Costa Rica recognizes 134 companies for their commitment to sustainable tourism

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) recognized 134 companies and organizations in the sector for their commitment to responsible practices during the “2024 Tourism Sustainability Meeting and Awards Ceremony.” The event coincided with World Tourism Resilience Day, celebrated every February 17 and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to promote a tourism model capable of facing crises and emergencies.

The certifications were distributed among the Tourism Sustainability Certification (CST), the Essential Costa Rica Country Brand, the Code of Conduct, and the Sofia Network. Recognized entities include accommodations, car rental companies, restaurants, theme parks, convention centers, protected areas, municipalities, and tour operators, reflecting the breadth of the tourism value chain in the country.

The ICT highlighted that the CST program, with more than 30 years of experience and a voluntary and free nature, promotes the responsible management of companies through environmental, social and cultural criteria, fostering climate action, collaboration with local communities and the management of business risks.

Tourism Minister William Rodríguez stated that the recognition reaffirms the country's international standing as a leader in sustainable tourism. Mariana Garita, head of the ICT's Sustainability Department, emphasized that the Sustainable Tourism Community (STC) continues to grow with a comprehensive vision and a commitment to continuous improvement that strengthens the destination's competitiveness.

Distribution of the awards

Of the total number of award-winning companies, 71 received the Tourism Sustainability Certification —30 in the basic category and 41 at the Elite level—; 21 obtained the Country Brand license, 42 joined the Sofia Network and 72 were recognized within the Code of Conduct, with some participants distinguished in more than one category.

The CST standard aims to transform sustainability into concrete operational practices, encouraging the responsible use of natural and social resources, active community participation, and business strengthening. The certification covers 14 sector categories, ranging from accommodation and food services to transportation, theme parks, venues, and protected areas.

Each award presented consisted of a handcrafted piece made in the province of Heredia by the artisan Emel Hernández, a member of the ICT's Handicrafts with Identity Program, symbolizing the relationship between culture, community and tourism activity.

New initiatives

During the meeting, the pilot program “My Positive Trip” was also presented. This initiative, aimed exclusively at CST-certified companies, seeks to boost their promotion and commercial visibility. The project stems from a partnership between the ICT and the “My Trip, A BAC Benefit” program, operated by the Intertour agency.

The objective is to strengthen the value proposition of the certification through promotional incentives, build loyalty among participating companies, and encourage the incorporation of new participants, contributing to expanding the demand for sustainable tourism services in the national market.