Industry under scrutiny for human rights failings

Industry under scrutiny for human rights failings
By admin


The international travel and tourism industry is rife with human rights abuses with those responsible spread across all levels, according to a new study.

The German Society for International Cooperation research, previewed at tradeshow ITB Berlin earlier this year, details 145 cases of human rights abuses to date. These particularly involve women, children and indigenous groups. Those committing these acts include government officials, tourism company members as well as travellers and intermediaries.

“This study shows that there is a long way to go before human rights abuses in tourism can be called a thing of the past,” secretary general of responsible tourism organisation Naturfreunde Internationale Dr Christian Baumgartner said.

“Many people around the world still work in unbearable conditions. With our recommendations we aim to raise awareness of this important subject among decision-makers in politics and business and not least among travellers too.”

However, Baumgartner also highlighted positive practices such as those undertaken by the Makulele ecotourism project in South Africa and the Central Kalahari game reserve in Botswana.

He underlined workers’ rights to information and the right to be involved in decision-making processes as a major step towards addressing the issue.

The final report will be released in autumn this year.

Latest News

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]