Costa Rica: Recognitions that reinforce its position as a sustainable destination
The country assumed the presidency of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability and received awards such as Earthshot, Blue Planet, and Champions of the Earth
Costa Rica's leadership in sustainability has been endorsed by a series of international awards that consolidate its reputation as a responsible tourism destination. In January 2024, the country assumed the presidency of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability for the first time, marking a milestone that places it at the center of the global agenda on the issue.
Among its most notable accolades are the UN Champions of the Earth Award (2019), the Blue Planet Prize (2019), the Royal Foundation Earthshot Prize (2021), and recognition by Time magazine as a leading country in the fight against climate change. It was also named Best Destination for Responsible Tourism at the 2021 WTM Responsible Tourism Awards Latin America and received the special “Sustainable International Destination” award from Viajar magazine in 2022.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has also strengthened its credibility through institutional practices. Its voluntary adherence to programs such as the Blue Ecological Flag, in the Climate Change category, and the Carbon Neutral Country, reflects its commitment to aligning internal management with the same sustainability standards it promotes throughout the sector.
For tourism industry professionals, these recognitions are more than symbols: they represent an asset to international competitiveness that increases the value of the destination, attracts new markets, and supports companies operating under the "Essential Costa Rica" country brand.