Costa Rica: Sustainability driving real change in tourism
The Central American country has demonstrated that environmental policies, when implemented consistently, generate measurable impacts and business opportunities for the tourism sector
Since joining the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, the country has developed instruments such as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the National Decarbonization Plan, and the National Adaptation Policy, aligning its growth model with green and inclusive development. A concrete example is the Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) Program, in place since 1997, which has recovered 1.3 million hectares of forest cover and planted more than eight million trees in agroforestry systems. Between 1997 and 2022 alone, it mitigated approximately 120 million tons of CO₂ annually. Through an agreement between the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and FONAFIFO, visitors can offset the footprint of their flights and transfers, channeling resources to natural regeneration and agroforestry systems with native species.
The country has also taken firm measures in waste management. Since 2021, the use of single-use plastics has been banned in national parks and biological reserves, and in 2024, regulations came into effect restricting the sale of plastic bags and straws in supermarkets, promoting biodegradable alternatives and recycling programs. These regulations include obligations for importers and manufacturers, as well as financial incentives for SMEs that innovate in sustainable solutions.
In terms of energy, Costa Rica is a world leader: in 2023, it produced 94.9% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily water, wind, and geothermal energy. The country has developed 850 kilometers of electric charging infrastructure and offers tax incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, as part of its plan to eliminate fossil fuels by 2050.
Beyond environmental considerations, sustainability is understood holistically. Initiatives such as the Tourism Social Progress Index and inclusive social tourism programs reflect the social and economic impact. The Costa Rican tourism sector actively works with communities, women, and SMEs to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably and translated into local development.