Last Tuesday , Green Destinations , a non-profit organization for the promotion of sustainable tourism, included Mexico’s Sierra Gorda Biosphere in their ranking as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations in the world, according to the Querétaro state government .
It was the only tourist destination in Mexico that made the cut. Thanks to the hard work of the Sierra Gorda Environmental Group, Sierra Gorda Ecotours , and both state and municipal governments, the region in Querétaro received world recognition.
At the fourth edition of the “Sustainable Destinations Top 100,” the organization revealed a list of the best sustainable tourism projects around the world.
Each destination had to detail the benefits offered for the tourist, local communities, and the environment . The files of all destinations nominated were reviewed by a board of experts in the field. The winners were announced on January 15 .
The certificates and awards will be delivered on March 6, at the International Tourism Fair in Berlin, Germany .
Green Destinations is made up of private companies, academic institutions, and sustainable tourism experts.
The Sierra Gorda reserve was included among tourist destinations in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Holland, and Malaysia .
The natural reserve in Querétaro is considered one of Mexico’s most bio-diverse areas, with climates ranging from semi-desert to cloud forest . It is home to more than 100 mammal, 300 bird, and 650 butterfly species, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and fish .
The Sierra Gorda region currently hosts around 218 thousand tourists a year , generating an economic spillover of over one billion pesos.
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