The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), through its Yuluca Alliance (AYLAC), participated in the World Travel Market Latin America (WTM Latin America), held from April 14–16, 2026, in São Paulo, Brazil. WTM Latin America brought together industry professionals from across sectors to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and address key challenges shaping the future of tourism. On April 14, at the Transformation Theatre, Jorge Moller, GSTC Program Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, led and moderated a panel discussion titled “Sustainable Management and Certification: Pathways for Implementing GSTC Standards in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The panel featured Gabrielle Andrade, ESG Coordinator at Embratur; María del Sol Velásquez, Director of Tourism Promotion at PROMPERÚ; and Ivan Eskildsen, former Minister of Tourism of Panama and founder of OGAYA Travel.
The discussion emphasized the role of the GSTC Standards as a global framework for sustainable tourism, supporting destinations and businesses in adopting credible and measurable practices. Panelists highlighted regional collaboration as a key driver of sustainable growth, along with the importance of public policy in advancing the implementation of sustainable practices and strengthening the integration of Standards across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Mr. Moller also participated in the session “Regenerating as a Way to Reconnect Latin America” held also at the Transformation Theatre on Tuesday, 14 April. He joined Ana Duék, Director of Viajar Verde, and Arvey Granada, Master in Marketing and Digital Business, in a conversation focused on regeneration and the role of tourism in reconnecting communities, territories, and opportunities across Latin America.
“It was a real pleasure to participate in WTM Latin America 2026, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an important gathering for the travel and tourism sector in the region. We appreciated the chance to share insights, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to the ongoing momentum around sustainability in Latin America,” said Mr. Moller.
WTM Responsible Tourism Awards
As part of the event, AYLAC was invited as a strategic partner to co-organize the event’s Responsible Tourism Awards. This initiative acknowledges outstanding projects that contribute to sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
AYLAC supported category number 6 of the awards: “Best initiatives for preserving memory and valuing historical heritage”. This was hosted by Mr. Moller, in collaboration with a distinguished jury: Simone Costa, Secretary of Tourism for Salvador, Bahia; Carlos Alberto Duque Gómez (“Cabeto”), creative strategist and tourism consultant; and Andrés Aguilar, Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, Mexico. More information about the awards and the 2026 winners can be found here.
“Creating space for regenerative tourism at WTM Latin America 2026 was highly significant because it signals a broader shift in how the sector understands its role. The conversation is no longer only about sustaining what exists, but about how tourism can actively help restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and generate long-term value for destinations.” Mentioned Mr. Moller.
Through its participation in the WTM Latin America, AYLAC reinforced its commitment to advancing sustainable tourism across Latin America and the Caribbean. “AYLAC plays a valuable role in connecting stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean around a shared commitment to more sustainable tourism development. We sincerely thank WTM Latin America 2026 for making this participation possible and for helping bring greater visibility to a broader vision of tourism that values communities, culture, and the environment,” concluded Mr. Moller.
