SEMINAR ON IMPLEMENTING ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN TOURISM

VATICAN CITY, SEP 21, 2000 (VIS) - Msgr. Pietro Monni, Holy See permanent observer to the World Tourism Organization, yesterday spoke before an international seminar that is considering the theme: "Implementing Ethical Principles in Tourism Development." The seminar was held in Tel Aviv, Israel, September 20-21.

Msgr. Monni affirmed that the seminar "reflects the willingness of everyone involved in making the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism operative, and in contributing to the diffusion of these rules of behavior valid for tourists, for host countries and for the people working in this sector."

"At this point I cannot continue without talking about a particular type of tourism, and that is pilgrimage." This, he said, "is a spiritual itinerary, the path of the faithful, the search for God." He went on to underline two points: "This search for the divine, for God, cannot be done under the guidance of people of another religion, and the pilgrim must be guaranteed full liberty in regards to entrance and to veneration in the places which are tied to his faith."

The permanent observer went on to highlight that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, "a true synthesis of the ethical values in the tourism sector, interests all countries. The general aim is oriented towards strengthening the wholesomeness of tourism, which is the bearer of values. Among these values are respect for the environment, peaceful living together of ethnic groups and the widespread choice of a path towards peace. Tourism, reciprocal understanding and peace are inseparable realities."

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