In order to strengthen programmes on responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism in Latin American and Caribbean countries, support the sector in the promotion of knowledge and new trends in tourism policies, and strengthen cooperation links, the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Tourism Organization to strengthen, support and intensify issues related to the sector on the regional agenda.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), represented by its Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, is a United Nations specialized agency and the leading public international organization in the field of tourism, comprising 165 countries and territories and more than 500 affiliate members representing the private sector.
Through this memorandum, both UNWTO and SELA recognize the importance of promoting and strengthening the sustainable development of tourism and express their readiness to join efforts and work together to promote tourism in the 25 member countries of SELA.
In this connection, both UNWTO and SELA will cooperate in the implementation of projects that also include the exchange of knowledge, as well as the promotion of tourism and tourism competitiveness in the agenda of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
It is important to strengthen the cooperation links in order to implement projects aimed at producing and disseminating significant achievements on issues such as the environment, sustainable development and integration, which are common objectives of UNWTO and SELA.
This memorandum represents an important contribution to the project for an economic and social agenda being carried out by SELA.
The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Clarems Endara, is a regional intergovernmental body that aims to realize common Latin American and Caribbean economic strategies and to promote cooperation and integration among its member countries.