Twenty-Sixth Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism

The Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism is the premier forum for hemispheric dialogue and policy exchange on sustainable tourism development. It serves as a platform for fostering cooperation, growth, and innovation across the Americas, with a focus on enhancing tourism’s role in economic and social development.

The congress is part of the work of the OAS and its Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI), see the Report of Activities in Support of Tourism – outlining initiatives since the XXV Congress (2021) and highlighting recent tourism trends.

Theme & Purpose

This year’s Congress centered on Harnessing the Power of Heritage Tourism for Development in the Americas. The meeting allowed consensus on policies, projects, and solutions that harness the power of cultural and natural heritage to strengthen the sector’s impact, expand opportunities, and improve livelihoods across the region.

 Outcomes

• Strengthened regional dialogue and cooperation on tourism.
• Advanced agreements to enhance tourism’s contribution to development.
• Adopted the Declaration of Ecuador of the XXVI Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism 
• Adopted the Plan of Action of Ecuador of the XXVI Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism
• Elected the new authorities for the Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR).

The Congress brought together government officials, industry leaders, and experts to share best practices, drive innovation, and enhance tourism’s role in regional development.

For more details see the OAS Press Release or please contact: Richard Campbell [email protected] and/or Santiago Noboa [email protected]