Santa Marta, Colombia, hosted the first GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit from May 27 to 29, marking a milestone in the region’s journey toward sustainable tourism. The summit, held in Colombia, the ‘País de la Belleza’ (The Country of Beauty), gathered 150 attendees from over 25 countries to collaborate on advancing sustainable tourism practices and establishing a roadmap towards 2030.
This invitation-only event was organized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, with funding provided through Fontur, USAID’s Destination Nature Program, the Colombia Más Competitiva program (a collaboration between the Swiss Embassy in Colombia and the National Government facilitated by Swisscontact), and the Mayor’s Office of Santa Marta.
The collaborative efforts among participants led to a significant exchange of knowledge and best practices. Through engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops, attendees gained valuable insights into innovative approaches and successful strategies for sustainable tourism. This knowledge sharing not only enhanced the participants’ understanding but also strengthened the network of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainability in tourism across the region.
“We are grateful for the positive welcome this first GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit has had in Colombia gathering more than 25 countries. The exchange of knowledge and best practices among participants has been immensely valuable, establishing a clear roadmap for enhancing sustainable tourism practices. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance together towards this important shared goal,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
The Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Germán Umaña Mendoza, highlighted “the honorable designation of Colombia, the Country of Beauty, to host this first summit, which aligns with the objectives we have set in the government of President Gustavo Petro Urrego to promote sustainable, regenerative, and productive tourism.” The senior official also celebrated “the commitment of the 25 participating countries, and especially the definition of the roadmap towards 2030, which will allow us to foster sustainable tourism practices in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Julián Guerrero Orozco, Director of the USAID Destination Nature, commented that “the end of the GSTC Summit marked the beginning of something very important. We are setting the course, the roadmap, of a plan for Latin America and the Caribbean on how tourism can be part of the solution to the environmental challenges facing the region and the planet.”
A United Path Towards 2030
The first GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit successfully united leaders and experts to forge a more sustainable future for tourism in the region. A key moment at the summit’s conclusion was the lecture of the ‘Declaration of the First GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Sustainable Tourism’ at the historic Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a colonial hacienda known as the place where Simón Bolívar, the liberator of several South American countries, spent his final days.
This declaration underscores the collective commitment to promoting sustainable tourism across the region with a shared vision. It establishes a unified approach towards enhancing sustainable tourism practices, fostering cooperation, and sharing best practices. Highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to protect natural and cultural resources, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and ensure that tourism contributes to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of local communities. By setting a clear path toward 2030, the summit has laid the foundation for ongoing collaboration among Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Letter of Intent signed with the Tayrona National Park
On May 29th, 2024, at Tayrona National Park, the Director General of National Natural Parks of Colombia, Mr. Luis Olmedo Martínez, and GSTC CEO Randy Durband signed a letter of intent. The Tayrona National Natural Park will participate in the Early Adopter Program, applying the GSTC Attractions Criteria with ongoing support and monitoring from the GSTC. This collaboration aims to enhance sustainable practices within the park and serve as a model for other protected areas.
Post-Summit Tours: Exploring Colombia’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
After the GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit, participants were offered different immersive experiences of Colombia’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. These post-summit tours provided attendees with three distinctive options, each promising a unique exploration of the region’s biodiversity and cultural landscapes.
The ‘Sendero Nueve Piedras’ tour, guided by a local expert, took participants through the tropical forest of Tayrona National Natural Park. The journey included cultural interpretations of the area’s diverse ecosystems. The ‘Sendero Kogui’ route, situated between the Cañaveral and Arrecifes sectors, allowed attendees to connect with both the humid forest and the marine-coastal ecosystems. Participants enjoyed a guided walk and learned about the environmental importance and the unique biodiversity of Tayrona National Natural Park, and the ‘Katanzama Natural Reserve’ tour option provided a profound cultural exchange with the indigenous community of Katanzama. By exploring Colombia’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of fostering sustainable practices that protect the environment and support local communities.
Carbon Footprint Measurement and Other Sustainable Practices during the Summit
The Environmental Business Corporation (CAEM), a subsidiary of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, calculated and offset the event’s carbon footprint and the travel of all attendees. Other sustainable event practices were carried out, such as reducing paper and plastic usage to a minimum: printing to the minimum, badges made of recyclable paper, and no single-use plastic used during the conference.
Acknowledgments
Our profound gratitude to all of those who have participated in making this event possible: Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia, Fontur, USAID Destination Nature, Colombia+ Competitive Program, the Swiss Embassy, Swisscontact, Santa Marta Mayor’s Office, Tayrona National Natural Park, and the indigenous communities.
Thank you all for making an unforgettable summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, ‘the country of beauty.’
Photos of the event can be found on our Facebook Page here.
