The United Nations is finalising an agreement that commits member states to the protection of tourists.

Under the global tourism body, the UNWTO, a working group was set up in 2011 with the task of developing a charter for the protection of tourists.

This is aimed at ensuring the protection of tourists in emergency situations and improving information sharing between UNWTO member states, with the overall aim of boosting confidence in the industry.

“We are at a highly relevant crossroads; tourism is increasing every year and governments and private sector need tools to build a framework to guarantee tourist protection among other trends,” said UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai.

This initiative now in its final phase and the draft convention will be concluded next month, before being submitted at the UNWTO General Assembly in China in September.