The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) presented this Friday the Update of the Social Progress Index (IPS) in Costa Rica's tourism development centers for 2024. This is one of the largest statistical exercises in the country, aimed at analyzing the level of well-being of the population in tourist destinations, and guiding the sustainability strategy of the sector.
To obtain the 2024 results, interviews were conducted in the 33 tourism development centers in the country; a sample of 6,766 households was covered, with a reach of 22,246 people. The instrument has a confidence level of 95%, with a margin of error of +/- 6.5%, and allowed the collection of information in three dimensions, 12 components and 60 indicators, which are reflected in the IPS with a measurement of 0 to 100 points.
Among the findings, it was found that 89.2% of respondents consider tourism to be beneficial, as it generates employment and promotes economic development, among other aspects.
Post-pandemic resilience
According to the IPS 2024 data, positive results are observed compared to the previous measurement (2017 – 2019): the overall average IPS in the Tourism Development Centers (TDC) or tourist destinations is 72.57 points for 2024, with an increase of 0.84 points compared to the previous scores. This variation represents an improvement in the three dimensions evaluated: basic needs, foundations of well-being and opportunities.
A total of 15 of the CDTs improved their IPS by more than one point, reflecting the resilience and progress of tourist destinations after the pandemic, with the majority reaching medium and high levels. Eight of them had variations of less than one point of IPS, while nine had a difference of less than 1 point of IPS, according to the data from the first measurement. Santa Elena was not included in the previous analysis, so a comparison is not possible.
“Tourism is a driving force for social well-being, and the results presented today are proof of this. This analysis, based on quantitative data, allows us to better understand the internal conditions of the country, facilitating strategic decision-making by various actors. Through this tool we can also advance in the formulation of tourism development plans with a comprehensive approach to sustainability, always in coordination with communities, local governments, sector chambers and other institutions,” said William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica.
The first measurement obtained between 2017 and 2019 was transferred to the Integrated Destination Management Program, in which the communities participated to adapt it to their needs and specific projects. At that time, the evaluation was carried out gradually until the 32 existing tourist destinations at that time were completed. In 2024, all 33 CDTs were covered in one go.
Costa Rican innovation
The IPS is an instrument used to measure social progress in more than 170 countries since 2011. In an innovative way, Costa Rica implemented this tool in tourist destinations to evaluate how the economic success of the sector translates into well-being for communities and their inhabitants. This approach allows for joint management of plans and policies between the public and private sectors, which favor a sustainable tourism development model.
Source: ICT.