What Role Does Costa Rica Tourism Board Play In Sustainability?

Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism. SIXT.VN offers tailored travel solutions, ensuring unforgettable experiences while supporting local communities and preserving the environment when you intend to discover Vietnam. Our comprehensive services cover everything from airport transfers to curated tours, making your journey seamless and responsible.

1. What is the Costa Rica Tourism Board and What Does It Do?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board, officially known as the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), is the government agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. The ICT is the driving force behind Costa Rica’s reputation as a global leader in ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices.

• Promoting Sustainable Tourism: The ICT’s primary mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism development model. This involves creating public policies, forming alliances, and launching programs and projects that encourage competitiveness, sustainability, equity, and solidarity within the tourism sector.
• Enhancing Tourist Experiences: The ICT strives to ensure that tourists have a pleasant and enriching stay in Costa Rica. By focusing on sustainability, the ICT aims to provide visitors with authentic experiences that showcase the country’s natural and cultural heritage while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
• Improving Living Standards for Costa Ricans: A key objective of the ICT is to improve the living standards of Costa Ricans through sustainable tourism. By promoting responsible tourism practices, the ICT seeks to create economic opportunities for local communities, support conservation efforts, and preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations.

1.1 Key Responsibilities of the Costa Rica Tourism Board

The ICT undertakes a wide range of activities to fulfill its mission. Here are some of its key responsibilities:

1. Policy Development:
   • The ICT develops and implements public policies related to tourism, ensuring that they align with the principles of sustainability and responsible tourism.
   • These policies address various aspects of the tourism sector, including environmental protection, community development, and the promotion of cultural heritage.
2. Certification and Standards:
   • The ICT established the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program in 1997 to provide guidelines for hotels and service providers to build their business models based on sustainable practices.
   • The CST program assesses businesses based on several criteria, including business management, social, cultural, and economic management, and environmental management.
3. Marketing and Promotion:
   • The ICT is responsible for marketing Costa Rica as a premier sustainable tourism destination.
   • This involves promoting the country’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability through various marketing channels, including online platforms, travel fairs, and partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators.
4. Education and Training:
   • The ICT provides education and training programs to tourism professionals, local communities, and visitors.
   • These programs aim to raise awareness about sustainable tourism practices and promote responsible behavior among all stakeholders.
5. Research and Development:
   • The ICT conducts research and development activities to identify new opportunities for sustainable tourism development.
   • This includes studying market trends, assessing the environmental and social impacts of tourism, and developing innovative tourism products and services.

1.2 How Does the ICT Collaborate with Other Organizations?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board collaborates with various organizations to achieve its goals. These collaborations include:

• Government Agencies: The ICT works closely with other government agencies to ensure that tourism policies are aligned with broader national development goals. This includes collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Culture and Youth, and other relevant ministries.
• Private Sector: The ICT partners with private sector businesses, including hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies, to promote sustainable tourism practices. This includes providing incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices and supporting the development of sustainable tourism products and services.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): The ICT collaborates with NGOs to support conservation efforts, promote community development, and raise awareness about sustainable tourism. This includes partnerships with environmental organizations, community-based tourism initiatives, and social enterprises.
• International Organizations: The ICT works with international organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote sustainable tourism on a global scale. This includes participating in international conferences, sharing best practices, and collaborating on joint projects.

2. What is the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Program?

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, established by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) in 1997, is a pioneering initiative designed to guide hotel properties and service providers in building their business models on the best sustainable tourism practices. The program focuses on the management and impact of the natural, cultural, and social resources of Costa Rica.

The CST program is a voluntary certification system that evaluates tourism businesses based on their commitment to sustainability. Businesses that meet the CST criteria are awarded a certification, which is valid for two years. The CST program has become a widely recognized benchmark for sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and has helped to promote responsible tourism practices throughout the country.

2.1 Criteria and Indicators of the CST Program

The CST program assesses businesses based on a comprehensive set of criteria and indicators, which are designed to evaluate their performance in various aspects of sustainability. The criteria and indicators are divided into four main categories:

1. Business Management: This category assesses the business’s overall management practices, including its commitment to sustainability, its financial stability, and its human resources management.
2. Social, Cultural, and Economic Management: This category evaluates the business’s impact on local communities, its respect for cultural heritage, and its contribution to the local economy.
3. Environmental Management: This category assesses the business’s environmental performance, including its energy and water consumption, its waste management practices, and its efforts to protect biodiversity.
4. Specific Indicators According to Category: This category includes specific indicators that are tailored to the type of business being assessed. For example, hotels are assessed on their energy efficiency and water conservation efforts, while tour operators are assessed on their impact on local communities and their efforts to protect natural resources.

2.2 Benefits of CST Certification

There are several benefits for tourism businesses that achieve CST certification:

• Enhanced Reputation: CST certification enhances a business’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable tourism provider. This can attract environmentally and socially conscious travelers who are looking for businesses that align with their values.
• Increased Competitiveness: CST certification can increase a business’s competitiveness in the tourism market. As more travelers become aware of the importance of sustainability, they are more likely to choose businesses that have been certified for their sustainable practices.
• Cost Savings: Implementing sustainable practices can lead to cost savings for businesses. For example, reducing energy and water consumption can lower utility bills, while reducing waste can lower disposal costs.
• Improved Employee Morale: Employees are more likely to be motivated and engaged when they work for a business that is committed to sustainability. This can lead to improved employee morale, increased productivity, and reduced employee turnover.
• Access to New Markets: CST certification can provide access to new markets. Some travel agencies and tour operators require their suppliers to be certified for sustainability, which means that CST-certified businesses may be able to access new distribution channels.

2.3 How to Obtain CST Certification

To obtain CST certification, businesses must undergo an assessment by an accredited certification body. The assessment process typically involves the following steps:

1. Application: The business submits an application to a CST-accredited certification body.
2. Self-Assessment: The business conducts a self-assessment using the CST criteria and indicators.
3. On-Site Audit: The certification body conducts an on-site audit to verify the business’s compliance with the CST criteria and indicators.
4. Certification Decision: Based on the results of the audit, the certification body makes a decision on whether to grant CST certification.
5. Surveillance Audits: The certification body conducts periodic surveillance audits to ensure that the business continues to comply with the CST criteria and indicators.

3. What is GSTC Recognition and Why is it Important?

GSTC Recognition is a status awarded by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to sustainable tourism standards that have been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel and deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. GSTC Recognition confirms that a sustainable tourism standard aligns with international norms and best practices.

3.1 Importance of GSTC Recognition

GSTC Recognition is important for several reasons:

• Credibility: GSTC Recognition provides credibility to sustainable tourism standards. It assures the market that a standard has been rigorously evaluated and meets international benchmarks for sustainability.
• Market Access: GSTC Recognition can improve market access for sustainable tourism standards. Many travel agencies, tour operators, and destinations prefer to work with standards that have been recognized by GSTC.
• Transparency: GSTC Recognition promotes transparency in the sustainable tourism market. It allows travelers and businesses to easily identify standards that have been vetted by a credible third party.
• Continuous Improvement: GSTC Recognition encourages continuous improvement in sustainable tourism standards. Standards that have been recognized by GSTC are subject to periodic review to ensure that they continue to meet international best practices.

3.2 How to Achieve GSTC Recognition

To achieve GSTC Recognition, a sustainable tourism standard must undergo a rigorous evaluation process by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel. The evaluation process typically involves the following steps:

1. Application: The standard owner submits an application to GSTC.
2. Desk Review: GSTC technical experts conduct a desk review of the standard to assess its alignment with the GSTC Criteria.
3. On-Site Assessment: GSTC technical experts conduct an on-site assessment to verify the standard’s implementation and effectiveness.
4. Accreditation Panel Review: The GSTC Accreditation Panel reviews the findings of the desk review and on-site assessment and makes a decision on whether to grant GSTC Recognition.
5. Periodic Review: GSTC-Recognized standards are subject to periodic review to ensure that they continue to meet the GSTC Criteria.

3.3 Costa Rica’s CST Program and GSTC Recognition

The Costa Rica Tourism Institute’s (ICT) Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program has achieved GSTC-Recognized status. This means that the CST program has been evaluated by GSTC and deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism.

This recognition is a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism and the effectiveness of the CST program in promoting responsible tourism practices. It also provides confidence to travelers and businesses that the CST program is a credible and reliable benchmark for sustainability.

4. How Does the Costa Rica Tourism Board Promote Ecotourism?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) actively promotes ecotourism as a key component of its sustainable tourism strategy. Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.

4.1 Strategies for Promoting Ecotourism

The ICT employs a variety of strategies to promote ecotourism in Costa Rica:

1. Marketing and Promotion: The ICT promotes Costa Rica as a premier ecotourism destination through various marketing channels, including online platforms, travel fairs, and partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators. These marketing efforts highlight Costa Rica’s natural attractions, biodiversity, and commitment to conservation.
2. Certification and Standards: The ICT’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program includes specific criteria and indicators related to ecotourism. This encourages tourism businesses to adopt ecotourism practices and provides travelers with a way to identify businesses that are committed to responsible tourism.
3. Education and Training: The ICT provides education and training programs to tourism professionals, local communities, and visitors on ecotourism principles and practices. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of ecotourism and promote responsible behavior among all stakeholders.
4. Infrastructure Development: The ICT supports the development of ecotourism infrastructure, such as trails, visitor centers, and protected areas. This helps to improve the accessibility and quality of ecotourism experiences.
5. Community-Based Tourism: The ICT promotes community-based tourism initiatives that allow local communities to benefit from ecotourism. This includes supporting the development of community-owned lodges, guiding services, and other tourism products and services.

4.2 Examples of Ecotourism Initiatives in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to a wide range of ecotourism initiatives that showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Here are a few examples:

• National Parks and Protected Areas: Costa Rica has an extensive network of national parks and protected areas that are managed for conservation and ecotourism. These parks offer visitors opportunities to experience the country’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
• Eco-Lodges: Costa Rica has a variety of eco-lodges that are designed to minimize their environmental impact and support local communities. These lodges offer visitors comfortable accommodations and opportunities to learn about sustainable living.
• Wildlife Refuges: Costa Rica has numerous wildlife refuges that protect endangered species and their habitats. These refuges offer visitors opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural environment.
• Community-Based Tourism Projects: Costa Rica has several community-based tourism projects that allow visitors to experience the local culture and support community development. These projects offer visitors opportunities to stay in local homes, participate in traditional activities, and learn about the local way of life.

4.3 Benefits of Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Ecotourism provides numerous benefits to Costa Rica, including:

• Environmental Conservation: Ecotourism helps to protect Costa Rica’s natural resources by providing economic incentives for conservation.
• Economic Development: Ecotourism generates income and employment opportunities for local communities.
• Cultural Preservation: Ecotourism helps to preserve Costa Rica’s cultural heritage by promoting cultural tourism and supporting traditional crafts and practices.
• Education and Awareness: Ecotourism raises awareness among visitors and locals about the importance of sustainability and responsible tourism.

5. What are the Key Sustainable Tourism Practices Promoted by the ICT?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) promotes a range of sustainable tourism practices to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and maximize its benefits.

5.1 Environmental Sustainability Practices

1. Energy Conservation: Encouraging tourism businesses to reduce energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy-saving practices.
2. Water Conservation: Promoting water conservation through the use of water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving practices.
3. Waste Management: Encouraging tourism businesses to reduce waste generation, reuse materials, and recycle waste.
4. Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting biodiversity by avoiding disturbance of natural habitats, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting responsible wildlife viewing.
5. Pollution Reduction: Minimizing pollution by reducing emissions, using eco-friendly products, and managing waste properly.

5.2 Social and Cultural Sustainability Practices

1. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure that they benefit from tourism.
2. Cultural Preservation: Respecting and preserving local cultures and traditions by promoting cultural tourism and supporting traditional crafts and practices.
3. Fair Labor Practices: Ensuring fair labor practices by providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for training and development.
4. Accessibility: Promoting accessibility for all visitors, including people with disabilities.
5. Education and Awareness: Educating visitors and locals about the importance of sustainability and responsible tourism.

5.3 Economic Sustainability Practices

1. Local Procurement: Purchasing goods and services from local suppliers to support the local economy.
2. Job Creation: Creating job opportunities for local communities in the tourism sector.
3. Revenue Generation: Generating revenue that can be used to support conservation efforts and community development.
4. Fair Pricing: Charging fair prices for tourism products and services.
5. Investment in Sustainability: Investing in sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure.

5.4 How the ICT Encourages Adoption of These Practices

The ICT encourages tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices through a variety of mechanisms, including:

• Certification Programs: The ICT’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program provides a framework for businesses to implement sustainable practices and be recognized for their efforts.
• Incentives: The ICT offers incentives to businesses that adopt sustainable practices, such as tax breaks, grants, and marketing support.
• Education and Training: The ICT provides education and training programs to tourism professionals on sustainable tourism practices.
• Technical Assistance: The ICT provides technical assistance to businesses to help them implement sustainable practices.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The ICT conducts public awareness campaigns to promote sustainable tourism and encourage visitors to choose responsible tourism businesses.

6. What is the Role of the Costa Rica Tourism Board in Community Development?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) recognizes the importance of community development in achieving sustainable tourism. The ICT actively promotes community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities and ensure that they benefit from tourism.

6.1 Strategies for Promoting Community Development

The ICT employs a variety of strategies to promote community development through tourism:

1. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account.
2. Capacity Building: Providing training and technical assistance to local communities to help them develop and manage tourism businesses.
3. Market Access: Connecting community-based tourism businesses with markets and distribution channels.
4. Financial Support: Providing financial support to community-based tourism businesses through grants, loans, and other financial mechanisms.
5. Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support community-based tourism.

6.2 Examples of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a variety of community-based tourism initiatives that showcase the country’s commitment to community development. Here are a few examples:

• Rural Community Lodges: These lodges are owned and operated by local communities and offer visitors opportunities to experience the local culture and natural environment.
• Indigenous Tourism Projects: These projects are owned and operated by indigenous communities and offer visitors opportunities to learn about indigenous culture and traditions.
• Agricultural Tourism Projects: These projects offer visitors opportunities to experience rural life and learn about sustainable agriculture.
• Ecotourism Cooperatives: These cooperatives are owned and operated by local communities and offer visitors opportunities to participate in ecotourism activities.

6.3 Benefits of Community-Based Tourism

Community-based tourism provides numerous benefits to local communities, including:

• Economic Empowerment: Community-based tourism creates job opportunities and generates income for local communities.
• Cultural Preservation: Community-based tourism helps to preserve local cultures and traditions.
• Environmental Conservation: Community-based tourism provides economic incentives for environmental conservation.
• Social Development: Community-based tourism promotes social development by improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

7. How Does the Costa Rica Tourism Board Ensure the Quality of Tourism Services?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is committed to ensuring the quality of tourism services in Costa Rica. The ICT implements a variety of measures to maintain and improve the quality of tourism services, including:

7.1 Licensing and Regulation

The ICT is responsible for licensing and regulating tourism businesses in Costa Rica. This ensures that tourism businesses meet certain standards for safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.

7.2 Training and Certification

The ICT provides training and certification programs to tourism professionals to improve their skills and knowledge. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including customer service, sustainable tourism practices, and safety and security.

7.3 Inspection and Monitoring

The ICT conducts regular inspections and monitoring of tourism businesses to ensure that they are complying with regulations and standards. This includes inspecting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other tourism businesses.

7.4 Customer Feedback and Complaints

The ICT encourages visitors to provide feedback and complaints about their experiences in Costa Rica. This feedback is used to identify areas for improvement and to take action against businesses that are not meeting standards.

7.5 Quality Standards

The ICT has established quality standards for various tourism services, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. These standards provide a benchmark for businesses to strive for and help visitors to make informed decisions.

7.6 Collaboration with Other Organizations

The ICT collaborates with other organizations, such as industry associations and consumer protection agencies, to improve the quality of tourism services. This includes sharing information, coordinating activities, and developing joint initiatives.

8. What are Some Challenges Faced by the Costa Rica Tourism Board?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) faces several challenges in its mission to promote sustainable tourism and ensure the quality of tourism services.

8.1 Environmental Challenges

1. Climate Change: Climate change is a significant threat to Costa Rica’s natural resources and tourism industry. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can damage ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt tourism activities.
2. Deforestation: Deforestation is a major environmental problem in Costa Rica. The loss of forests can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
3. Pollution: Pollution from tourism activities, such as sewage discharge and waste disposal, can damage ecosystems and harm wildlife.
4. Overcrowding: Overcrowding in popular tourist destinations can lead to environmental degradation and reduce the quality of the visitor experience.

8.2 Social and Economic Challenges

1. Inequality: Inequality is a persistent social and economic problem in Costa Rica. Tourism can exacerbate inequality if it does not benefit local communities.
2. Lack of Infrastructure: Lack of adequate infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and communication networks, can hinder tourism development in some areas.
3. Seasonality: Tourism in Costa Rica is highly seasonal, with peak seasons and off-seasons. This can lead to economic instability for tourism businesses and communities.
4. Competition: Costa Rica faces increasing competition from other tourism destinations.

8.3 Governance and Management Challenges

1. Coordination: Coordinating the activities of various government agencies, industry associations, and community groups can be challenging.
2. Enforcement: Enforcing regulations and standards can be difficult, especially in remote areas.
3. Funding: Securing adequate funding for tourism development and promotion can be challenging.
4. Corruption: Corruption can undermine the effectiveness of tourism policies and programs.

8.4 Strategies for Addressing These Challenges

The ICT is implementing a variety of strategies to address these challenges, including:

• Promoting Sustainable Tourism Practices: Encouraging tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices to minimize their environmental and social impacts.
• Investing in Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure improvements to support tourism development.
• Diversifying Tourism Products: Developing new tourism products and experiences to attract visitors to different regions of the country.
• Strengthening Governance and Management: Strengthening governance and management structures to improve coordination, enforcement, and accountability.
• Engaging Local Communities: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure that they benefit from tourism.

9. What are the Future Goals of the Costa Rica Tourism Board?

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has ambitious goals for the future of tourism in Costa Rica. These goals are focused on promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing the visitor experience, and contributing to the economic and social well-being of Costa Rica.

9.1 Key Future Goals

1. Consolidate Costa Rica as a Global Leader in Sustainable Tourism: The ICT aims to further strengthen Costa Rica’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable tourism by promoting responsible tourism practices, protecting natural resources, and engaging local communities.
2. Enhance the Visitor Experience: The ICT aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing high-quality tourism services, developing new and innovative tourism products, and improving infrastructure.
3. Promote Tourism in Underserved Regions: The ICT aims to promote tourism in underserved regions of Costa Rica to create economic opportunities for local communities and reduce regional disparities.
4. Increase Tourism Revenue: The ICT aims to increase tourism revenue to contribute to the economic growth and development of Costa Rica.
5. Improve the Quality of Life for Costa Ricans: The ICT aims to improve the quality of life for Costa Ricans by ensuring that tourism benefits local communities, protects cultural heritage, and promotes social development.

9.2 Strategies for Achieving These Goals

The ICT is implementing a variety of strategies to achieve these goals, including:

• Developing New Tourism Products and Experiences: Developing new tourism products and experiences that are aligned with the principles of sustainable tourism and appeal to a wide range of visitors.
• Investing in Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as roads, airports, and communication networks, to support tourism development.
• Strengthening Marketing and Promotion Efforts: Strengthening marketing and promotion efforts to attract more visitors to Costa Rica and promote sustainable tourism.
• Enhancing Collaboration with Stakeholders: Enhancing collaboration with stakeholders, such as government agencies, industry associations, and community groups, to achieve common goals.
• Monitoring and Evaluating Progress: Monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving these goals to ensure that strategies are effective and that adjustments are made as needed.

10. How Can Travelers Support Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica?

Travelers can play a significant role in supporting sustainable tourism in Costa Rica by making responsible choices and adopting sustainable practices during their trips.

10.1 Tips for Supporting Sustainable Tourism

1. Choose Sustainable Accommodation: Choose hotels, lodges, and other accommodation providers that have been certified for their sustainable practices, such as the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program.
2. Support Local Businesses: Support local businesses by purchasing goods and services from local suppliers, eating at local restaurants, and hiring local guides.
3. Respect Local Culture: Respect local culture by learning about local customs and traditions, dressing appropriately, and avoiding behaviors that could be offensive.
4. Conserve Resources: Conserve resources by using water and energy wisely, reducing waste, and avoiding the use of disposable products.
5. Protect Wildlife: Protect wildlife by avoiding disturbance of natural habitats, not feeding animals, and reporting any illegal activity.
6. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation options, such as public transport, biking, or walking.
7. Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices.
8. Leave No Trace: Leave no trace by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and avoiding disturbance of natural areas.
9. Give Back to the Community: Give back to the community by volunteering your time, donating to local charities, or participating in community-based tourism projects.
10. Spread the Word: Spread the word about sustainable tourism and encourage others to travel responsibly.

By following these tips, travelers can help to ensure that their trips to Costa Rica have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and the economy.

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FAQ about Costa Rica Tourism Board and Sustainable Tourism

1. What is the main goal of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)?

The main goal of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is to promote sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, which involves strengthening the country’s sustainable tourism development model through various policies, alliances, programs, and projects. This aims to ensure competitiveness, sustainability, equity, and a pleasant stay for tourists while improving the living standards of Costa Ricans.

2. What is the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program?

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, established by the ICT in 1997, guides hotel properties and service providers to build business models based on sustainable tourism practices. It assesses businesses on business management, social, cultural, economic management, and environmental management, with certifications valid for two years.

3. How does a tourism business obtain CST certification?

A tourism business can obtain CST certification by applying to a CST-accredited certification body, conducting a self-assessment, undergoing an on-site audit by the certification body, receiving a certification decision, and participating in periodic surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.

4. What is GSTC Recognition, and why is it important?

GSTC Recognition is awarded by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to sustainable tourism standards that align with the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. It is important because it provides credibility, improves market access, promotes transparency, and encourages continuous improvement in sustainable tourism standards.

5. How does the ICT promote ecotourism in Costa Rica?

The ICT promotes ecotourism through marketing and promotion, certification and standards, education and training, infrastructure development, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives, highlighting Costa Rica’s natural attractions and biodiversity.

6. What are the key sustainable tourism practices promoted by the ICT?

The ICT promotes environmental sustainability practices such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation, as well as social and cultural sustainability practices like community engagement, cultural preservation, and fair labor practices. Additionally, it promotes economic sustainability practices such as local procurement and job creation.

7. How does the Costa Rica Tourism Board contribute to community development?

The ICT contributes to community development by engaging local communities in tourism planning, providing capacity building, connecting businesses with markets, offering financial support, and advocating for supportive policies, ensuring local communities benefit from tourism.

8. How does the ICT ensure the quality of tourism services in Costa Rica?

The ICT ensures quality through licensing and regulation of tourism businesses, training and certification programs for tourism professionals, regular inspections and monitoring of businesses, collecting customer feedback and complaints, setting quality standards, and collaborating with other organizations.

9. What are some of the challenges faced by the Costa Rica Tourism Board?

The challenges include environmental concerns like climate change, deforestation, and pollution; social and economic issues like inequality and lack of infrastructure; and governance and management challenges such as coordination and enforcement.

10. What can travelers do to support sustainable tourism in Costa Rica?

Travelers can support sustainable tourism by choosing sustainable accommodations, supporting local businesses, respecting local culture, conserving resources, protecting wildlife, reducing their carbon footprint, educating themselves, leaving no trace, giving back to the community, and spreading awareness about responsible travel.