Panama awarded for progress in sustainable tourism

Panama receives AFAR Travel Vanguard Award 2023the result of joint actions between Panama Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO), Sustainable Rural Tourism Network (SOSTUR) and PROMTUR Panama to strengthen and train rural and social tourism companies in Panama.

A team of PROMTUR Panama nominated in April 2023 for FPanama Foundation for Sustainable Tourism and the SOSTUR networkfor consideration at Travel Vanguard 2023.

Among the nearly 130 nominees, the work developed through SOSTUR was recognized for its exceptional progress in sustainable tourism and community empowerment.

The SOSTUR network supports the strengthening and training of rural and social tourism companies in Panama, in order to promote new sources of employment, value culture and contribute to the sustainability of the natural resources of the national territory. Travelers can choose from 10 communities to experience the rich culture and biodiversity of Panama, through the eyes of members of each community.

The communities involved in this project are: Santa Fe, Isla Cañas, La Pintada, Soloy, Bastimentos, Bonllik, Río Caña, Achiote, Mata Oscura and Jurutungo.

“We are proud of this well-deserved result, which places them among the leading organizations making travel a force for good, putting people and planet first.”said Fernando Fondevila, CEO of PROMTUR Panama.

Through SOSTUR, these communities are given access to the tourism market through technology and the possibility of developing a strategy aligned with their strengths, thereby increasing the possibilities for their sustainable development, added Fondevila.

These are communities that now have access to the tourist market, which enables them to develop their own tourism strategy, pointed out the executive director of PROMTUR.

“Panama helps travelers experience the country beyond its stunning beaches, popular surfing spots and canal of the same name. Projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are included in the country’s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for 2020-2025. carbon, protect the marine environment and educate travelers about its impact. But perhaps Panama’s work with its indigenous communities is the most innovative,” he pointed out Afar magazine.

Annie Young, president of the Panama Foundation for Sustainable Tourism and coordinator of SOSTUR he pointed out that the Network strives to promote a sustainable and fair approach to tourism, with the active participation of the various communities that make it up and whose tourism ventures in the community play a key role in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

It is this vision of tourism that has been applied to the industry through Panama’s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, a strategy recognized by UNESCO as an example of innovation and sustainability.