The Yuluca Alliance has been officially launched following the successful First GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit, which took place in Santa Marta, Colombia, last May 2024. This initiative, encouraged by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), is a collaborative effort of the nations that participated in the summit, united under the shared vision of promoting sustainable tourism practices across the region.
The Yuluca Alliance, named after the indigenous word “Yuluca” from the Kogui community of the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia, symbolizes unity and the connection between humanity and nature and reflects the collective strength and cultural diversity of the participating countries. This alliance marks a significant step forward in addressing sustainable tourism’s unique challenges and opportunities within Latin America and the Caribbean. The Alliance is spearheaded by an Executive Committee comprising representatives from the region’s nations, all of whom are committed to working together as a unified continent.
On August 15th and September 17th, the Yuluca Alliance held its inaugural meetings with the Executive Committee, where key aspects of the project were discussed, including the definition, objectives, and scope of AYLAC, as well as an explanation of the methodology and work process that will guide the Alliance’s efforts moving forward.
The Yuluca Alliance (AYLAC) is founded on the principle that sustainable tourism must be a coordinated effort, bringing together the strengths of each member nation to protect and preserve the shared natural and cultural resources. The Alliance is committed to mitigating the impacts of climate change through strategic actions and fostering tourism that respects and actively contributes to local communities’ economic, social, and environmental well-being.
The Yuluca Alliance represents a new chapter for sustainable tourism in the region, aiming to be an agent of change in how tourism is managed and experienced in Latin America and the Caribbean. With the strong foundation laid during the Summit and the commitment of the Executive Committee, the Alliance’s goal is to make significant strides in promoting sustainability, enhancing cultural preservation, and giving importance to the integration of local communities and travelers within the tourism experience.
The Yuluca Alliance will be supported by Destinos del Futuro, a network that works for the sustainable, resilient, and regenerative development of tourism destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean; a collaborative platform for sharing experiences, co-creation, and improvements and innovation, integrated and with good communication, so that member tourist destinations can efficiently respond to new challenges.
