GSTC Strengthens Latin America Commitment at 9th Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit in Costa Rica

Published on May 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) took a prominent role at the 9th Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit held from May 20th to 23rd, 2025, in San José, Costa Rica. Under the theme “Tourism from the Perspective of Communities,” the Summit underscored tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of local populations while embedding principles of sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity at their core.

This gathering drew together a wide range of stakeholders — including business leaders, government representatives, academics, and civil society organizations — to share best practices, foster collaboration, and reaffirm tourism’s role as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.

GSTC’s Role and Regional Focus

Jorge Moller, GSTC’s Latin America Program Director, presented key advancements under the Yuluca Alliance (Alianza Yuluca, AYLAC), a GSTC initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Yuluca Alliance embodies a regional network aiming to harmonize efforts towards regenerative tourism that safeguards cultural heritage and empowers communities.

The Alliance’s name, “Yuluca,” derived from the Kogi language, meaning “agreement,” reflects the initiative’s spirit of shared responsibility and cooperation across nations and stakeholders in the region.

Alianza Yuluca: A Collaborative Agenda

On May 21st, AYLAC members convened for a focused in-person meeting at the San José Convention Center to discuss strategic priorities and collaborative pathways. The meeting featured:

• An introductory overview of the Alliance’s mission and structure.
• Presentations by member representatives to foster mutual understanding and connection.
• Deliberations on funding avenues and innovative financing strategies to support sustainable tourism projects.
• Engagement techniques to bolster member participation and impact.
• Proposals for upcoming regional gatherings to deepen collaboration.
• Strategies to amplify communications and expand AYLAC’s presence in international forums.
• Discussions on forging stronger ties with academia via student internships and university partnerships, emphasizing knowledge exchange and capacity building.

This session facilitated vital networking and reinforced the collective resolve to elevate sustainable tourism’s role in economic and cultural regeneration.

GSTC’s Vision for Regenerative Tourism

Jorge Moller reflected on the summit and the progress of the Yuluca project:
“A wonderful gathering with stakeholders from Latin America and the Caribbean in Costa Rica, the cradle of Sustainable Tourism. Presenting YULUCA to over 350 participants confirmed the region’s strong interest in advancing a unified public policy for sustainable tourism. Our action plan, developed through the Logical Framework Methodology (LFM), aims to nurture communities by promoting Regenerative Tourism — protecting our living culture and empowering its people.”

This vision aligns closely with global sustainable tourism frameworks advocated by organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which emphasize tourism as a driver of inclusive growth and cultural preservation.

The Summit’s Broader Impact on Sustainable Tourism

The Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit, now in its ninth edition, has become a vital forum for advancing dialogue and action on sustainable tourism in Latin America and beyond. It brings together a diverse range of participants committed to harnessing tourism’s potential to foster social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality.

Among the many topics covered were:

• Innovative models of community-based tourism that directly benefit indigenous and rural populations.
• Best practices for reducing tourism’s ecological footprint through waste management, energy efficiency, and biodiversity conservation.
• Policy frameworks that support responsible tourism investments and safeguard cultural heritage.
• Strengthening partnerships between public, private, and civil society sectors to ensure tourism development is sustainable and resilient.

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Costa Rican Tourism Board have played a crucial role in hosting and supporting the summit, leveraging the country’s reputation as a leader in eco-tourism and sustainable travel.

Government and Regional Support for Sustainable Tourism

Latin American governments increasingly recognize sustainable tourism as a strategic sector for post-pandemic recovery and long-term development. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has supported numerous projects promoting sustainable tourism infrastructure and capacity building throughout the region.

Moreover, national tourism authorities, such as the Ministry of Tourism of Colombia and Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, emphasize inclusive tourism policies that preserve indigenous cultures and promote equitable economic benefits.

Advancing Regenerative Tourism through Education and Partnerships

The summit highlighted the importance of education and knowledge exchange in realizing regenerative tourism. Collaborations with universities and research institutions help nurture future leaders and innovators who can champion sustainable tourism practices.

Programs fostering student internships and academic partnerships contribute to building local expertise, which is essential for the successful implementation and scaling of sustainable tourism initiatives.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean

The 9th Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a tourism model that benefits communities, respects the environment, and promotes cultural heritage. Through initiatives like the Yuluca Alliance and global frameworks advocated by GSTC and UNWTO, Latin America and the Caribbean are poised to lead in regenerative tourism.

As sustainable tourism gains momentum, the integration of technology, community engagement, and strategic policymaking will be key to creating resilient, inclusive, and thriving tourism economies.

Summary

• GSTC actively participated in the 9th Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit in San José, Costa Rica, focusing on community-centered tourism.
• Jorge Moller presented Yuluca Alliance progress, promoting regenerative tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• AYLAC members discussed financing, member engagement, communications, and academia partnerships.
• The summit gathered business, government, academia, and civil society to promote sustainable tourism development.
• Costa Rica’s leadership and regional government support underpin sustainable tourism efforts.
• Education and partnerships are vital to advancing regenerative tourism practices.
• The summit highlighted Latin America and the Caribbean’s potential to lead in inclusive and sustainable tourism.