Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)

What does the certificate reflect?

Who grants the CST?

List of Certified Hotels

Sustainable Tourism, General Company Policies

Projects and Initiatives

Tips for a safe vacation in Costa Rica and the rest of the world

Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Tourism involves the exploitation of the country’s resources, and it is important to do it in a responsible and sustainable way. At Costa Rica 4U, we are committed to the design and development of exciting new experiences in which we actively involve the local community in: Sustainable Tourism.

According to World Tourism Organizations (WTO) “Sustainable Tourism development meets the needs of tourist and host regions, while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, and biological diversity and life support systems”.

Costa Rica 4U believes that both travellers and locals will benefit from the interaction of learning how to support Sustainable Tourism. Residents learn that their customs may be of interest to foreigners, and travellers obtain more in depth knowledge on the destination including the awareness of environmental, cultural, conservational and economic issues.

This new way of doing tourism is adding tangible value to the common structure of tourism services. The environmentally friendliness of tourism products is indeed building a competitive new market. Actually, consumers have a greater level of consciousness about the components in tourism services that do make a positive difference in the destination they visit.

This challenge allows us to take into consideration professional references and direct feedback from clients, resources as local communities and primary support service partners for the program development.

Certification programs and other voluntary initiatives provide guidance for responsible business practices, and could be used by these proactive entrepreneurs as a tool to communicate their sustainable tourism commitment in the marketplace. For this reason, Costa Rica 4U is one of Costa Rica's first Tour Operators achieving the official certification and is the only tour operator, which was evaluated at its four branch offices, its own car fleet, and its own mechanic garage.

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Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)

The Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program consists of the categorizing and certification of tourist companies according to the degree to which their operations approach a model of sustainability in terms of a lesser impact on the natural, cultural and social resources of the country. In order to achieve this objective, four fundamental components of performance are evaluated:

1. Physical-biological Parameters
Evaluates the interaction of the company with its immediate environment, takes into consideration emissions, damage and pollution generated, as well as measures of conservation and management of risk to the environment.

2. Infrastructure and Services
Evaluates companies´ internal systems and processes, from the handling of waste to the use of efficient technologies, to save water and electricity and to the type of products or consumer goods their purchase and use.

3. External Clients
Considers the companies actions to urge, train and make guest aware of the importance and need to contribute to the efforts made by the establishment to: use water and electricity wisely; to respect ethical standards or codes of conducts when clients are visiting protected areas or communities.

4. Socio-economic environment
Evaluates the identification and interaction of the company with its areas of influence. It also includes evaluation of the business efforts to develop new projects and to achieve benefits for its communities.

The Costa Rican certification program has been a model and example for other Latin America countries, which have developed their own certification programs according to the Costa Rican CST’s structure.

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What does the certificate reflect?

The certificate reflects the level to which the company complies with the parameters of sustainability established in the CST standard. There are five levels; when a company achieves level 1 show that it has made the first step toward sustainable tourism. The following levels correspond to more advanced status, culminating with level 5, to achieve it would be considered a model of sustainable tourism.

The following table presents the different levels and the corresponding percentages of compliance with the standard. The percentage refers to the total number of points earned versus the total number of points applicable to that particular establishment in each category.

CST program has been designed for all types of companies in the tourism industry. The level assigned to any company will always be the lowest level achieved in any of the areas. It will encourage the company to advance towards the model of sustainability by giving the same degree of consideration and importance to each of the four areas evaluated.

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Who grants the CST?

The National Accreditation Commision grants CST certification. The commission in comprised of representatives from multiple sectors: the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE), the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE), the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR), the Earth Council and the World Conservation Union (UICN).

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List of Certified Hotels

The following Costa Rican Hotels have achieved the Certificate for Sustainable Tourism; they are classified by number of levels:

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Sustainable Tourism General Company Policies

Taking into consideration the importance of a tourist sector based on the concept of sustainable development, and thus conducting an essential role in the protection and conservation of natural resources, it is determined:

1. That all activities involved in the production process of the company are developed under the concept of sustainable development, keeping in mind the environmental and social-economic aspects as starting points in the formulation of strategies that guarantee high quality standards in each one of the services that are offered.

2. To encourage all company personnel to create and maintain an environmental culture that permits them to develop their work in the best possible way and to obey all the norms established with the objective to maintain a stable and healthy environment.

3. Collaborating with the protection and conservation of the natural resources by cooperating with communities in which the company has a direct influence, as well as in areas visited by Costa Rica 4U.

4. To make known to suppliers, wholesalers and other companies with which Costa Rica 4U has business relationship, the social responsibility policy that the company has adopted among its main objectives, to contribute with the strengthening of norms and values in those areas of influence.

5. To respect the cultural and ethnic diversity of people who visit our country, and to inform them on laws and norms that govern the Costa Rican legislation in social and environmental matters.

6. The Costa Rican idiosyncrasy is essential in our social projection towards visitors; its objective is to be the glue that holds together those policies that seek to promote sustainable tourism as the way to guarantee the preservation of the natural resources and the development of the tourism in parallel form.

7. To support protection and conservation of natural resources initiatives, in the national parks and reserves visited by the company and clients. This support positively influences the access of future generations to those resources and also will have a positive effect in the human development index of our country.

8. In those regions visited by the company promote participation of local communities in the planning and management of natural, cultural, patrimonial and human resources, in order to make profitable to them the incorporation of sustainable tourism into their economic activities, generating employment and promoting local development.

9. Complying with all established parameters of sustainability and to reach the objective of improving the quality of life of the communities involved, of all collaborators of the company and the environment in general.

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Projects and Initiatives

1. Environmental - Carbon Offset   The National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO) was legally constituted in 1996. In 1997 the Fund launched the Environmental Services Payments Program (ESPP), a financial mechanism implemented by the State, through FONAFIFO, to compensate owners of forest plantations for the environmental services that they provide, aiming to promote conservation and recovery of the country's forest cover. In 2006, CRT joined this initiative for the following reasons: - to protect and regenerate forest in the Tempisque River Basin, - to protect the water resources in this area - and to offset carbon dioxide produced by Its fleet of vehicles. www.fonafifo.com

2. Environmental     Jaguar Conservation Project In 2006 the University of Costa Rica presented a project to several private companies, amongst them CRT, which pretended to study the health and genetic variability of jaguars (Felidae: Panthera onca) in wild populations and captivity populations in Costa Rica. One of the most important objectives is to obtain data of the genetic variability of the jaguars in these populations in the country (basic investigation). Based on this information, a model will be developed on the adequate handling and conservation of this specie (applied investigation). CRT commitment to the conservation of endangered species is reflected in its sponsorship of the Jaguar Conservation Project.

3. Code of Conduct   The Code of Conduct is a project of ECPAT (End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism) International, funded by UNICEF and supported by the World Tourism Organization. It seeks the participation and commitment of the tourist industry to discourage and sanction the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents associated with travel and tourism. The Costa Rican program is supported by the PANIAMOR Foundation in conjunction with the Costa Rican Association of Tour Operators (ACOT), the Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism (ACOPROT) and World Vision funded by Fundecooperación. CRT was the first company in Costa Rica in signing the Code of Conduct in 2003. Our clients are informed through our websites, brochures and signature in our email that we actively support the Code of Conduct. CRT also counts with a company denouncement policy. www.thecode.org www.protegiendoles.org/english.htm

4. Educational, cultural & environmental     The prestigious Ecological Blue Flag Program, for beaches in Costa Rica, incorporated in year 2004 a new program directed to educational facilities, with the objective to teach children how to protect and enjoy nature at the same time. The program motivates students, teachers and community members to improve the school’s infrastructure, to practise recycling, and to develop different educational initiatives and projects to protect the environment. Schools are rewarded with a Blue Flag and a star classification system. CRT is supporting the School of Herradura (in the Mid Pacific area), that has over 700 students, with resources, advice and organisation of the different entities involved, to help it to get the Blue Flag recognition. The project has begun on June 2007. www.aya.go.cr/informacion/laboratorio/banderaazul

5. Environmental & Educational   Established in 1961, the WWF is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: a. Conserving the world’s biological diversity. b. Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable. c. Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. It is important to mention that WWF involves local communities, who depend on natural resources to survive. Since 2003 till date, CRT operates a program together with one of our clients which supports the marine turtle conservation projects in Costa Rica and CRT makes a direct $ 50.00 donation per participant to the WWF Costa Rica program! www.worldwildlife.org www.wwfca.org/php/proyectos/maresycostas/mares02.php

6. Sustainable Tourism - Best Management Practices   The Rainforest Alliance works with people, whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, they involve businesses and consumers worldwide in their efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. Since April 2006, CRT and Rainforest Alliance established an alliance to work with the operator’s suppliers in Best Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism. The agreement allows us to apply new policies in our company and to move forward with the commitment that both parts have acquired concerning the implementation of sustainable practices that are shared and promoted among our suppliers. www.rainforest-alliance.org/tourism.cfm?id=operators

7. Environmental & Educational   In April 2007, CRT presented a project proposal called “Protection and Conservation of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macaw)” to representatives of: - National Ministry of Environment (MINAE), - Carara National Park, - LAPPA Association, - Community Development Association of Herradura, - Elementary School of Herradura and - Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort.Target group of this project are the students of the Elementary School. The principal objectives of the proposal are: - to create environmental awareness, - to invite the community to protect the Scarlet Macaw, - to start a tree nursery and reforestation project with species benefiting the Macaw (food and shelter) The proposal was accepted and teachers and park rangers will be supervising all activities. The rest of the entities involved will be giving environmental education and supplying the necessary resources.

Donations

1. Environmental   Carara & Manuel Antonio National Parks Both parks count with amazing biodiversity and are home to endangered species like the Scarlet Macaw, Squirrel Monkey and American Crocodile. For years, CRT has been collaborating with various national parks to: 1. Maintain optimal conditions of the infrastructure (trails, bridges & restrooms). 2. Provide a better service by offering neat park facilities. 3. Improve working conditions of park rangers and administrative personnel.

2. Educational & Cultural     The National Dance Company (NDC) is part of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCJD), Costa Rica’s most important institution for promoting Costa Rican culture. This important institution promotes its activities all around the country and seeks to encourage the participation of communities to benefit from cultural activities. CRT supplied free transportation to the Company’s dancers when visiting various communities to promote its show “DIGALO” (“Tell it!”), an educational presentation denouncing the child sexual abuse and giving advice to detect it and stop it.

3. Sociocultural & Patrimonial   The National Biodiversity Institute of Costa Rica is a private research and biodiversity management center, established in 1989 to support efforts to gather knowledge on the country’s biological diversity and promote its sustainable use. The institute works under the premise that the best way to conserve the biodiversity is to study it, value it and utilize the opportunities it offers to improve the quality of life of human beings.INBio and ACOPROT (Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism), in combination with other institutions, are responsible for the design and implementation of the course of General Naturalist Guide, required to get a guide license. CRT supplies free transportation for students of History, Heritage and Folklore Units to visit different areas in Costa Rica.

4. Solidarity Programs   At the beginning of 2005, the Sarapiquí Area on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica was affected by heavy rains and floods, and unfortunately many families lost all they had during this natural disaster. CRT staff collected during several days clothes, food and water and sent this to Sarapiquís Red Cross as a token of our solidarity with this community. This initiative consolidated as the “Sarapiquí Solidarity Campaign, 2005”. Recently, the Community of Belén (near the CRT Head offices) was affected by a similar natural disaster, again CRT organised a solidarity campaign amongst its employees “Belén Solidarity Campaign, 2007”.

5. Celebrations - World Tourism Day   September 27th, 2006 CRT celebrated World Tourism Day with kids, lots of kids. For the celebration CRT provided to children of the Elementary School of Herradura, transportation to the INBioparque in Heredia, meals and activities. Through interpreted nature trails with multimedia technology, children experienced living samples of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. The next day CRT brought a group of young Scouts from San José, the capital city, down to Herradura in the Mid Pacific Coast to clean up the beach and help classifying & recycling waste. The day ended with a visit to the Mangrove Forest of the Tarcoles River. The activity was coordinated in conjunction with the Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism (ACOPROT).

6. Celebrations - Christmas Gifts   The Toys for Tots initiative in Costa Rica, organized by Continental Airlines, received 2 donations from CRT this year to support their efforts. The attendance fees charged at last years MPI presentation, given by Karen Garcia-González Managing Director for the Multicultural Initiative and Jim Skiba, Director of World Incentives Nexus, organized by CRT and ACOPROT, was donated to this cause. CRT also contributed an additional $800 as promised when teeing off at the night tournament during USTOA’s annual “Out of the Country Meeting”. These donations will not only purchase Christmas toys but also school uniforms and school desks.

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Tips for a safe vacation in Costa Rica and the rest of the world

It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on; however it is always advisable to use the same common sense traveling abroad that you would at home.

PAY ATTENTION TO PERSONAL SAFETY
Avoid secluded places and not walk alone after dark.
Keep all your goods in sight and reach. If you use public transportation, always keep an eye on them.
If you are lost and in need of checking your map, look for a public and safe place to do it.
Carry in your pockets only enough cash for a day, and only one credit card.
Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill.
Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.
When doing bank transactions, you must present your original passport.  Use only banks or authorized agencies for exchanging your money.

Use automatic teller machines located in public and well illuminated places. Be careful of any offer of help of strangers when using the machines; withdraw the cash and count it before going outside.

DON'T PACK VALUABLES AND MEDICATIONS IN BAGGAGE YOU PLAN TO CHECK
Your bags will pass through a lot of unsupervised hands on its cross-country flight, so keep your jewelry, money and travellers checks close at hand in a carry-on bag. And there's always the chance that your baggage may not keep up with you, so pack medications and prescriptions in your carry on bags.

WATCH YOUR BAGS!
Half of the bags stolen are those left unattended.

Inside and outside the airport, and anywhere on the road, never leave your bags unattended for a second.

RESET YOUR THINKING WHEN IT COMES TO TRAFFIC SAFETY
The rules of the road may not be the same as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street.

PREFER TO DRINK BOTTLED WATER AND DO NOT BUY FOOD FROM STREET VENDORS
It's easier to get sick when you're in a new place because your body hasn't had a chance to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. Traveling can bring you in contact with things that your body isn't used to.

YOUR PASSPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT: TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!
Always carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in the safety deposit box of your hotel, along with your money, jewelry and other valuable objects.

BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU DRIVE
Wear seat belts.
As much as possible, avoid driving at night.
Don't leave valuables in the car.
If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight in the trunk.
Don't park you car on the street overnight.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Before you leave your hotel, ask which way to turn when you walk out the door, and which direction to avoid.
While driving or parking your car, lock the doors and keep the windows closed.  Do not leave your personal belongings inside the vehicle.

ONLY TAKE TAXIS CLEARLY IDENTIFIED WITH OFFICIAL MARKINGS
When using taxi services, verify that they comply with legal established requirements, such as the yellow triangles printed on the doors and a meter.  Always ask the staff at your hotel to call a taxi from a reliable company.

In case of emergencies dial 911

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For more information you may contact us at:
CRT - Sustainable Tourism Department
sustainabletourism@crtinfo.com
Phone. (506) 2-508-5000 – Fax. (506) 2-508-5134

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