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Costa Rica has reinforced its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism through its prominent role as Chair of the Tourism and Sustainability Committee during the annual session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Toledo, Spain, on June 10–11. During the meeting, member states validated the roadmap for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
The Committee was formally established under Costa Rica’s presidency and convened for the first time with its member states, together with the countries leading the UN Tourism Regional Commissions. The objective is to coordinate a shared roadmap and foster broad, sustained global engagement toward a profound transformation of the tourism sector one that advances sustainability, strengthens resilience, and creates greater value for local communities.
“This recognition reflects decades of commitment by Costa Rica to developing a distinctive tourism model founded on the protection of natural and cultural heritage, as well as innovation and social inclusion,” said Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Competitiveness and Sustainability at the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).
This high-level committee will serve as a platform to align and encourage collaboration among governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Its work will focus on advancing discussions around standards, policy frameworks, and implementation mechanisms that help countries build more sustainable and resilient tourism industries capable of responding to climate, economic, and social challenges.
“We firmly believe that tourism is a force for positive transformation. Costa Rica has demonstrated that it is possible to build a competitive tourism industry while conserving natural resources and improving quality of life. Leading this global process reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development. More than a celebration, it is a call to action,” added Alvarado.
During the Steering Committee session, members agreed on a series of strategic priorities that will guide international efforts toward 2027, including:
- Advancing a shared global vision for sustainable and resilient tourism.
- Promoting high-impact flagship initiatives capable of driving meaningful transformation across the secto.
- Strengthening partnerships among countries, international organizations, and private-sector stakeholders to enhance technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices.
- Developing tools and methodologies to measure sustainability impacts.
- Coordinating activities and events in the lead-up to 2027 to position tourism as a key driver of sustainable development on the global agenda.
The establishment of this governance mechanism is intended to strengthen coordination, foster strategic alliances, support outreach efforts, and help ensure that the International Year delivers tangible and lasting outcomes. The initiative seeks to inspire action and create a legacy that extends beyond the 2030 Agenda.
Steering Committee Member Countries for the International Year
Tourism and Sustainability Committee (TSC)
- Costa Rica – Chair
- Croatia – Vice-Chair
- Egypt
- Fiji
- Kenya
- Portugal
- Sri Lanka
- Uruguay
- Zimbabwe
