SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

The Concept of Sustainability

The development of sustainable tourism must be seen as the balanced interaction between the use of our natural and cultural resources, the improvement of the quality of life among local communities, and the economic success of the industry, which also contributes to national development. Sustainable tourism is not only a response to demand, but also an imperative condition to successfully compete now and in the future (Definition of Sustainable Tourism, CST 1997).

Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourist Board.

It is a program that seeks to categorize and certify each tourism company according to the degree to which its operations comply to a model of sustainability. To this effect, four fundamental aspects are evaluated:

• Physical-biological parameters
  Evaluates the interaction between the company and its surrounding natural habitat.
• Infrastructure and services
  Evaluates the management policies and the operational systems within the company and its infrastructure.
• External clients
  Evaluates the interaction of the company with its clients in terms of how much it allows and invites the client to be an active contributor to the company's policies of sustainability.
• Socio-economic environment
  Evaluates the interaction of the company with the local communities and the population in general.

Members of Small Distinctive Hotels do their own Sustainable Efforts.

All the members of Small Distinctive Hotels are committed with the environmental that surrounds their hotels, contributing with a balanced development in their communities.  When you visit our hotels make sure to support and participate in our programs and efforts, it is part of your experience in Costa Rica.