As a consequence of the impact of this April’s “ash cloud” on tourism activity in Europe, the 89th Session of UNWTO Executive Council (Kish Island, I.R. of Iran, October 25-26, 2010) has decided to initiate a study on a possible new legal instrument for protecting tourists. The study will focus on the harmonization of issues directly linked with the rights and obligations of tourists and stakeholders and will be modeled upon existing regulations.The 89th Session of the Council also confirmed its commitment to strengthen UNWTO’s advocacy activities aimed at positioning tourism higher in national and global agendas as a key driver of economic growth and development.Source: UNWTO press release of Oct. 27, 2010