Responsible Tourism

A vision of sustainable practices

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:

Evaluates the interaction between the company and its surrounding natural habitat.

Evaluates the management policies and the operational systems within the company and its infrastructure.

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.

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 Costa Rican luxury resorts, Small Distinctive Hotels, are committed to the environment 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.

Sustainability at the Best Costa Rica Beach Resorts

Costa Rica luxury resorts, Small Distinctive Hotels, participates actively in all related with sustainability. Part of our philosophy is to support social, environmental and cultural programs as a group. Besides Small Distinctive Hotels verifies that all its members work in getting the Sustainable Tourism Certification and improving their sustainable labor.

One example of the projects supported by Small Distinctive Hotels:

It is important to mention that each luxury hotel in Costa Rica’s Small Distinctive Hotels has its own projects in their communities

Casa Luz: Casa Luz, the “House of light” is near San José, Costa Rica. It is a haven for adolescent mothers who come from extreme poverty and have been sexually abused and exploited. The first stage of Casa Luz is to provide a secure home for young mothers in crisis, so that their lives and the lives of their children will improve.

It is important to mention that each luxury hotel in Costa Rica’s Small Distinctive Hotels has its own projects in their communities.

Responsible Travel

“Responsible Tourism is tourism that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit”. (www.wikipedia.org)

WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL MEAN?

Responsible travel is about to minimize your impact and maximize your connection with people and the environment. It’s about making a positive contribution and having the most rewarding and inspiring travel experiences of your life. Responsible tourism takes into consideration: environment, social/cultural and economical aspects.

Environment: travel that minimizes negative environmental impacts and, where possible, makes positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, natural and human.

Social/Cultural: travel that respects culture and traditions and fosters authentic interaction and greater understanding between travelers and hosts.

Economic: travel that has financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles of fair trade.

TIPS FOR A RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL:

Sustainable Practices

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION… SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES TO APPLY AT HOME

Small Distinctive Hotels group invites you to do your own efforts since your house at any part of the world, check and implement these tips to minimize your environmental impact…

More information we recommend you to visit: www.epa.gov www.dse.vic.gov.auwww.organichomellc.comwww.sfu.ca