Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central America A/RES/74/211 among all stakeholders, and have also highlighted the key role that sustainable tourism plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and targets; 7 4. Recalls the adoption of the principles of sustainable tourism, developed by the Central American Tourism Integration Secretariat and found in its strategic plan for sustainable development, 2014–2018, which captures the region’s vision of itself as an integrated, sustainable, multi-location, cross-border destination of high quality and emphasizes its action plan for tourism and climate change as a component of the regional strategy on climate change; 5. Recognizes that the tourism sector has been a catalyst for achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions in Central America, including addressing environmental issues, in particular climate change, poverty eradication and economic development, highlighting the importance of strengthening appropriate policies and financial support within a broader framework of sustainable development policies; 6. Encourages regional and national tourism organizations to promote destination models that seek the highest possible direct benefits for local and national economies, in order to contribute to improving quality of life and reducing poverty in local communities, taking into account the integration of sustainability policies in the tourism sector, and invites all stakeholders to identify, assess and mitigate the impacts of tourism on the three dimensions of sustainable development; 7. Recognizes the valuable role of international cooperation with relevant partners, and encourages them to continue to support the implementation of various projects aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in the region by, inter alia, strengthening ecotourism, rural, cultural and heritage tourism, including colonial sites, preventing trafficking in cultural artefacts and ensuring respect for intangible cultural heritage and cultural and natural sites; 8. Welcomes the progress made by the Central American countries in converging towards a regional tourism strategy based on preserving the region ’s biodiversity and natural and cultural attractions and reducing poverty through employment and entrepreneurial tourism development that emphasizes micro -, small and medium-sized enterprises, while addressing the adverse effects of climate change, to improve the quality of life of the region’s inhabitants; 9. Appreciates the continued efforts of the Central American countries to support sustainable tourism development, including the adoption and implementation of new legislation and policies, and encourages them to use sustainable tourism as a tool to promote the eradication of poverty and enhance the protection of biodiversity, cultural heritage and community development; 10. Encourages cooperation to promote the engagement of women, youth, indigenous peoples and local communities and initiatives that foster their socioeconomic empowerment through sustainable tourism that continues to promote equitable partnerships, the creation of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities; 11. Recognizes the continued need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building efforts that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole; 12. Notes the importance of adequately measuring the sociocultural and environmental impact of tourism, and encourages efforts to fill the present data gap __________________ 7 4/7 See resolution 70/1. 19-22424