Andorra has officially become the 25th country to sign the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), marking a significant commitment to strengthening traveler rights and sustainable tourism. The signing took place at the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, further solidifying Andorra’s role in shaping responsible tourism policies on a global scale.
The move underscores Andorra’s dedication to improving the legal and institutional framework governing tourism, ensuring that visitors and residents alike benefit from responsible and well-regulated industry practices. The initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance protections for tourists, particularly in response to challenges such as climate change, resource management, and digital transformation in the sector.
UN Tourism’s Executive Director, Natalia Bayona, highlighted the importance of the country’s inclusion in the ICPT, emphasising the necessity for institutional collaboration to drive sustainable tourism growth. She stressed that Andorra’s commitment to balancing competitiveness with environmental and social responsibility is a model for other destinations facing similar challenges.
As part of this agreement, UN Tourism will also launch a technical cooperation project aimed at developing a Tourism Framework Law for Andorra. This project will establish a comprehensive legal framework integrating international best practices in sustainable tourism while focusing on key areas such as digitalisation, workforce training, and industry competitiveness.
The framework will guide tourism governance in Andorra, setting up essential mechanisms for inter-institutional coordination and multisectoral collaboration. By prioritising sustainability and innovation, the initiative seeks to enhance the country’s resilience and ensure long-term, responsible tourism development.
Andorra’s Minister of Tourism and Commerce, Jordi Torres Falcó, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to responsible tourism, stating that participation in the ICPT reinforces efforts to protect travellers while ensuring that the tourism industry benefits local communities.
The initiative is expected to serve as a reference model for other nations looking to optimise tourism legislation and align their policies with global best practices. UN Tourism’s Director of Legal Affairs, Alicia Gomez, expressed confidence that the technical cooperation project will provide Andorra with a robust and adaptable legal framework that can guide the country’s tourism industry for years to come.
By joining the ICPT and investing in structured governance, Andorra is positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism, ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental preservation, and traveller protection.
