UN Tourism: Marina Novelli appointed as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics

The UN Tourism General Assembly has officially confirmed Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, the independent body responsible for interpreting, applying, and monitoring the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and, once it enters into force, the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics. Over the next four years, Novelli will lead the Committee’s work with the aim of promoting tourism that is increasingly responsible, sustainable, and accessible to all.

Currently Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School, Professor Novelli is internationally recognized for her expertise in tourism policy, planning, and sustainable development. “It is a great honor to be entrusted with this role,” she said. “Together with the Committee members, I am ready to advance ethical principles that ensure tourism continues to be a positive force, benefiting people, communities, and the planet”.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili congratulated Professor Novelli, emphasizing that her extensive expertise and strong commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism make her an invaluable asset for the Committee’s future: “Her experience and dedication will be essential to ensuring that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism remains a living instrument, capable of guiding the evolution of our sector”.

New Committee members

During the same session, the General Assembly approved the appointment of the following new members of the Committee.

Full members

• Nancy Mejía Bonifazi, Executive Director, Guatemalan Tourism Chamber.
• Eliana Janineh, General Manager, Jordanian Restaurant Association.
• Mokganedi Ntana, Environment and Eco-certification Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization.
• Michaela Reitterer, Owner and CEO, Boutique Hotel Stadthalle.
• Amol Bobby Titus, CEO, PT Indonesia Wise.

Alternate members

• Mekhak Apresyan, President, Armenian Tourism Federation.
• Almudena González Gutiérrez de León, Lecturer and Researcher, Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
• Maria Nchama Nzoho, Director General of Tourism Policies, Ministry of Tourism and Infrastructure, Equatorial Guinea.