The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a set of principles directed towards; central and local governments, local communities, Costa Rica Tourism industry and visitors, both international and domestic. Their purpose is to guide stakeholders in tourism development.

Included in the Code are stipulations about the corporate social responsibility of travel agencies to use tourism as a vehicle to benefit local communities. They do this without endangering or risking the well-being of communities, but instead to bolster the local economy and environment.

Costa Rica Tourism to Strengthen Human Rights

The travel industry can be a curse or a blessing, depending on how we choose to run our business. Tourism companies around the world are becoming more and more conscious of how their practice, when responsible, can help communities and countries thrive.

Considering the swift and continued growth of the tourism industry, the Code draws a primary focus to issues concerning human rights, social inclusion, gender equality and accessibility as well as the protection of groups that are vulnerable. In particular, there are ten articles in the code which include tourism’s:

• contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies;
• tourism as a factor of sustainable development;
• the rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in the Costa Rica Tourism industry.

In this sense, the industry can greatly benefit awareness and help meet sustainable development goals rather than impact countries negatively.

How My Costa Rica applies the Code of Ethics:

Supporting the local Economy

My Costa Rica investigates every vendor or provider before endorsing them. We respect local vendors and educate our clients on the practice of fair trade. My Costa Rica aims to protect the culture and traditions of the communities of our tour destinations.

We also teach our clients about the importance of Sustainable Travel. We stress the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats, and encourage our clients to purchase products that refrain from using endangered plants or animals in the production process.

Many of our nature vacation packages offer our travelers the opportunity to see Costa Rica’s conservation efforts and extensive national park system. Being an informed and respectful traveler includes proper education and practices by the tourism sector. So, as well as organizing a memorable, custom vacation, we will also help you become more than just a tourist, practicing responsible tourism and respecting cultural heritage as well as natural heritage. You will support economic growth for the smaller communities and ensure socio-economic development that benefits the people as well as the natural surroundings.

Curious to learn more about how you can travel as well as contribute to a better world? Read our articles on having a carbon neutral vacation and join our pack for a purpose program to support local communities! My Costa Rica also supports the Code of Conduct!

Making Costa Rica Tourism Great

In signing the WTO Code of Ethics accord, My Costa Rica promises to promote and develop tourism while taking a stance to contribute to local and national economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

Read more about My Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts and how you can help make a difference!