UN Tourism Confirms Marina Novelli as New Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics

UN Tourism has confirmed Professor Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE).

Appointment:
- Approved during the UN Tourism General Assembly in November 2025.
- Novelli begins a four-year term as Chair of the Committee.

About Marina Novelli:
- Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School.
- Internationally recognized expert in tourism and international development.
- Brings extensive experience in sustainable tourism policy, planning, and ethical practices.

Role & Responsibilities:
- Lead the Committee’s work to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
- Oversee implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
- Provide guidance on ethical issues in tourism worldwide.

Committee’s Mission:
- Independent body tasked with interpreting, applying, and evaluating the Global Code of Ethics.
- Promotes fairness, inclusion, respect for human rights, environment, and cultural heritage in tourism development.

New Members Confirmed:
- Full Members include leaders from Guatemala, Jordan, Botswana, Austria, and Indonesia.
- Alternate Members represent Armenia, the Netherlands, and Equatorial Guinea.

Why It Matters
This appointment signals a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism practices at a time when global travel is rapidly evolving. Novelli’s leadership is expected to strengthen tourism’s role as a force for good—benefiting communities, cultures, and the planet.