What Code of Ethics is
Goal of the Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics
The Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics aims for all tourism businesses to incorporate accountability and sustainability into their daily practices with respect and contribution to mutual understanding as basic principles.
To do that, public commitment from all tourism businesses is essential. The Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics is the first step toward joint responsibility for all tourism stakeholders and society and toward achieving a shared goal: sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Importance of Ethics in Euskadi Tourism
The World Tourism Organisation defines a sustainable tourism model as one in which tourism takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
To create the Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics, we adapted the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism to our culture and identity and according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the World Tourism Organisation’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism ST+20.
How the Basque Country Code of Ethics contributes to the SDG
Thus, the Basque Country’s desire to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is seen as a transverse, integrating process that involves the general public, companies and others involved in tourism, as well as the authorities of the destination. Its scope extends to the mechanisms of promotion and communication with tourism, where each one of the 8 principles of the Basque Country Tourism Code of Ethics contributes, to a greater or lesser extent, to their fulfilment.
| 1. Contribute to understanding of and respect for tourists |        |
| 2. Advocate for equality, inclusion and tolerance of diversity |    |
| 3. Sustainability |       |
| 4. Foster local traditions and culture | |
| 5. Preserve cultural heritage | |
| 6. Excellence and professionalism | |
| 7. Respect for people’s rights | |
| 8. Proper treatment of sector workers and entrepreneurs | |
Implementation Method for the Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics
As explained in the following video, an implementation method has been created so that all businesses understand, interiorise and take on the commitment to continuous improvement year after year in terms of the principles of the Euskadi Tourism Code of Ethics.
We Care about Tourists’ Rights
Basic rights of tourism consumers
- Right to receive complete, accurate information prior to their trip on the characteristics and prices of the products and services offered
- Right to receive the good or service purchased as publicised and/or offered
- Right to receive an invoice or receipt for the amount paid for the tourism product or service
- Right to appropriate treatment and to enter establishments open to the public
- Right to file claims, complaints and reports and to receive a complaint form free of charge
Choose Sustainable Businesses
- Euskadi has a variety of tourism businesses working to promote sustainability, implementing environmental management and social responsibility practices to reduce their impact on their environment.
- Choose accommodations, restaurants, active tourism companies, etc. that recycle, save energy and water, and respect the local community and its natural and cultural heritage and consider whether they are part of the Consumer Arbitration System.
OBLIGATIONS
Professional tourism operators are required to provide tourists with accurate, objective information about their destinations and the conditions of the trip, transportation and stay.
Law 13/2016, of 28 July, on tourism governs tourism activity in Euskadi, stewardship and discipline in the tourism industry, and establishes the principles and action criteria for tourism authorities:
