Sustainable Tourism

 

CST

The Certification in Sustainable Tourism Program - CST - is a logo ICT product of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). CST was designed to differentiate tourism sector businesses based on the degree to which they comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management.

CST is regulated by the Costa Rican National Accreditation Commission and consists of a scale of 5 "levels" of sustainable tourism achievement. 

 It is a program that seeks to categorize and certify each tourism company according to the degree to which its operations comply to a model of sustainability.

We think of green hotels mostly during vacation travel to destinations in the rainforest, on the beach or the mountains.  However, at Vesuvio Hotel, we feel that even while traveling on business, visitors to San Jose, Costa Rica can make a difference. 

Vesuvio has been certified by the Costa Rican Tourism ministry since 2005.  It received 3 out of 5 leaves of the CST (Certification for Sustainability in Tourism).  But what does it mean to be a green business hotel?  Below you find a list of our current actions:

  • We purchase in bulk and prefer reusable or recyclable containers.
  • We avoid individual packages of sugar, butter, jelly, salt, etc. in the restaurant. 
  • We use energy efficient light bulbs wherever possible. 
  • We use biodegradable products for cleaning and as guest amenities. 
  • We offer our guests towel and linen change on an optional basis.   
  • We provide guests with information on local attractions, environmental protection actions and ways to get involved.   
  • We carefully monitor energy, natural gas and water consumption and make monthly adjustments in order to reduce usage. 
  • We support  a national park. 
  • We fumigate our hotel with ecological products.
  • We take care of our plants with products that are friendly to our environment.

Guidelines for the Green Business Traveler: 

  • Stay in locally owned and run hotels that offer employment opportunities to the local community. 
  • Turn off lights, TV and air conditioning in your room when you are leaving the room or checking out. 
  • When renting a car during your business travels, try to rent vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, which offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. 
  • When eating in restaurants, prefer foods prepared with local ingredients, locally owned and operated restaurants and organic foods. 
  • Support the local community, culture and ecosystems by visiting museums, attending cultural celebrations and exploring natural parks or reserves. 
  • Why not take the stairs up to your room instead of the elevator.  If possible, walk to your office instead of driving. 

More Information About CST …

 

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