Friday, 14 November 2025
UN Tourism has appointed University of Nottingham academic Professor Marina Novelli to the prestigious role of Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), for the 2025-2029 term.
Professor Novelli, who is Director of Nottingham University Business School’s (NUBS) Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research (STTAR) Centre, and is Professor of Marketing and Tourism, will lead the WCTE in advancing ethical principles across the global tourism sector, where she will guide policy discussions, advise on emerging ethical challenges, and actively promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
During her previous term as Alternate Member of the WCTE (2021–2025), Professor Novelli contributed her extensive expertise in sustainable tourism, community development, and international policy, reinforcing her reputation as a global thought leader in responsible tourism practices. Her new appointment is in recognition of her leadership and wide-reaching influence, and reflects a continued commitment to shaping the future of tourism ethics at the highest international level.
It is a great honour to be entrusted with this role. Together with the Committee members, I look forward to advancing the work of the WCTE and its commitment to ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good – benefitting people, communities, and the planet.”
Established in 2003, the WCTE is an independent and impartial body operating under the aegis of UN Tourism (formerly the UN World Tourism Organization), a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The Committee is mandated to promote and disseminate the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and to monitor and evaluate its implementation worldwide.
As a subsidiary organ of the UN Tourism General Assembly, the Committee reports directly to the Assembly on a regular basis. Members are elected in their personal capacities and not as officials of governments or representatives of their countries.
Professor Novelli’s appointment highlights the University of Nottingham’s leading role in advancing global research and policy on sustainable and ethical tourism through the STTAR Centre, which she directs.
On hearing the news, Professor David Park, Dean of Nottingham University Business School, said: “I'm delighted to hear that Professor Novelli has been recognised by the UN in this way. Her role, leading global efforts to advance ethical principles across the world's tourism sector, will positively impact many communities and countries and aligns very nicely with our School's focus on addressing ethical challenges and promoting responsible, sustainable business activity.”
Professor Novellli’s appointment was formalised during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between the 7 and the 11 November 2025.
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More information is available from Professor Marina Novelli, via marina.novelli@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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