Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central America A/RES/74/211 development and participation in trade while protecting natural environments and cultural traditions, Stressing the need for responsible tourism and for its beneficial socioeconomic impact on local communities, the economic empowerment of women through tourism, fair tourism, the protection of women, children and people in vulnerable situations against all forms of exploitation in tourism, the prevention of trafficking in persons and trafficking in cultural artefacts, respect for intangible cultural heritage and cultural and natural sites, the protection of tourists as consumers and the provision of unbiased information to tourists, Noting in this regard the role of the Central American Integration System, 4 through the Central American Tourism Integration Secretariat, in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the region, Commending the ongoing efforts of the Governments of the Centr al American countries, in coordination with the Central American Commission on Environment and Development and in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, in the implementation of existing and new programmes designed to launch and promote sustainable tourism throughout the region, Noting the existing joint initiatives designed and implemented to stimulate regional tourism integration and to foster the development of indigenous and local communities, such as the Mayan World regional brand, Recalling the outcomes of the Forum on Tourism, Sustainability and Climate Change in Central America, held from 11 to 13 April 2013 in La Ceiba, Honduras, the declaration of the fifteenth forum on the development of tourism and on the harmonization of efforts to promote tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic, held in Guatemala City on 27 August 2014, and the outcomes adopted at the 112th meeting of the Central American Tourism Council, held in San Salvador on 23 September 2019, Noting the twenty-third session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, held in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 9 to 13 September 2019, Acknowledging the importance of ongoing actions to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production 5 in the tourism sector while contributing to sustainable development and resilient societies, Taking note of the World Tourism Organization World Tourism Barometer of January 2019, according to which the tourism sector has become a major economic activity for many of the countries in the region, creating much -needed job opportunities and bringing in significant income and foreign exchange earnings, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General; 6 2. Recognizes the major role that sustainable tourism plays in the development of the Central American countries, as an instrument of social inclusion that generates decent jobs and contributes to the i mprovement of the quality of life of the population, aimed at achieving poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions; 3. Also recognizes that since the adoption of resolution 72/214 in 2017, the Central American countries have strengthened efforts to promote sustainable tourism and sustainable development, as well as enhanced inclusiveness and coordination __________________ 4 5 6 19-22424 The membership of the Central American Integration System includes Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In accordance with United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 4/1 ( UNEP/EA.4/Res.1). A/74/208. 3/7