CLOSING DECLARATION OF THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL CHILD-FRIENDLY TOURISM CONGRESS

Following the sessions held during the 2nd International Child-Friendly Tourism Congress on 24-27 April 2019, the participants adopted the decisions below and agreed to continue their work and meet again at the 3rd Congress in 2020. 1. Tourism establishments using the term "Child-Friendly Establishment" have legal and moral responsibilities toward all children of the world under the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child. 2. The use of undeserved claims creates unfair competition against other establishments. 3. It is important for professional organizations concerned with the subject, particularly TUADER, to embrace the issue and conduct studies both to protect children's rights and to prevent unfair competition. 4. As with labels such as "Blue Flag," "Green Key," "Green Star," and "Environmentally Friendly Facility," internationally recognized criteria should be established for being a "Child-Friendly Establishment." 5. To protect children, the World Tourism Organization should establish standards for a "Child-Friendly Tourism Establishment." 6. The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or another authorized public institution, can and should lead the introduction of a new conceptual and practical approach to world tourism by establishing these standards. 7. In addition to developing standards, the third congress to be held in 2020 should focus on "Child and Family Tourism." 8. All congress participants should make every effort to secure worldwide recognition of 27 April as World Child-Friendly Tourism Day. 9. We invite all public and local institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in defining Sivas as a "Child-Friendly City" from now on.