The Certification for Sustainable Tourism - CST - is a certification program designed by the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT). It is intended to categorize and differentiate companies within the tourism industry according to their engagement towards a sustainable management model guaranteeing the conservation of a natural environment, a healthy society and the cultural heritage of the country.

The CST standard evaluates companies based on a rating system using a scale of 0 to 5 levels of sustainability. In 2007, Travel Excellence became one of the first tour operators in Costa Rica to obtain this Certification, with a 4 level score. Three years later, after thoroughly reviewing and improving our procedure and programs, we received the highest score of FIVE leaves (level 5) for 2010-2012.

Our company’s philosophy clearly states our engagement towards the conservation and protection of our resources with the firm conviction of properly transmitting this message to our visitors and travel agents from all around the world. We offer itineraries primarily focused on promoting Responsible Tourism, selecting at first hotels and attractions which have obtained the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) and/or the Rainforest Alliance Verification. We are truly convinced that a balance between the appropriate use of our natural resources, the preservation of our cultural heritage and the improvement of life quality in local communities can be achieved.

Travel Excellence is considered a model sustainable company thanks to its constant efforts to compensate and reduce carbon emissions, an appropriate handling of waste, a successful recycling program and continuous staff training on environmental matters and responsible tourism. Furthermore, we regularly carry out projects of social welfare through donations to adult care centers and underprivileged schools.

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism ensure our passengers to be traveling with a tour operator locally recognized for its commitment and actions towards the conservation and protection of our natural resources, wildlife and of local communities’ well-being.