Certification for Sustainable Tourism in Hotels

Presented by:

AmandaBenjamin

KaronTabetha

History of CST• Established in 1996 by the Tourism Board• The first program in the world to evaluate

the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of hotels

• In 2000 was recognized by the World Tourism Organization

Certification of Sustainable Tourism 227 Hotels certifiedQuestionnaire consists of 153 questions in

four categoriesTotal Score= Sum of SI + EG + PG/PM

PLACE

YOUR

TRASH

HERE

Visited HotelsHotel CST Leaf Rating

La Quinta Lodge 5 Leaves

Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge 3 Leaves

La Tirimbina 4 Leaves

Pozo Azul 5 Leaves

Selva Verde Lodge 4 Leaves

Ara Ambiqua Lodge 2 Leaves

La Quinta Lodge• Opened for 22 years and started with 2 CST leaves• Has 5 Leaves that took 15 years to attain • Goal in Sustainability is to preserve the environment’s treasures

for future generations. • Started with 4 rooms and now has 28 rooms

Examples in Sustainability

I. Infrastructural Developments A. Biodigester- takes water from kitchen & toilet to

produce biogas which is used to generate heat for washers & dryers

Treats waste water that produces pure water that is 5% cleaner that the Costa Rican Law requirement

B. ElectricityRecords and analyzes the times of the day when

electricity is expensive

Examples in Sustainability

B. Electricity/Water Uses natural light to

reduce electricity Records and analyzes the

times of the day when electricity is expensive

Measures Water to figure guest consumption

Social Aspects of CSTI. “Happy Schools” ProgramII. Use Decorations used by locals III. Goal in Hiring LocalsIV. Educating Visitors

Sarapequis Rainforest Lodge“Promote, Educate & Influence”

Hotel Rooms

Breakdown Conic Shape Three Different

Palenque 34 rooms total Breakfast included ADR- $125.00

CST Implemented

Practices Biological Physical

Environment: Following practices are implemented at

this eco lodge2.13.14.15.1

And more!

La Tirimbina

Background/History

4 leafs In 2012 they started working with CST. Left program in 2012 returned to it in 2014. In the process of getting caught up with the

program. Been working with CST for three months. 363 hectares of protected forest. Officially became a wildlife refuge center in 2002.

Philosophy of CSTPhysical-biologic: They

protect the flora and fauna.Socio-Economic: They have

programs for the local community, and schools, open house, and free tours.

Sustainable Practices

• All paper is recycled.• Solar panels for the rooms.• Biodigestor• Recycling stations throughout the

property.• Garbage is given to local enterprise.• The oil from the kitchen is sent to

someone to make biodiesel.• All decorations are made in Costa Rica.• Supplies brought locally, difficult to buy

from San José $$$.

Activities that promote sustainability

In the rooms there are signs that remind visitors to shut water and lights off when not being used.

They hold an open house for the community of Sarapiqui. The purpose of the activity is to inform the community of Sarapiqui about conservation for the wildlife and forests.

They have a program for kids, “Classroom In the Forest” they learn about science and work with Tirimbina LNT program.

Improvements Trying to improve customer

service. Trying to get caught up with

CST. Organization of

documentation. Couldn‘t get re-evaluated last

year, no time for paperwork.

Rooms

12 Standard.2 rooms for large groups.6 economic rooms.Window in bathrooms instead of fan.

Pozo Azul

Background/History5 leafs 2011Camping and adventure styleTentsOpened in 2008 and certified

in 2011.Family owned

Sustainable Practices

No AC, TV Solar panels to warm water. Labeled trashcans “no picking signs, feeding animals” signs on

property. Buildings are open to allow natural light and air

in. Organic farm No smoking Trees have signs with name of them on it. LED lights

Sustainable Practices cont.

Information binder in each tents. Biodigestor Locals make decorations. Workers live on property. No pool Tree planting program. Signs in rooms turn lights and water off. All of their cleaning products are biodegradable. Electricity in all tents.

Activities that promote sustainability

Tree planting program.Works with local school

on sustainability.They promote

adventure activities.

Rooms

Selva Verde Lodge Oldest hotel in Sarapiqui, 35 years old 4 leaves; $100-130 per night, 47 rooms “Selva Verde began with one woman’s

dream of preserving nearly 500 acres of endangered tropical forest and the multitude of species that call it home.” –John Earl Kneisler (Selva Verde Lodge Pamphlet)

“Today we continue Giovanna Holbrook’s commitment to a sustainable future – proudly carrying Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism and working with conservation partners such as the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center.” – John Earl Kneisler (Selva Verde Lodge Pamphlet)

Painted by local artist

Most signs around lodge done by locals

Selva Verde - Sustainable Practices

Implemented sustainable practices before CST program existed

Most products for sale made by local artists & do not harm the environment

Uses recycled paper & paper products Purchases products in re-useable containers Compost system to recycle organic waste Solar panels to heat water/energy for rooms Biodegradable cleaning products “Green classroom program” – Sustainability,

Conservation, Preservation Improvements? Way they collect evidence, more

people to keep track; Programs and projects

Selvaverde.com

Ara Ambigua

Lodge Family owned business 2 leaves; $100-140 per night, 43

rooms “At Ara Ambigua Lodge owners and

employees committed to change the way we did things and focused on having more consciousness with regard to environmental friendliness. We have succeeded in implementing best practices with a model that is responsible and sustainable to the extent possible.” –Araambigua.com

Ara Ambigua Lodge – Sustainable

Practices

Outdoor bins for recycling

Joined CST a few years ago; Rainforest Alliance influenced owner and fell in love with the concept

Many items in gift shop made by local artists Owner makes some decorations around lodge Buy some produce locally (plantains, yuka, lemons &

pineapple) Work with local schools on a garbage picking up

campaign Binder in rooms to inform guests about CST practices Continue working with CST program because it saves

them money on monthly electric bill

Improvements? Recently hired an individual to keep up with CST paperwork

Works Cited

Andrea. "La Tirimbina." Interview. n.d.: n. pag. Print.

Certification for Sustainable Tourism. N.p., n.d. Web.

Nadia. "Sarapiquis." Costa Rica, Sarapiquis. July 2015. Lecture.

"Pozo Azul." Interview by Jeanse. n.d.: n. pag. Print.

Sarapiquis. "Rates." Rates. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2015.

Sergio. "Selva Verde Lodge." Interview. n.d.: n. pag. Print.