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ICT digitizes and renews sustainability standard on World Tourism Day

 

  • For the first time, Elite and Basic categories will be granted with a 100% digital framework, cutting the Certification for Sustainable Tourism application in half.

Amidst the celebration of World Tourism Day, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) recognized the commitment of 72 tourism-sector businesses that increased their levels of participation in the new categories of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) standard over the last year.

A new aspect of the awards presented this Thursday morning in the Hotel Park Inn was the inclusion, for the first time, of the Elite and Basic categories, the new two-tier system created as part of the new digital certification process. The standard was created to strengthen the efficient use of commercial resources, preserve cultural and social values and promote solidarity and well-being in tourism communities. A total of 16 tourism-sector companies earned this prize for bridging the gap of this transition.

The process of obtaining this certification involves a user-friendly online registration, which includes a self-assessment to request a CST, which is then be reviewed by a group of leading auditors who are certified for that purpose. In this manner, a process that used to take around six to eight months to complete, with printed documentation and the presentation of evidence, is being changed to a 100% digital process, which lasts three to four months on average.

Maria Amalia Revelo, the Minister of Tourism, celebrated this renewal of the CST standard. “We are innovating and modernizing this certification tool so that it is in line with the digital age. We have simplified the procedure and are seeking greater reach for the CST standard in order to recognize the excellent management by businesses and organizations that are working actively to mitigate the impacts from their operations”.

As a result of this transformation, the CST standard is strengthening the social, cultural and economic work of tourist destinations, as well as their development. Furthermore, it reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a leader and pioneer in sustainable tourism.

The main components of the CST update process took place throughout 2018, beginning with the launch of the pilot plan with the first businesses, as well as informal workshops that provided information to the tourism-focused regions of the country to provide direction to interested companies on the new certification process. This process includes online registration, self-evaluation, the request and application for a hearing, the certification request, following which the Technical Verification Committee certifies the interested company.

Another new feature is the improvement of the CST standard and the increase in business categories from 6 to 9. The previous categories, namely lodging businesses, culinary businesses, tour operators, theme parks, vehicle rental agencies and tour operators in coastal waters, were joined by hot springs and spa businesses, institutions and organizations, as well as protected areas.

The award being given is a piece of artwork by Costa Rican artist and architect Francesco Bracci, who uses recycled materials in his sculptures to increase awareness about the consumer society that produces unrestrained waste and about the need to look to the future with sustainable practices like those recognized by the ICT’s CST certification.

UNWTO celebrates application of technology to tourism

Virgilio Espinoza, Head of Certification and Socially Responsible Tourism for the ICT, noted that these improvements are an enriching experience that has come from synergies between the public and private sector.

“The process of continuous improvement to the CST standard includes the inclusion of technological tools to this mechanism, which has resulted in greater efficiency in its application. It reduces the analysis periods and covers more companies in less time while facilitating the participation of the parties involved,” he concluded.

In 2018, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been focusing on a worldwide emphasis on Tourism and Digital Transformation, which coincides with the modernization of the CST mechanism.

Currently, 399 businesses have received the CST standard and are participating in the renewal process to be included in the medium-term in the only two certification levels: Basic and Elite. Certified businesses receive special benefits from the ICT, such as discounts on their participation in international fairs, priority in domestic and international publicity campaigns, and inclusion in visits of international agents or journalists to Costa Rica, among other benefits.