Costa Rica will host one of the most important tourism conferences in Latin America, the Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit, from May 20 to 23 at the San José Convention Center.
A major summit on the future of responsible tourism
This program, created in Mexico by tourism professionals, was born of the idea of establishing a global community of experts and entrepreneurs who share and generate projects that promote sustainability, solidarity and social responsibility in the sector.
Since its inception in 2017, this event has brought together over 390 international speakers. These representatives from over 50 countries have shared their knowledge, experience and best practices with more than 4,800 experts and professionals.
The official announcement of the host country was made at the FITUR trade show in Madrid last January, a first since the previous 8 editions had been held in Mexico.
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The summit program will feature panels of international experts, ministers and industry leaders, as well as discussion forums and workshops on key topics such as cross-sector cooperation, regenerative tourism, and responsible management of cultural heritage and biodiversity. In addition, technical visits to projects in the field will offer a concrete insight into the progress made in various communities.
A look back at 2024: concrete commitments for more responsible tourism
The 2024 edition highlighted initiatives under the theme “Results that have an impact, commitments that inspire”. Costa Rica, the guest of honor, illustrated its development model that respects the environment and local communities, a commitment that explains why 40% of international visitors return to the country.
Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between industry players to accelerate the transition to more ethical tourism. The preservation of biodiversity, essential in a region with an exceptional natural heritage, was at the heart of the discussions, with a clear message: the development of tourism can only be achieved by protecting resources and involving local populations.
“Costa Rica has demonstrated that it is possible to develop tourism without sacrificing biodiversity or cultural traditions, and this event will bear witness to that effort. The summit will not only share success stories, but also attract more investors and tourists interested in a model that prioritizes sustainability. said William Rodriguez, Minister of Tourism.
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Costa Rica, an inspiring model for the future of travel
The Summit will return this year with the theme “Tourism from a community perspective”. This new edition will focus on how tourism can foster the development and well-being of local communities, promoting inclusion, cultural respect and equity.
As part of the event, the 4th Sustainable and Social Tourism Award in Ibero-America will be awarded at the Expo Summit, which will take place on the sidelines of the summit, to reward the most innovative projects in the travel industry.
By hosting this international summit, Costa Rica is reinforcing its commitment to a responsible travel model. The event will provide an opportunity to consolidate, share and exchange ideas on the strategies and practices required for a more inclusive and respectful sector, where local communities will play a key role in the evolution of tomorrow’s tourism.
Photos: Alfonso Esteban /STB_Estudio | Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit
