Quintana Roo's revolutionary sustainability practices are a point of pride for the Mexican-Caribbean, which continues to make the conservatorship and preservation of its natural riches a priority. The state will soon host Mexico's most important sustainable tourism event: the third annual Sustainable and Social Tourism Summit, to be held in Cancun from June 23 to 26, 2019.
National and international vendors, hoteliers, researchers, and officials will gather over four days to share their ideas and experiences, and discuss strategies to address both current and future challenges faced by the tourism sector. 50 exhibitors are lined up, along with 70 national and international speakers, representatives from 26 states of the Mexican Republic, attendees from 31 countries, and a predicted 700 industry professionals.
Along with a surge of eco-hotels, recycling standards and immersive nature tours, the growing summit propels Quintana Roo's thriving eco-tourism movement. "With our growing sustainability practices, we aim to refresh the Mexican Caribbean's standing as a global tourism innovator," said Dario Flota Ocampo, director of Quintana Roo Tourism Board.
Environmentally responsible operations are also encouraged by the Secretary of Tourism's prestigious "Distintivo S" (S for sustainability) certification, which provides benefits to hotels and tourism providers that maintain stringent energy and water preservation standards. Thus far, 63 hotels and tour operators are certified in the Mexican Caribbean.
Such incentives not only motivate the movement towards sustainability, but help to transition eco-tourism from a trend into a conscientious, continuous choice among the region's tourism operators - one which will help to preserve Quintana Roo's precious turquoise waters, lush wild jungle, and historic Mayan architectural legacy.
The qualification criteria for the Distintivo S recognition are in alignment with those of EarthCheck and Rainforest Alliance - both internationally recognized organizations promoting the highest standards in global sustainability, as recognized by the World Tourism Organization.
The Ministry of Tourism established this distinction in 2012 in conjunction with the signing of collaboration agreements with EarthCheck and Rainforest Alliance. Eligible establishments include guest accommodations, airports, convention centers, golf courses, restaurants, and tourism transportation companies.
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