Costa Rica - Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)

The CST Standard is a technical tool, which aims to strengthen sustainable tourism activity in Costa Rica.

It is a recognition of the excellent management of companies and organizations actively working to mitigate the impacts resulting from their operation. Certification promotes the strengthening of social, cultural, environmental, economic and development work in tourist destinations.

This certificate is awarded at two levels: "basico" and "elite".

The label is active since 1997.

GSTC recognised standard

Certifying Organisation	Costa Rican Tourism Board
Partner Organisation/s	Comisión nacional de acreditación, ICT, UCR, Canatur, CANAECO, INBIO, INCAE, MINAET, UICN
Travel Countries	Costa Rica
Certified Tourism Services	more than 100
Sustainability Areas	Management, Economic and Social, Environment
Transparency	Link to the Standard
Assessment Process	On site Third Party Assessment
License Period	2 Years

Certified businesses: https://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/directorio

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Organisation	Costa Rican Tourism Board
Postal Address	San José, Costa Rica
Phone Number	(+506) 2299-5800,ext.346 ó 371 or (+506) 2291-5740
Fax Number	(+506)2220-3559
Webpage	https://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/ - open in new window
Released	10/02/2025
Country	Costa Rica
Certified categories	Certified Green: Tour operators, Travel agents, Intermediaries Certified Green: Transport & Mobility Services Certified Green: Accommodation Providers Certified Green: Restaurants & Catering Services
Operational level	National
Sustainability	Comprehensive
Credibility	3rd party audit
Services	Standard published online for free