In 2015, the General Assembly of the United Nations – UN – declared that 2017 would be the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development; in others words, the year to promote tourism consciously and responsibly in terms of sustainable development, close links with other sectors and the ability to create jobs and trade opportunities.

Member States will start to use sustainable measures in the field of tourism in order to understand the “wealth of the heritage of different civilization and to appreciate the inherent values of different cultures in order to contribute peace in the world”, as well as to “extend the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental.”

The UN aims to recognize the importance of sustainable international tourism to:

• Better understanding among people
• Greater awareness of the richness of the heritage of different civilizations
• Better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures
• Strengthening peace in the world
• Eradicate poverty
• Protect the environment
• Improve life quality

It seeks to promote aspects of sustainable tourism such as ecotourism eradication of poverty with local consumption and protection of the environment; mainly in developing countries such as Central America.

At Swiss Travel have been committed, for more than 45 years, to our customers and to Costa Rica, by offering a sustainable and quality product. Working with dedication to create good practices in our company, in our daily activities, suppliers and tourists.

Thanks to our actions and our positive results, we received Level 5 of the Certification for Tourism Sustainability in Costa Rica, awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), recognition approved by the Global Sustainability Council (GSTC). In this 2017 and the years to come we are committed to work daily in function of sustainable tourism.