A coalition of 31 private, public and not-for-profit travel organizations recently announced guidelines for tourism companies and other organizations to protect the natural beauty and local culture of important yet sensitive tourist destinations, like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage site on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

Initiated by the United Nations Foundation and other groups, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria includes Expedia, Hyatt Hotels, National Geographic Adventure and the Rainforest Alliance. It focuses on maximizing tourism’s socioeconomic benefits in local communities, preserving cultural heritage, reducing harm to the environment and putting plans in place for sustainability.

For details on the partnership go to www.sustainabletourismcriteria.org.