ISTO Americas closes 2020 with its General Assembly virtually
11 Dec 2020

ISTO Americas closes 2020 with its General Assembly virtually.

Last Wednesday, December 9th, the General Assembly of ISTO Americas was held with the participation of more than 30 people who met virtually.

ISTO Americas members had the opportunity to attend the 2020 General Assembly which took place virtually on December 9th. The President of ISTO Americas - Sergio Rodriguez - moderated the meeting, which was attended by around 35 representatives of national and local governments, associations, businesses and organizations working to develop tourism fair and sustainable for all.

Verónica Gómez, Director of ISTO Americas presented the report on the activities carried out by the organization during 2019 and 2020. One of the highlights of 2019 was the "Americas Social Tourism Meeting" which took place in Costa Rica in June of that year.

The General Assembly provided an opportunity for Isabel Novoa - President of ISTO International - to present the " Action Plan of ISTO 2020-2021" to the American members. This gives the general context of the organization and explains how the different regional sections will work together on tourism for all.

María del Carmen Roca - representative of MINCETUR - presented the ISTO World Congress which will take place between 21 and 23 April 2021. Among other important events, Fernando Mandri - organizer of the Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit invited all ISTO Americas members to participate in the event to be held between 6 and 9 September 2021. In addition, Verónica Gómez presented the CafecISTOs and emphasized that members can participate and suggest topics that are of interest to them.

At the closing of the General Assembly, Charles-E. Bélanger - Director of ISTO International - highlighted the work done by the Americas section, especially considering the challenges that the pandemic has presented. He also called for the continuation of the growing collaboration between ISTO International and ISTO Americas.

Isabel Novoa took the opportunity to thank both Directors for their work and also addressed the members, especially those from the Americas, to highlight their energy and dynamism and for being a driving force for social, solidarity and sustainable tourism.

Finally, Sergio Rodríguez also acknowledged the commitment and participation of the members. He highlighted this as the most powerful strength of ISTO Americas and recognizes that it will be fundamental to overcome the current challenges.