COLOMBIA-Through the representation of Bohol Representative Edgar Chatto, the Philippines officially cast strong support for the move that the member-countries of the United Nations-World Tourism Organization shall adopt the recently approved World Tourism Code of Ethics.

The World Tourism Code of Ethics will serve as guide in pursuing the world's fast-growing tourism industry. Chatto, chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and head of the Philippine delegation to the 17th UN-WTO General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias here, said that the Code advocates worldwide recognition of the positive impact that tourism generates that goes even beyond its economic value. It is, therefore, critical that we vigorously promote the values that form the foundation of sound, responsible and sustainable tourism and that we avoid the damage that opportunistic and unguided tourism strategies could inflict on the environment, society and the economy, Chatto explained. Moreover, the Code is in consonance with the Millennium Development Goals and can provide a roadmap for tourism policy development of each country when adopted locally, he added.

The General Assembly took up issues on Attracting Tourism Investments, Current Challenges for Sustainable Tourism, Poverty Alleviation, Management of Natural and Cultural Heritage and Climate Change. A round table discussion on long-term forecasts, risks and opportunities for the World Tourism Industry was also held. Accompanying Chatto are DOT Undersecretary Phines Alburo and DOT Planning Director Allan Canizal. The team also represented the Asia Pacific Region in the UN-WTO Executive Council Meeting which was held prior to the General Assembly. They also held meetings with the UN-WTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli, Deputy Secretary-General Talib Rifai, Asia Pacific Chief Director Xu Jin and Secretariat Chief Andrea Bernadette in preparation for next year's 6th UN-WTO International Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities that will be held in Cebu City on October 22-25 next year.

Earlier, Chatto and Canizal, upon instruction of DOT Secretary Ace Durano, bid and won for the country the privilege to host next year's forum which will bring over 300 foreign dignitaries from the 156 member-countries during gathering in June in Tunisia , Africa. Pomp and pageantry propped up the opening rites in the Cartagena convention as the red carpet was rolled by no less than Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata to welcome the guests. A banquet reception in traditional fiesta atmosphere was held at the grandiose Old Walled City , akin to Manila 's Intramuros, which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Colombia , like the Philippines , was under Spanish rule for over 200 years. 95 percent of the population are Roman Catholics and shares similar cultural values and traditions with Filipinos.