"We are pleased to be recognized as an innovative country in the regional tourism activity," said Benavides. "The CST is an exemplary program for companies to achieve market differentiation, success, and to contribute to development growth in a healthy manner; this recognition commits us to perform the job in the best possible way, he added."

After a meticulous evaluation, the CST program was selected based on its vision and feasibility to promote sustainable tourism. The recognition was given as an incentive to encourage sustainable tourism actions that would allow a growth in Costa Rica. Plans also include replicating the program in every country in Latin America.

The conference’s main topic was "Hotel and Tourism Small Businesses: Present and Future." Other countries that participated were Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras Nicaragua, Panamá, Spain, United States, and Venezuela.

Costa Rica’s development model is enhanced with the implementation of the CST. The CST objective is to categorize and differentiate tourism companies according to their model of sustainability in the natural, cultural, and social resources areas. Four basic areas are evaluated: biological and physical environment, service platform, customer service, and socioeconomic environment.

The CST program was created by the ICT in 1999 and it has been internationally recognized by the World Tourism Organization. Presently 94 companies ranging from tour operators and hotels are certified in Costa Rica.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, and bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. This small country represents only 0,01 % of the planet’s surface and it shelters almost 4% of the existing world’s biodiversity. It has given priority to the conservation of its natural resources, protecting 25% of the national territory in National Parks or other natural areas.

The country offers world-class eco-tourism and adventure travel. The options are unlimited for any discriminating traveler: horseback riding on a secluded beach; hiking through the lush whispering greenery of a rainforest; having an exhilarating experience on a white-water rafting trip, observing the tropical forests from a canopy tour; surfing the blue waves of either coast; experiencing a quite, close encounter with different species of birds and wildlife; and enjoying the diverse culture and hospitality of the Ticos.

About the Costa Rica Tourist Board

The Costa Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous institution of the State, responsible for regulating the tourism activity in Costa Rica and promoting Costa Rica’s tourism attractions and destinations both at a national and international level. The Costa Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms, regulations, incentives and grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica’s hotels, travel agencies, rental cars and other tourism organization and service provider.

For general travel or tourism information about Costa Rica, contact the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 1-866-267-8274.