we should praise those entrepreneurs worldwide who contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism through their Corporate Social Responsibility."

The implementation of the code is being supervising by the WCTE, an independent body and subsidiary organ of the UNWTO General Assembly, whose members are elected in their personal capacities, the press release said.

The winner of the award will be announced next year, on Jan. 18 during the 13th UNWTO Awards ceremony and gala dinner organized in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair (IFEMA/FITUR) in the capital of Spain, Madrid.

source : xinhua