In collaboration with Sustainable Travel International (STI), the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) and the Grupo Intersectorial Isla Cozumel this week initiated a Rapid Sustainable Cruise Destination Diagnostic for Cozumel.

January 24th, 2012
COZUMEL, Mexico

The Sustainable Cruise Destination Diagnostic process will provide Cozumel with a snapshot of its current status on the pathway to sustainability, beginning with a rapid assessment of Cozumel’s performance on key destination management indicators. It will also engage destination stakeholders to identify possible interventions to address priority issues. 

“STI’s sustainable cruise destination diagnostic is a truly innovative methodology,” explains Brian T. Mullis, STI’s President and CEO.  “It enables rapid and focused assessment of the key elements of sustainable destination management at different points in time. Stakeholders are engaged throughout the process to help prioritize issues, identify possible interventions, and assess local capacity for action.”

More than 40 leaders and leading organizations from government, private sector and civil society, came together this week to provide important insights and inputs to the diagnostic. The Rapid Sustainable Cruise Destination Report will be completed and validated within the next six weeks.

Cozumel, Mesoamerica’s largest port of call, is again leading the region in demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Through participatory planning and collective action, the destination is balancing the expectations of cruise visitors with the needs of industry, community and the natural environment. This latest initiative of the Grupo Intersectorial Isla Cozumel, in conjunction with implementation partner STI, builds on a previous undertaking, which brought together the cruise lines and local cruise sector stakeholders to develop and successfully implement Cozumel’s first-ever Destination Stewardship Action Plan.  

"This assessment is the natural next step for Cozumel, in order to identify where we stand as a sustainable cruise destination," says Javier Pizaña, Grupo Intersectorial President. "We've developed a strategic plan on the path to sustainability. Now we have the tools to realistically measure the impact of those activities. "
 

Cozumel’s work on sustainable destination management is made possible through the generous support of The Summit Foundation. 



About Sustainable Travel International

Since 2002, Sustainable Travel International’s innovative programs have strengthened the positive impacts of tourism worldwide. STI offers a portfolio of sustainability management solutions designed for travel and tourism businesses, and collaborates with destinations to make sustainable tourism a reality. Through education and training programs, STI’s team is committed to helping its partners have a lasting impact on the communities they serve. 

For more information, please visit: www.sustainabletravelinternational.org 

Contact: Brian Mullis, Founder & CEO
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