Mexico Tourism Boards Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council

The Mexico Tourism Board announced it has joined The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international partnership dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world.

Founded in partnership by the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, UN Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, Sabre/Travelocity and others, the GSTC is open to any member of the travel and tourism industries.

“The Mexico Tourism Board has joined the GSTC with a desire to create a common understanding of what sustainable tourism is so that travelers can break through the clutter and make informed decisions,” said Alfonso Sumano, regional director for the Americas for the Mexico Tourism Board in a written release. “With more than 18 million acres of ecological preserves and one of the most diverse natural offerings of any country on the planet, sustainable tourism has long been a priority for Mexico. As part of this global partnership, we’re increasing our dedication to helping make sure businesses thrive and travelers can continue to have special experiences, for generations to come.”

In recognition of Mexico’s diverse ecological offering, the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently incorporated three additional Natural Protected Areas in Mexico into its worldwide network of biosphere reserves.

The additions include Nahá-Metzabok in Chiapas; Islas Marías, Nayarit, and Los Volcanes (Estados de México, Puebla, Tlaxcala y Morelos), and bring Mexico’s total of protected areas to 40 – third in the world and first in Latin America.

For these biospheres, environmental specialists recognize the importance of reaching out to local communities and working towards their sustainable development. Tourism could become the main trigger for economic development to improve the lives of the communities in harmony with the preservation of these three major ecological reserves.

Visit www.gstcouncil.org.