Costa Rican tourism: innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness as a competitive advantage

Tourism in Costa Rica is based on three strategic pillars: innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. In terms of innovation, the country develops destinations that integrate technologies to improve the tourist experience, responsibly manage natural resources, and offer training to local businesses, strengthening businesses while preserving the culture and cuisine of each region.

In terms of sustainability, Costa Rica protects 25.5% of its territory with 152 Wilderness Areas, including national parks, biological reserves, and wetlands, and ensures that 30.3% of its marine area is protected. It also ensures respect for authenticity, maintaining the cultural identity of each location and promoting that any tourism activity respects the lifestyle, history, and natural and architectural resources. Programs such as the Ecological Blue Flag (BAE) and the Sustainable Tourism Certificate (CST) promote a comprehensive approach that combines environmental, cultural, and economic aspects, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. This ensures that tourism activities are profitable and viable in the long term, generating productive linkages in different regions of the country.

Inclusivity is reflected in the wide dispersion of tourism attractions and businesses: 80% are SMEs and MSMEs, operating in 33 Tourism Development Centers, enabling decentralized and accessible tourism. Programs such as "Tourism for All" and the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network ensure that visitors with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities can enjoy tourism offerings, complemented by initiatives such as DONATAPA, which links social and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, inclusivity seeks to ensure that income generated by tourists is distributed throughout the country, encouraging responsible community and women participation to make localities more attractive and generate resources for their families.

By integrating these pillars, Costa Rica not only improves the tourist experience, but also strengthens the sector's competitiveness, promotes local economic development, and consolidates a sustainable and inclusive model that serves as an international benchmark for tourism professionals.