Costa Rica took center stage in the global tourism sector on September 9 and 10, 2024, hosting the 19th Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Held in the capital city of San José, this pivotal event brought together international experts, key government officials, and representatives from six member countries—Croatia, Fiji, Portugal, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe—to discuss the future of sustainable tourism.
Costa Rica’s role as both the host and chair of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability until 2027 underscores the nation’s long-standing commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. This high-profile event highlighted Costa Rica’s leadership in developing strategies that ensure tourism benefits both the environment and local communities. It also offered the nation a platform to showcase its ongoing efforts toward addressing the challenges posed by tourism’s rapid growth and its environmental and social impact.
The 19th CTS meeting was designed to foster an international dialogue on how to manage tourism growth without compromising natural ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the well-being of local communities. Five key themes dominated the discussions over the two-day conference: the future of tourism, managing tourism’s environmental impact, nature-positive tourism, climate action, and the role of green certifications in promoting sustainability.
As the host and chair of the CTS, Costa Rica used the platform to reaffirm its global leadership in sustainable tourism practices. The country has consistently been recognized as a pioneer in the field of eco-tourism, and its commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity while fostering tourism has made it a model for other nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, spoke about the importance of the meeting, saying, “Costa Rica is honored to lead discussions on issues critical to the environmental, social, and economic future of global tourism.” He emphasized that Costa Rica’s dedication to sustainability is deeply intertwined with its national identity, and this conference provided an opportunity to share its best practices with the international community. Rodríguez highlighted that Costa Rica’s use of the Social Progress Index (SPI) to measure the real impact of tourism on local well-being was a critical component of the country’s strategy. The SPI allows Costa Rica to assess the social and environmental consequences of tourism beyond economic metrics, ensuring that tourism contributes to the nation’s overall social development while maintaining environmental sustainability.
The conference explored a wide range of topics centered on sustainable tourism, with international experts sharing insights and strategies to address the sector’s most pressing challenges. Five main themes formed the core of the discussions:
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The Future of Tourism:
Discussions focused on how the industry can evolve in a way that promotes social and environmental well-being. Experts addressed the need for responsible tourism growth and examined Costa Rica’s innovative use of the Social Progress Index to assess tourism’s broader impact on the country’s socio-economic development. The SPI measures key areas such as access to education, healthcare, and environmental quality, offering a more comprehensive view of tourism’s influence on a nation’s well-being.*
Managing Tourism’s Environmental Impact:
A critical theme of the meeting was finding ways to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability. As tourism continues to expand globally, many nations face the challenge of managing its impact on fragile ecosystems. The example of Iceland was discussed, as the country has implemented strict policies to manage the overwhelming influx of tourists while safeguarding its natural landscapes. Costa Rica, too, has faced similar challenges, given its popularity as a global eco-tourism destination. The nation’s strategies for limiting environmental degradation while promoting tourism were a central part of this discussion.*
Nature-Positive Tourism:
Nature-positive tourism, which emphasizes biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, was another major focus of the event. Participants underscored the importance of designing tourism initiatives that actively contribute to environmental protection rather than merely minimizing damage. Costa Rica’s national parks, wildlife reserves, and sustainable tourism projects were cited as exemplary models of nature-positive tourism. These efforts ensure that tourism not only supports the country’s economy but also contributes to the preservation of its rich biodiversity.*
Climate Action:
With climate change posing an increasing threat to global tourism, the need for climate action was at the forefront of the discussions. The meeting explored how tourism can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Costa Rica’s leadership in climate action, particularly its contribution to the upcoming COP29 agenda, was highlighted. The country’s efforts to promote circular economy principles—reducing waste, reusing materials, and promoting renewable energy—were presented as essential strategies for creating a more sustainable tourism industry. This commitment to climate action has further cemented Costa Rica’s role as a global leader in eco-tourism.*
Green Certifications:
The conference also examined the role of green certifications in ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and economies while minimizing its environmental impact. International guidelines were reviewed to help ensure that tourism operators adhere to sustainable practices. Costa Rica has long been a proponent of green certifications, and its Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program was highlighted as a benchmark for other nations. The CST program encourages hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses to adopt practices that promote environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic equity.Costa Rica’s hosting of the 19th Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability underscored its leadership in global sustainable tourism initiatives. Adriana Acosta, Brand Director of Essential Costa Rica, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Without a doubt, Costa Rica hosting a high-level event such as the meeting of the UN Committee on Tourism and Sustainability reaffirms our country’s leadership in the matter. In addition, it is an opportunity to show the world our commitment to the fight against climate change, which we are addressing through the 2035 Strategy of the Country Brand.”
As the chair of the CTS until 2027, Costa Rica has positioned itself as a central player in the global conversation on sustainable tourism. Its efforts to balance tourism development with environmental preservation and social well-being serve as a model for the rest of the world. The insights and best practices shared during this meeting will undoubtedly guide future global efforts to create a tourism industry that is not only profitable but also sustainable and socially responsible.
The outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping global tourism policies in the coming years, helping to ensure that the industry contributes positively to both the economy and the environment. Costa Rica’s leadership in this regard reaffirms its position as a beacon of sustainable tourism on the world stage.
