Apple Vacations recognized the potential of Costa Rica as a destination that could reach a wider audience of travelers, and the Costa Rica programs launched earlier this year have proven to be very successful. The Certification for Sustainable Tourism program will lead to create and keep healthy tourism and balance in the economy, society, and environment, thereby opening new possibilities to gain a competitive edge in attracting the most important player: the tourist.

(TRAVPR.COM) COSTA RICA - November 14th, 2011 - The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is proud to announce it is the recipient of the 2011 Crystal Apple Award for Best Destination. The award winners were announced during Apple Vacations’ 24th Annual Trade Show in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.Apple Vacations has been a leading vacation company for more than four decades, and this is the first time Costa Rica has won this esteemed award. Each year, hundreds of thousands of customers complete a Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaire measuring customer satisfaction and likelihood to recommend the destination to family and friends, and it is this selection process that makes the Crystal Apple Award one of the most coveted awards in the industry. ICT has also implemented a new program, Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST).

Apple Vacations recognized the potential of Costa Rica as a destination that could reach a wider audience of travelers, and the Costa Rica programs launched earlier this year have proven to be very successful. Apple Vacations launched weekly nonstop flights on USA3000 Airlines from Chicago O’Hare to Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest region with immediate access to some of the country’s most celebrated beaches, national parks and more. This program has been so popular that flights have been added from St. Louis, from Denver on Frontier Airlines, and starting this winter from Minneapolis on Sun Country Airlines. Apple also offers a variety of travel packages from departure cities nationwide into San Jose.

This award recognizes Costa Rica as a world-class destination that succeeds in providing travelers with a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression. The country’s commitment to sustainability – both in the environmental and society – infuses every aspect of the country and what has and remains to distinguish it from other destinations.ICT to keep this recognition and improving the unique services has also implemented a new program, Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). So to keep the development of sustainable tourism involves the balanced interaction between the appropriate use of our natural resources and culture, the improvement of the quality of life within our local communities, and the economic success of our industry, which leads to overall national development. All this is possible in Costa Rica, thanks to the CERTIFICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (CST).

The CST label was developed by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute with the goal of making the idea of sustainable tourism a reality, and the only way to complete in this century. History has taught us that a quality tourist destination is created, not only by improving the most visible factors of the industry, such as hotels, gastronomy, and marketing, but also by improving the security, attractions, environment, local communities, and training, among others. A strong infrastructure leads to healthy tourism and balance in the economy, society, and environment, thereby opening new possibilities to gain a competitive edge in attracting the most important player: the tourist.

Sabrina Crudo
www.escapevacationvillas.com
antonio@escapevacationvillas.com

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