The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Online Course, held from April 23 to May 23, 2025, brought together Spanish-speaking professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean to enhance their knowledge of sustainable tourism practices and explore practical strategies for implementation.
Guided by GSTC Trainers Jorge Moller and Natalia Naranjo, the course unfolded as an engaging journey into sustainable tourism. Through thought-provoking presentations, practical case studies, and insightful exchanges, they inspired participants to explore new perspectives and actionable solutions.
The training also featured several guest speakers who shared their experiences:
- Fernando Ojeda, Coordinator of Programs for Tourist Interest Zones at the Servicio Nacional de Turismo (Sernatur)
- Lissete Gil, Profesional experta en Turismo Sostenible, Circuito de Turismo Sostenible.
- Gabriela Grisales, President of the Fundación Iguaraya,
- and colleague Estefanía Rivera, Gerente de Operaciones, Herencia Travel and Fundación Iguaraya.
- Francisca Aylwin, Coordinator of the route program Parques de la Patagonia at Fundación Rewilding Chile.
- Marilyn Velásquez, Founding Director of Nuevos Caminos Travel.
- Maraí Tello, Sustainable Tourism Coordinator at Amigos de Sian Ka’an.
- José Jóribe Castillo, Destination Stewardship Manager at Iberostar.
- Martha Isabel “Pati” Ruiz Corzo, General Manager of Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda.
This interactive learning experience not only expanded the understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities among the 42 participants but also sparked meaningful connections among peers, united by a shared commitment to driving positive change in the industry.
“Learning from others. Seeing with new eyes. Reaffirming why I chose this path. A few weeks ago, I completed the Sustainable Tourism Course by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and beyond the content itself (which was excellent), what I take away is something much deeper.
We worked on real cases — diverse, complex, and incredibly inspiring — that showed it is indeed possible to foster tourism that regenerates, connects, and transforms. And we did it as a community, with people from different parts of the world, each contributing a unique perspective, experience, and question.
It wasn’t just a course. It was a reaffirmation of purpose. Thank you to Jorge Moller, Cristian Carvajal, and Natalia Naranjo Ramos for their committed guidance, to the GSTC team for holding this space, and to everyone who shared their voice. The journey continues.” Shared Ximena Alfaro, CEO & Co-Founder of Grupo Dotia and Sustainable & Luxury Travel Advisor.
If you are interested in contributing to the industry’s sustainable transformation, consider checking out GSTC’s upcoming courses here.
