The Significance of International Legal Norms in the Regulation of Human Rights in the Tourism Sector
Izzet Safarov
Abstract. This article examines the role and significance of international legal norms in regulating human rights within the tourism sector. The rapid expansion of tourism on a global scale has made it essential to protect the rights of all relevant stakeholders involved in this field, including tourists, workers employed in the industry, and local communities. The study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of various international legal instruments, with particular emphasis on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism adopted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, conventions established by the International Labour Organization, and other multilateral agreements.
From a methodological standpoint, the research draws on legal normative analysis and comparative assessment techniques. The findings reveal that international legal standards offer a substantial regulatory framework by imposing obligations on states, tourism enterprises, and other actors in areas such as wage fairness, working conditions, prevention of discrimination, avoidance of forced displacement of local populations, and environmental protection. Nevertheless, the non-binding nature of existing mechanisms and the limited effectiveness of enforcement and monitoring systems constrain the practical impact of these norms. The article concludes that while international legal standards represent an essential tool for safeguarding human rights in the tourism industry, they still require further refinement and strengthening.
Keywords: tourism law, international law, human rights, Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, tourism regulation