what is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is not limited only to areas of ecological importance, therefore it seeks to actively reduce the negative impacts in a holistic form, in wild, rural and urban zones. Integrated themes include economic viability, socio-cultural sensibility and environmental sustainability, in natural and culturally significant destinations, both in mass tourism and in the different segments of niche tourism. Sustainable tourism examines and responds to the needs of the present, but also contemplates how current actions might reduce negative impacts in the long term.

Tourism is one of the industries with more expected growth at an international level than the world has previously known. For many developing countries it is the main source of comercial exchange.

Tourism is one of the few industries identified in Agenda 21 with the ability to make a positive and healthy impact to each national economy. Right now, tourism is the main strategy of economic development for many nations.

The impressive growth of tourists flowing into Panama since the 1990's is very well deserved, since with seven different indigenous cultures and and more biologic diversity over distance than the amazon, the growth of tourism continues at the expected international level.

Now more than ever, with our current economic development we must protect the cultural and natural resources that are are intimately connected with tourism. High growth and demand have greatly influenced the economy and our administration of protected areas. We need to consider the interaction between humans and the environment as one of the main factors in our growing tourism.

Working towards sustainable development, we need to increase the use of sustainable providers in tourism in Panama.

To promote the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and the prudent use of the natural resources.

To promote the mitigation of the poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in communities where the tourism is a reality.

what is aptso?

APTSO is a non-profit association directed by a group of pioneers in the fields of tourism, science and development that intends to spread sustainable tourism across both the private and public sectors in order to improve the environmental and common development of Panama.

aptso's mission

The mission of APTSO is to facilitate sustainable tourism in Panama. In the context of the development, this means: all the forms of the tourism development, handling and activities, which support environmental, social and economic integrity. We understand that to promote tourism, there is the no guarantee of the well-being of the cultural and natural resources in perpetuity. Thus, the mission of APTSO is to promote that the tourism in Panama focus more on sustainability, supporting important strategies for the conservation and the sustainable use of our cultural and natural resources.

Sustainability emerges from the collaboration and conduct of the participants. APTSO will provide practical structures and the technical assistance to carry this collaboration through, which as a result then sustainability should emerge as a legacy.

Specific targets of APTSO include:

Promote and stimulate sustainable tourism practices across all of the programs provided throughout Panama. So that consumers, business and tourism organizations may contribute to the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of Panama.

Tourism plays an important role in the development of the economies and the implementation of programs that relieve poverty. Sustainable tourism can help to protect these ecosystems.
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