A New Vision for Tourism: Awareness and Transformation
For decades, global tourism prioritized economic growth without measuring its impact on the environment and local communities. However, the climate and social crisis sparked a new awareness: today, travelers and investors seek responsible experiences that protect nature and respect local culture.
Costa Rica embraced its leadership role in sustainable tourism with vision and responsibility, facing a key question:
- How can tourism grow without destroying what makes us unique?
- How can we ensure that economic development benefits people and protects the ecosystems that sustain life?
The country understood this transformation in time and chose to act by pursuing sustainable tourism—preserving what makes us unique: our nature, our culture, and our people.
From this perspective, the foundations were laid in 1995 for the creation of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), which guides companies in integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations.
Its core purpose is to turn the concept of sustainability into something real, practical, and essential within the context of the country’s tourism competitiveness—improving the use of natural and social resources, encouraging active participation from local communities, and providing a new framework to strengthen business competitiveness.
Costa Rica is clear:
Tourism in the 21st century will be sustainable—or it simply will not exist.
Building Sustainable Well-being
Sustainability promotes development that meets present needs without compromising the future. It means using natural, cultural, and social resources responsibly, understanding that they are the heritage that will allow future generations to build their own well-being.
Join the group of companies and organizations committed to sustainable tourism in Costa Rica through CST.
For tourism that cares, transforms, and leaves a positive footprint.
Your leadership can make the difference.
