– The United Nations considers Costa Rica an exemplary sustainable tourism destination.

The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development,” and elected the President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solis, as special ambassador for the activity.

Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the World Tourism Organization, said the recognition was given because of Costa Rica’s unequaled commitment to sustainable development.

“We are confident that the President will be an excellent bearer of the message of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, inspiring nations to support the UN’s tourism organization in raising awareness of the contribution of sustainable tourism to development, and involving various stakeholders to transform the sector into a catalyst for positive change,” said Rifai.

Solís said he was deeply honored by the recognition, saying “it reflects the excellent work carried out in the country to promote tourism as an engine of social and economic development.”

Tourism Minister Mauricio Ventura spoke of the importance of Costa Rica’s tourism development model that focuses on social, environmental, and economic concerns. These aspects are measured in the country’s Social Progress Index in Tourist Centers and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, both of which are instruments recognized by United Nations.

The president’s office stressed that for more than two decades, Costa Rica has implemented an ethical development model which promotes resource efficiency, protection of biological diversity, and the promotion of tourism to bring development, job creation, wellbeing, and wealth to communities.

Solís said he is eager to be part of a global awareness campaign on the importance of sustainable tourism for countries throughout the world.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the International Year of Sustainable Tourism is part of the agency’s commitment to achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the global Sustainable Development Objectives.