Vatican message calls for ‘universal accessibility’ to tourism

June 24, 2016

The Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People has released its annual message for World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27.

In “Tourism for All - Promoting Universal Accessibility,” the pontifical council stated that “we are convinced that tourism humanizes, because it is – to name just a few positive characteristics – a chance for recreation, an opportunity for mutual understanding between peoples and cultures, an instrument for economic development, a promoter of peace and dialogue, a possibility for education and for personal growth, a moment of encounter with nature, and an environment for spiritual growth.”

“Tourism is not only an opportunity, but is a right of every person and cannot be limited to certain social classes or to certain specific geographical areas,” the pontifical council continued. “It is necessary to promote a ‘tourism for all’ that is ethical and sustainable; physically, economically and socially accessible; and one that avoids all forms of discrimination.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Messaggio del Pontificio Consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti per la Giornata mondiale del Turismo 2016 (Holy See Press Office)