SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 - The city of Córdoba, Argentina, recently hosted the 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Law, a collaborative effort between UN Tourism, Universidad Siglo 21, and Agencia Córdoba Turismo. Held on November 26th and 27th, 2024, the seminar brought together leading experts to discuss the crucial role of law in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and accessible tourism for all.
Tourism: An Engine for Growth and Sustainability
The seminar emphasized the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and sustainable development. It highlighted the need for legal frameworks that support responsible tourism practices and ensure the long-term health of the industry and the destinations it serves.
"From the experience of the pandemic, we discovered that we needed to generate global tools for Tourism," said Gustavo Santos, Regional Director for the Americas of UN Tourism. "This gave rise to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, and this space, in which many of you, attending today from different countries around the world, have worked."
A Call for Comprehensive Legal Frameworks
The seminar addressed the growing recognition of sustainable tourism in national policies, while also acknowledging the limitations of current regulations that often address sustainability in a fragmented manner. Experts emphasized the need for comprehensive legal frameworks that consider environmental, economic, and social aspects of tourism to ensure balanced and long-term development.
Diverse Participation and Expertise
The seminar attracted a diverse group of participants, including representatives from international organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UNESCO, as well as delegations from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Academic experts, private sector representatives, and local authorities also contributed to the rich discussions.
Key Topics and Success Stories
Over the two-day event, participants explored a wide range of topics related to tourism law and sustainability, including:
- Universal accessibility: Ensuring tourism is accessible to all, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.
- Sustainable tourism legislation: Sharing best practices and examining legislation related to sustainable tourism in the Americas.
- Environmental protection: Discussing legal frameworks for protecting the environment and promoting responsible tourism practices.
- Cultural and natural heritage preservation: Exploring legal measures to safeguard cultural and natural heritage in the face of tourism development.
The seminar also showcased success stories from various countries, including Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Peru, highlighting their efforts in implementing sustainable tourism legislation and practices.
A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Law has established itself as a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the tourism sector. The event fostered dialogue and promoted the recognition of tourism law as a distinct legal discipline.
The seminar demonstrated the commitment of UN Tourism, Universidad Siglo 21, and Agencia Córdoba Turismo to driving positive change in the tourism industry through collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors and academia.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism Development
By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the seminar contributed to the advancement of sustainable tourism legislation and practices. This collaborative approach is crucial for ensuring that tourism remains a force for good, contributing to economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.