ICT renewed platform on sustainable tourism in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) reiterates its commitment to tourism sustainability and, as part of the actions to promote this leading model, the launch of the new official website for the Certification for Tourism Sustainability (CST) Program is carried out as an informative, modern and AA-accessible platform.

The website www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr explains the scope, importance, background, and partnerships of the CST (Sustainable Tourism Certification). It also details the certification process and the impact of its basic and elite levels. It is a new platform for companies and organizations to become agents of change for sustainable tourism.

Mariana Garita, Head of the Sustainability Department, explained that this new tool empowers tourism businesses to embrace sustainability as a differentiating value that strengthens their competitiveness both nationally and internationally. “The website is an informative, modern, accessible, and user-friendly platform that explains what the CST is, its purpose, how to become certified, partnerships, and the benefits for certified companies.”

Garita added that, “it is a more inclusive, interactive and easy-to-use space, designed to support tourism companies on their journey towards more responsible operations and to achieve the CST, which is internationally recognized and free, with a track record of more than thirty years.”

Tool to strengthen the sustainable model.

Companies can learn about and register for the following programs: Red Sofía, Tourism for All People, Code of Conduct, Tu-MoDeLo and Blue Flag Ecological in the beaches category; they can also access free training, specialized talks, practical resources and publications on sustainability, news, testimonials and videos, among others.

This tool serves as a showcase for a wide range of certified categories: from lodging, gastronomy and transportation services, to specialized modalities such as tour operation, sustainable theme parks, protected areas and venues.

The renovated site goes hand in hand with the new standard and brand of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), an initiative with more than 30 years of history and recognized worldwide for Costa Rica's leadership in sustainable tourism.

Tangible benefits of the CST

The CST is available to small and large companies in rural areas and the GAM, allowing them to strengthen their competitiveness at the national and international level through compliance with Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and homologation with the Central American seal SICCS – Elite level.

Other benefits include technical advice, greater added value and public visibility, due to product differentiation, preferential rates such as discounts at trade fairs (60% for the basic level and 100% for the elite level) and carbon credits ($6 per unit) with the National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO).

Currently, there are more than 150 certified entities and the ICT invites more companies to become part of this community.

Source: ICT.