UN Tourism Attends Universidad Siglo 21 Seminar
On 26–27 November, Córdoba hosted the 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Law, organized by UN Tourism in partnership with Universidad Siglo 21 and Agencia Córdoba Turismo. The event gathered national and international experts to explore tourism's role as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the critical role of law in these processes.
The seminar was opened by prominent figures, including Dario Capitani, President of Agencia Córdoba Turismo, and Gustavo Santos, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for the Americas. Santos highlighted the need for global legal tools to address challenges in tourism, referencing initiatives like the International Code for the Protection of Tourists and the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean. He emphasized, “We need a global response to global problems and a legal framework that matches humanity’s dynamic evolution.”
Discussions underscored the importance of an integrated legal framework for sustainable tourism. Panels explored topics like universal accessibility, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural heritage, alongside successful practices from countries such as Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Experts from organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank, UNESCO, and the United Nations enriched the dialogue.
The seminar also featured a multilateral panel analyzing the role of international organizations in setting and harmonizing tourism norms. Representatives from across the Americas, Europe, and Africa contributed perspectives on how legislation can balance tourism’s environmental, economic, and social dimensions for long-term growth.
Closing remarks by Gustavo Santos and Juan Carlos Rabbat, President of Universidad Siglo 21, affirmed the event’s success as a platform for collaboration and innovation. The seminar reinforced Tourism Law as a distinct legal discipline and showcased the commitment of UN Tourism, Universidad Siglo 21, and Agencia Córdoba Turismo to fostering sustainable and inclusive development in the tourism sector.
