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Geneva, September 22th, 2008
CHILD EXPLOITATION IN TOURISM
LAUNCH FOR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN - THE GLOBAL CODE OF ETHICS FOR TOURISM
’’ DON’T LET CHILD ABUSE TRAVEL ! ’’
Dear friend and member of IH&RA,
Since I became Vice president, few years ago I did recognize the importance of ethics and social responsibility for our Hospitality Industry. My two hotels chain was the first member of IH&RA to sign and adopt the UNWTO Code of the protection of children in tourism.
As a President now I do encourage all of you, Hotels chain executive, independent Hotels, president of Hotels Association to adopt and sign the “Global code of ethics for tourism to protect our children and all children worldwide from exploitation and all kind of exploitation in our industry.
ILO estimates 218 million of children are engaged in child labor with million of them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in a daily basis, we know that there is a link between the tourism industry and child exploitation, especially in countries where economic growth has created an enormous demand for child labor. Equally alarming is the spiraling growth of all kind of exploitation of minors, mostly in developing countries, which is often associated to travel and tourism.
In this regard UNWTO is strengthening its efforts to encourage the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and, within its framework, is launching its “Protect Children Campaign.” during WTM on November 10th in London. The campaign is a renewed Endeavour to raise awareness across the globe that it is unacceptable for the tourism trade and travelling public to tolerate child exploitation in all its forms.
I do encourage all of you to sign & implement this code during our Congress in Mexico.
Thank you.
Wishing you all the best.
Hope to see you all in Monterrey, Sincerely.
Dr. Ghassan AIDI
IH&RA President
46th Annual IH&RA congress, 20-22 october 2008 - Monterrey, Mexico
Our Congress in Monterrey is approaching and it will be under the theme of “Leading Sustainable Development Worldwide”. I would like all of you to think about the above message and give your ideas.
All information about the IH&RA congress are available online at :
http://congress.ih-ra.com
Where you will find :
| ABOUT THE EVENT |
"Purpose and Scope", "Program at Glance" and "Social Events" |
| REGISTRATION |
"Congress Form & Fees", "Hotel Booking" and "Pre & Post Tours" |
| MEET MONTERREY - MEXICO |
"General Information & Visa", "Weather" and "More about the location" |
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