UN Tourism Launches Roadmap for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027
New Standard of the Tourism Sustainability Certification Launched
A new standard and a refreshed brand mark the beginning of a new phase for the Tourism Sustainability Certification (CST), contributing to the consolidation of Costa Rica as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the region and worldwide.
The Tourism Sustainability Certificate is proof of Costa Rica’s commitment to a model of tourism that protects nature, strengthens communities, and enhances the competitiveness of our businesses. With its modernization, we take a decisive step toward the future by offering a streamlined tool with international-level quality,” stated Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez.
The initiative, which began more than 20 years ago thanks to the shared vision of the public and private sectors, recognized the importance of turning sustainable development into concrete actions.
Today, it remains a benchmark that drives key priorities for the tourism sector, reinforcing Costa Rica’s position as a country committed to sustainability, our people, our environment, and economic linkages,” emphasized Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability at the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).
The new CST standard features a more modern, agile, user-friendly, and inclusive tool that is aligned with international standards. The certification process has been reduced by nearly 50%, consolidating the number of core questions, reorganizing indicators, introducing new thematic areas, and eliminating duplications.
This version encompasses 14 categories: lodging, gastronomy, car rentals, institutions and organizations, sustainable theme parks, protected areas, land-based tourist transportation, water-based tourist transportation, direct tour operation, direct tour operation with subcontracting, coastal-marine tour operation, spas, and venues.
This certification tool evaluates four areas: corporate management; social, economic, and cultural impact; environmental impact; and specific indicators that apply depending on the respective category.
“The objective of this tool is to keep it innovative and modern, ensuring it can adapt, remain flexible, and be accessible to all companies in the sector. It strengthens the program and Costa Rica’s tourism model, which is grounded in sustainability, innovation, and inclusion—our three guiding pillars. It is yet another tool that positions Costa Rica on the global stage and enables companies to become more competitive,” stated Mariana Garita, Head of Tourism Sustainability.
Garita highlighted key impact data demonstrating how the CST influences business processes and customer perception.
The digital CST platform, which is moving toward a paper-free model, also enables business owners to upload their evidence, conduct self-assessments, and engage with the tool in a more accurate and direct manner,” noted Alvarado.
The brand also underwent a significant refresh, featuring a redesigned logo composed of an easily recognizable and understandable symbol that represents the harmonious integration of environment, society, and economy. Its green, blue, and orange colors evoke Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian stone spheres and the cultural heritage that inspired their creation.
"A logo that reflects what Costa Rica stands for—its sustainability-driven energy and, without a doubt, the daily efforts made by tourism entrepreneurs to contribute to sustainable development,” stated Alvarado.
This new version also seeks to enable more small and medium-sized enterprises to obtain certification.
Looking ahead, Garita noted that there are ongoing challenges to continue improving, promoting sustainability, and strengthening the certification.
We have already developed a new version of the regulation, which is currently under public consultation. We are inviting individuals from various sectors and companies from diverse segments to contribute their perspectives and support this collective effort,’ Garita stated.
