By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica continues to solidify its position as a global leader in environmental stewardship. The Costa Rica Convention Center (CCCR), operated by Grupo Heroica, has signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, joining a worldwide movement urging immediate climate action within the tourism sector.
This significant commitment was announced during the Sustainability and Social Tourism Summit organized by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). The signing marks a pivotal moment, establishing the CCCR as a regional pioneer in regenerative tourism and a venue dedicated to promoting carbon neutrality in all its events.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable tourism is not just a trend, it’s becoming a legal imperative. Increasingly, regulations in Costa Rica are reflecting the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility. Businesses operating in the tourism sector must be proactive in understanding and complying with these evolving legal frameworks, which encompass areas like land use, waste management, and community engagement. This proactive approach not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances a company’s reputation and contributes to the long-term viability of the tourism industry in Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legality and sustainability in Costa Rica’s tourism sector. Indeed, embracing proactive compliance isn’t just a smart business strategy; it’s an investment in the very future of our natural wonders and the communities that depend on them. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
The CCCR has implemented the certified CarbonClear Events methodology, enabling the neutralization of operational emissions from all events hosted at its facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the principles of the Glasgow Declaration, which calls for a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050.
More and more sustainable companies are aware that, to organize truly environmentally responsible events, the first step is to choose a venue that not only significantly reduces its footprint, but also strengthens the organizers’ sustainable commitment to their attendees. Signing the Glasgow Declaration commits us to continue measuring, reducing and regenerating.
Álvaro Rojas, General Manager of the Costa Rica Convention Center
The Glasgow Declaration mandates signatories to present a climate action plan within 12 months of signing and to provide annual reports detailing measurable and transparent progress. By signing the declaration, the CCCR reinforces its leading role as a world-class sustainable infrastructure and an active participant in combating climate change.
The signing is a clear signal to the country’s tourism and business sector that the future of tourism must be guided by environmental regeneration, multi-sector collaboration, and the well-being of communities.
Álvaro Rojas, General Manager of the Costa Rica Convention Center
Mariana Garita, Head of the Department of Sustainable Tourism at the ICT, emphasized the importance of this commitment:
The signing signifies a significant step in the Convention Center’s journey towards environmental sustainability to accelerate climate action in tourism in our country. The Convention Center has been designed responsibly and sustainably. Today it reinforces its commitment, and its operation demonstrates that it is possible to implement innovative practices, adaptation measures and actions to reduce carbon emissions from the events it hosts. From the use of renewable energy to efficient waste management, to raising awareness among its clients and business partners, among many other actions.
Mariana Garita, Head of the Department of Sustainable Tourism at the ICT
Globally, the CCCR is among the first venues in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector to sign the Glasgow Declaration, further highlighting the significance and distinctiveness of its commitment. The declaration emphasizes five key strategies: measurement, decarbonization, regeneration, collaboration, and financing, aligning with the principles of the Paris Agreement and the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.
For further information, visit grupoheroica.com
About Grupo Heroica:
Grupo Heroica is a leading operator of convention centers and event spaces, committed to sustainable practices and responsible tourism. Their management of the Costa Rica Convention Center exemplifies their dedication to environmental stewardship and promoting carbon neutrality within the industry.
For further information, visit www.ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governing body responsible for promoting and developing sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. The ICT plays a vital role in supporting initiatives and programs that prioritize environmental protection and responsible travel practices.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative approaches to legal practice. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm is dedicated not just to resolving complex legal matters but also to empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal education. This commitment to sharing knowledge reflects their deep-seated belief in a society strengthened by understanding and informed participation in the legal landscape.
