Costa Rica will host global meeting on sustainable tourism

Costa Rica will host on the 1st and 3rd of November2010 the Second Planet, People, Peace (P3) international conference bringing together at least 25 of the world’s foremost experts in sustainable tourism.

Tourism Minister Carlos Ricardo Benavides said that the P3 will serve as a confirmation that the country is "responsible and sustainable” xxxxx He said that sustainability is a government cornerstone policy for tourism and in general for the national economy because this sector provides about 2,000 million dollars per year, nearly 7% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Organizers expect about 250 people; key note speakers will include Gary Dunham, right hand of U.S. former Vice President Al Gore's Climate Change Project and Erika Harms, director of the World Council for Sustainable Tourism. xxxxx Benavides said that during the meeting, experts will discuss the future of tourism, specific issues on rural tourism, climate change, water management and corporate social responsibility.

"We have always believed that sustainable tourism is a prerequisite for successful competition, rather than a response to demand," said the minister, who also highlighted that an event of this magnitude represents a great opportunity to promote Costa Rica as an eco friendly destination.

In those same days, representatives of 30 governments that make up the so-called Cartagena Group will also be in Costa Rica participating in a meeting prior to the climate change summit to be held in Mexico in late November.