Costa Rica Drives a Cutting-Edge Tourism Development Model

Costa Rica promotes an advanced tourism development model that positions the country among the world’s leading destinations. This distinction stems from the visionary leadership of previous generations and evolves through a framework built on three pillars: Sustainability, Innovation, and Inclusion, driven by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) under the National Tourism Plan (2022–2027).

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Innovation

  • Business development.
  • Business diversification.
  • Destination development.

Sustainability

  • Responsible use of resources.
  • Respect for authenticity.
  • Visitor satisfaction.

Inclusion

  • Human talent.
  • Equal opportunities.
  • Local benefits.

Sustainable Tourism

In tourism, sustainability results from a balanced interaction of three fundamental factors within the industry:

Responsible Use of Resources

The appropriate use of our natural and cultural resources.

Community Well-being and Development

Improving the quality of life in local communities.

Sustainable Economic Success

Strengthening the local economy by generating employment and reinvesting profits in communities without depleting natural and cultural resources.
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We understand sustainable tourism as:

“Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.”

UN Tourism

What We Offer

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), through its Tourism Sustainability Department, provides a comprehensive set of programs, initiatives, and tools for businesses and organizations committed to achieving sustainable and responsible tourism.

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Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Program

A practical and essential tool that transforms the concept of sustainability into a tangible reality within the context of Costa Rica’s tourism competitiveness. Its purpose is to improve the use of natural and social resources, encourage active participation from local communities, and strengthen the competitiveness of the business sector.

Learn About the CST Program
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Social Initiatives

Code of Conduct Program

Focused on protecting children and adolescents from commercial sexual exploitation associated with travel and tourism (ESCNNA-VT).

Red Sofía

Promotes gender equality in the tourism industry, fostering inclusive experiences and ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors.
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Your-Model

Identifies market opportunities within the tourism sector for sustainable agricultural and fisheries products adapted to climate change.
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Ecological Blue Flag Program

An annual award recognizing the voluntary efforts of beach committees in Costa Rica for their work in environmental protection, climate action, and public health.
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Tourism for All

Advances the universal right to leisure and tourism for individuals in vulnerable conditions, based on principles of inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability.

Our Impact

Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Program

30

30 years: A solid, globally recognized model with three decades of experience.

1500

1,500 audits: More than 1,500 audit processes implemented.

400

400 certifications: Nearly 400 certifications issued to tourism businesses in Costa Rica since the process was digitized in 2018.

2020

2020 recognition: Acknowledged by the GSTC as one of the leading global sustainability standards.

Social Initiatives

100+

Over 100 tourism companies affiliated with the Code of Conduct.

1,000

Nearly 1,000 individuals trained through Red Sofía since 2023, and more than 50 affiliated tourism companies.

1,600

Over 1,600 beneficiaries through Tourism for All, with more than 50 institutional partnerships.

140

140 companies awarded the Ecological Blue Flag distinction to date.

International Recognition

The CST has earned global recognition for its rigorous and committed approach to sustainability, positioning Costa Rica as a benchmark in sustainable tourism.

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Costa Rica assumed the presidency of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, reaffirming its climate leadership and commitment to the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, and sustainable tourism action.
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In 2020, CST was recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), ranking among the most important sustainability standards worldwide.
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Costa Rica secured regional representation for the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO) for the 2024–2026 term.

International commitments

We undertake international commitments with UN Tourism through the Glasgow Declaration and the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, reaffirming Costa Rica’s leadership in sustainability.

We have been part of this declaration since 2024, a catalyst for accelerating climate action in the tourism sector.

Discover our action plan

We joined this initiative in 2024, committing to implement and promote actions aimed at fostering a circular economy in the sector.

Discover our action plan

Strategic Partnerships

Our alliances strengthen the CST Program, joining efforts to promote tourism that protects communities and the environment.

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Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Costa Rica joined in 2022, sharing a vision of sustainable tourism development that has made the country a global reference.
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CST Program aligned with SICCS

ICT and SITCA achieved homologation of the CST Program with the Central American Integrated System of Quality and Sustainability (SICCS), granting certified companies in Costa Rica regional recognition.
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Agreement with the Forest Financing Fund (FONAFIFO)

Through this agreement, CST-certified companies can acquire carbon credits at a preferential rate of $6.