5 leaves at the Harmony Hotel
We have just been informed that the Harmony Hotel in Nosara (www.harmonynosara.com) is the first hotel in Costa Rica to have received a rating of five leaves from the Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) on its first evaluation.
The CST is a complete, and rigorous, certification system, which is the only certification endorsed by the Costa Rican government, awards hotels “leaves” on a scale of one to five based on their sustainability achievements (much like the Mobile star rating which evaluate hotel services). The CST bases its judgements on four factors:
1. Biological-physical: How does a property impact and/or protect its surrounding environment?
2. Services and Infrastructure: How does the property’s operations (including product use and disposal, water and energy management, etc.) affect the environment?
3. Social-Economic environment: What impact does the property have on nearby communities to promote/provide education to its staff and community and to work with community service providers.
4. External client: How does the property promote and teach responsible tourism with guests who visit?
Currently, the CST is not mandatory for all properties in Costa Rica. For this reason, it is imperative that the consumer take an active role in looking for properties that are indeed participating in the certification process. By supporting organizations that are CST certified, you not only know where your money is being spent, but are showing your support for fair, honest and, above all, truly sustainable business practices. When you travel in Costa Rica, inquire about CST certification, ask questions and demand answers. Your travel decisions, and your “colones”, can truly make a difference.
To learn more about Costa Rica´s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), visit: www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr for more information.
The CST is a complete, and rigorous, certification system, which is the only certification endorsed by the Costa Rican government, awards hotels “leaves” on a scale of one to five based on their sustainability achievements (much like the Mobile star rating which evaluate hotel services). The CST bases its judgements on four factors:
1. Biological-physical: How does a property impact and/or protect its surrounding environment?
2. Services and Infrastructure: How does the property’s operations (including product use and disposal, water and energy management, etc.) affect the environment?
3. Social-Economic environment: What impact does the property have on nearby communities to promote/provide education to its staff and community and to work with community service providers.
4. External client: How does the property promote and teach responsible tourism with guests who visit?
Currently, the CST is not mandatory for all properties in Costa Rica. For this reason, it is imperative that the consumer take an active role in looking for properties that are indeed participating in the certification process. By supporting organizations that are CST certified, you not only know where your money is being spent, but are showing your support for fair, honest and, above all, truly sustainable business practices. When you travel in Costa Rica, inquire about CST certification, ask questions and demand answers. Your travel decisions, and your “colones”, can truly make a difference.
To learn more about Costa Rica´s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), visit: www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr for more information.
posted by Cayuga Online at
9:21 AM
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