P3 2025 Conference concludes successfully: National Sustainable Tourism Manifesto and Ecological Blue Flag in the Special Events category

San José, Costa Rica, August 29 — The Planet, People, Peace (P3) International Sustainable Tourism Conference closed with a highly positive outcome, consolidating its position as the most influential forum in the region on responsible tourism. The meeting, held at the Hotel Real Intercontinental, brought together national and international experts and concluded with the presentation of the draft National Sustainable Tourism Manifesto, a milestone document for the Costa Rican industry.

During the symbolic signing ceremony at the conference, more than 255 commitment signatures were collected, reflecting the tourism sector's desire to move toward a more sustainable and inclusive model. The document will be reviewed by CANAECO's Board of Directors and subsequently shared with national authorities to formalize its adoption. In addition, a permanent committee will be established to monitor the actions defined in the manifesto to ensure that the commitments are translated into concrete results.

Pillars and commitments of the Manifesto

The manifesto is based on three fundamental pillars: protecting the planet from the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution; human well-being, ensuring social inclusion, decent employment, gender equity, and cultural respect; and a culture of peace and cooperation that promotes intercultural understanding and global solidarity.

These pillars give rise to guiding principles on critical issues such as biodiversity, solid waste, climate change, and gentrification, which seek to guide the direction of the tourism sector. From these, clear commitments were defined, including: achieving climate neutrality by 2050, phasing out single-use plastics, consolidating comprehensive waste management systems, defending and restoring biodiversity, promoting inclusive and community-based tourism, ensuring ongoing training in sustainability, and evolving toward a regenerative model that leaves a positive impact on the region.

Hans Pfister, president of CANAECO, emphasized the value of this collective effort: “The manifesto emerging from P3 represents a historic opportunity for Costa Rican tourism to assume its role as a driver of change. It's not just words in a document, but a commitment we have made together as a sector to ensure that tourism generates well-being, protects biodiversity, and strengthens communities.”

Ecological Blue Flag Recognition

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the P3 Conference earned the Ecological Blue Flag in the Special Events category with a perfect score. To achieve this recognition, the organization implemented a series of activities that included three volunteer projects: ecological restoration in the Simón Bolívar Urban Natural Park, a tree planting event, and a children's volunteer project with students from the Guachipelín School.

The latter allowed attendees to receive small works of art created by the children on their badges, reminding them that the new generations are also tourists and must be taken into account in the design of projects, products, and services with a social and environmental impact.

Furthermore, the conference minimized waste generation and ensured the recovery of the limited waste generated through an authorized waste management system. Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from international exhibitor flights will also be offset through the Climate-Conscious Travelers program, in partnership with FONAFIFO. Priority was also given to hiring local suppliers aligned with the sustainability model promoted by CANAECO.

A closure with a vision for the future

The success of P3 2025 reaffirms the need to strengthen sustainable tourism as a pillar of development in Costa Rica. The manifesto, the implemented actions, and the Blue Flag recognition demonstrate that the national tourism industry is prepared to face global challenges with responsibility and a long-term vision.