The UN Tourism General Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Professor Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.Professor Novelli’s nomination was approved by Member States during the Assembly, marking the beginning of her four-year term as Chair.
Professor Novelli is an acknowledged expert in tourism and international development and serves as the Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School.
She brings extensive experience in sustainable tourism policy, planning, and development, all grounded in ethical principles and practices. In her role, she will lead the Committee’s work to actively promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. She will also oversee the implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and provide guidance on ethical issues in tourism.
“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this role,” said Professor Novelli. “Together with the Committee members, I look forward to advancing ethical principles that ensure tourism continues to be a force for good—benefiting people, communities, and the planet.”
UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, congratulated Professor Novelli on her appointment, stating: “With her deep and diverse expertise and strong commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism, Professor Novelli will guide the Committee’s efforts to ensure the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism remains a living instrument shaping the future of our sector.”
