Costa Rica, a pioneer of sustainable tourism, has been chosen to head the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council starting this year. The UNWTO has appointed Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, to lead the Executive Council of this international organization.
This designation is a major milestone and it confirms its image as a world leader in the tourism arena. The country has been a member of the Council for three years and is a member of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, as well as the Sustainable Development Committee. Since 2001, the UNWTO had not appointed the chairmanship title to a representative from the Americas, and it is the first time that Costa Rica serves as such.
Carlos Ricardo Benavides will take office immediately and serve throughout 2009. Benavides assumes this leading position in a historical period when the UNWTO will be electing a new Secretary General.
“The appointment is a high recognition of Costa Rica’s efforts in sustainable tourism. Our country has become a model and leader in this arena,” said Benavides. “This position plays an important role within the WTO as it help to lead and approve the Executive Council’s programs. We will oversee important topics such as poverty eradication through tourism in developing countries, fair economic distribution, as well as conservation, protection and adequate use of natural resources,” he added.
UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization for the field of tourism. Created in 1925, the organization plays a central role in promoting the development of responsible and sustainable tourism around the world. Its membership includes 154 countries and territories and more than 350 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, associations and local tourism authorities.
Valere Tjolle
