Costa Rica took center stage in the global dialogue on sustainable tourism by hosting the 19th Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) under UN Tourism. Held on September 9 and 10, 2024, the event brought together delegates from six member countries, international experts, and special guests to chart a course for the future of sustainable tourism. As both the host and chair of the CTS through 2027, Costa Rica demonstrated its unwavering commitment to leading the charge for environmentally responsible tourism practices.
Delegates from Croatia, Fiji, Portugal, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe joined the conference, representing the international coalition that forms the UN Tourism committee. The meeting focused on five key themes, with experts sharing strategies and recommendations to navigate the complex relationship between tourism development and the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The Future of Tourism:
This theme explored the growth of the tourism industry, its role in enhancing well-being, and Costa Rica’s pioneering use of the Social Progress Index (SPI) to measure tourism’s social impact. The discussion highlighted Costa Rica’s innovative approach to understanding and quantifying tourism’s contributions to societal progress.Managing Tourism’s Impact:
The meeting addressed the crucial balance between expanding tourism and ensuring environmental sustainability. Drawing inspiration from Iceland, which has successfully tackled similar challenges, the discussion focused on strategies to minimize tourism’s ecological footprint while fostering responsible growth.Nature-Positive Tourism:
This theme emphasized the critical importance of conserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and minimizing tourism’s negative impact on the environment. The discussions highlighted the need for a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable approach to tourism, focusing on minimizing ecological harm and maximizing positive contributions.Climate Action and Circularity:
Recognizing the undeniable impact of climate change on tourism, this theme underscored the urgent need for mitigation strategies. Costa Rica’s commitment to the COP29 agenda, aimed at addressing climate change, was highlighted as a model for other nations.Green Certifications and Claims:
The final theme centered on global guidelines aimed at ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and economies while minimizing environmental impact. The discussion focused on establishing a framework for authentic green certifications and claims, ensuring that sustainable tourism practices are genuinely implemented and verifiable.William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Costa Rica is honored to lead discussions on issues critical to the environmental, social, and economic future of global tourism.” The meeting served as a powerful platform for Costa Rica to showcase its leadership in sustainable tourism and provide guidance for global efforts to achieve a balance between tourism growth and environmental stewardship.
Adriana Acosta, Brand Director of Essential Costa Rica, echoed the importance of the event: “Without a doubt, Costa Rica hosting a high-level event such as the meeting of the UN Committee on Tourism and Sustainability reaffirms our country’s leadership in the matter. In addition, it is an opportunity to show the world our commitment to the fight against climate change, which we are addressing through the 2035 Strategy of the Country Brand.”
