The Diplomat
Andorra is now the 25th country to join the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) after signing up during the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid. According to industry sources, this is a significant step towards strengthening the global commitment to protecting and improving the rights of travelers around the world.
Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, said: “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Andorra in achieving balanced, sustainable, and competitive tourism growth on the global stage. The challenges the sector faces, including climate change and resource stability, demand strengthened institutional collaboration. By promoting sustainable practices and driving innovative solutions, we can ensure Andorra remains a resilient top destination for the future.”
The Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, Jordi Torres Falcó, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Joining the ICPT reaffirms Andorra’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, aimed at benefiting both travellers and residents.”
In addition to this significant milestone, UN Tourism is launching a technical cooperation project focused on developing a Tourism Framework Law for Andorra. This initiative addresses the key needs of the sector by creating a comprehensive legal framework that integrates best international practices in sustainable tourism, placing special emphasis on the core pillars of sustainability, digitalization, training, and sector competitiveness.
The project will also guide tourism governance in Andorra, establishing essential inter-institutional and multisectoral coordination mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of a strategic tourism plan in the coming years.
By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and offering specialized support, this project aims to foster a Tourism Framework Law that combines international best practices with local needs, ensuring sustainable, competitive, and responsible tourism growth in the country.
Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “I would like to thank Minister Torres for placing his trust in UN Tourism to develop this technical cooperation project, which will provide the country with a comprehensive, updated, and harmonized legal framework, driving flexible and effective long-term growth in the tourism sector and serving as a reference framework for other member states in the development and optimization of tourism legislation.”
