The signing of International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) on June 15. TOURIMS MINISTRY
On an initiative from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Cambodia has become the inaugural signatory of the "International Code for the Protection of Tourists” (ICPT). This ground-breaking code is designed to bolster tourist confidence and encourage global travel.
The June 15 signing ceremony was officiated by Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance, on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Following Cambodia's initial endorsement, the code received further approval from additional member states, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism.
Drawing on the experiences of the Covid-19 crisis, UNWTO created the ICPT as a safeguard for tourists. Its inception aimed to bolster confidence for international travellers amongst member nations, providing an assurance during emergencies and protecting consumer rights in the pandemic's wake.
A notable case emerged when several nations refused the MS Westerdam cruise ship docking rights during the pandemic's infancy in 2020. This underlined the need for protocols to protect tourist interests in unforeseen circumstances.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pornmoniroth pledged his backing for the measure, revealing that the Cambodian government had authorised the Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, to be the first signatory of the code.
Pornmoniroth extended his gratitude to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, for his praise and support of Cambodia's decision to permit the docking of the MS Westerdam.
"Cambodia may be small, but it is open-minded," he said, expressing how the decision amplified the country's global recognition.
Chuk Chumnor, the director-general of the ministry's Tourism Development and International Cooperation, outlined that the code's creation commenced with an evaluation by the UNWTO and member nations, acknowledging the diligent efforts of the Cambodian government in addressing the Covid-19 crisis.
He specifically highlighted the humanitarian decision by the Cambodian Prime Minister to allow the MS Westerdam, carrying nearly 2,000 stranded international visitors, to dock in Sihanoukville on February 14, 2020.
"This truly was a life-saving gesture," he added.
