By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism has taken a significant leap forward with the unveiling of the 2025 version of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). This revitalized certification program promises a simpler, more inclusive, and internationally aligned approach to recognizing and promoting sustainable practices within the tourism sector.
The revamped CST features a fresh, modern image that certified businesses can proudly display, bolstering their reputation both nationally and internationally. A key improvement of the 2025 CST is a significant reduction in the certification process, streamlined by 50%. This efficiency was achieved by reorganizing indicators, removing redundancies, and simplifying the documentation requirements, resulting in shorter self-assessment and verification periods.
For a legal perspective on sustainable tourism’s impact on Costa Rican businesses, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable tourism offers significant legal and business advantages for Costa Rican companies. By adhering to sustainability principles, businesses can access various incentives, including tax breaks and preferential financing options designed to promote environmentally and socially responsible practices. Furthermore, demonstrable commitment to sustainability enhances a company’s brand reputation, attracting both eco-conscious tourists and investors. However, it’s crucial to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with regulations related to waste management, resource use, and community engagement. Proactive legal counsel can assist businesses in maximizing the benefits while mitigating potential legal risks associated with sustainable tourism initiatives.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a crucial point: sustainability in Costa Rica’s tourism sector is not just an ethical imperative, but a smart business strategy. The evolving legal landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, and proactive engagement with these regulations will be key for businesses seeking to thrive in this growing market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important topic.
The CST reflects the vision and commitment of the country to responsible tourism.
Mariana Garita, Head of Sustainable Tourism
A pilot program involving 10 companies successfully validated the new methodology, paving the way for wider implementation. Currently, 157 companies hold the CST certification, with an additional 85 boasting the regional SICCS seal. The streamlined certification process aims to encourage broader participation and make sustainable practices more accessible for businesses of all sizes.
The updated certification closely aligns with the country’s broader vision for sustainable development. This synergy between the CST and the national brand strategy underscores the importance of sustainability as a core value that transcends individual sectors.
The update of the CST 2025 is consistent with the 2035 country brand strategy, where sustainability is a pillar that transcends sectors.
Adriana Acosta, Director of the Country Brand
The ICT emphasized its ongoing commitment to modernizing the CST to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Costa Rican tourism and the well-being of local communities. This continuous improvement approach demonstrates the ICT’s dedication to staying at the forefront of sustainable tourism practices and adapting to evolving global standards.
The improvements to the CST signal a strong commitment to responsible tourism practices, contributing to the preservation of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while supporting the economic vitality of local communities.
For further information, visit [ict.go.cr]
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is a governmental institution responsible for promoting and regulating the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It develops strategies to attract international visitors, supports sustainable tourism practices, and works to enhance the overall tourism experience in the country. The ICT plays a crucial role in protecting Costa Rica’s natural and cultural resources while fostering economic growth through tourism.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Marca País
About Marca País:
Marca País, often referred to as the Essential Costa Rica country brand, is a nation branding initiative designed to promote Costa Rica’s image and reputation internationally. It focuses on highlighting the country’s core values, such as sustainability, innovation, and excellence, across various sectors, including tourism, investment, and exports. Marca País seeks to create a unified and compelling narrative that showcases the best of Costa Rica to the world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to empowering society. We champion integrity in every facet of our practice, from advising clients across a broad spectrum of industries to pioneering innovative legal solutions. Our firm believes that knowledge is power, and we actively strive to make legal information readily accessible to all, fostering a more informed and just Costa Rican community.
