In response to a survey done by CMI Green regarding which destination spot has done the most with respect to the environment, Costa Rica came in first place. Questions were based on the green experience of visitors to the country and relied on their own methods of assessing the environmental practices publicized worldwide.

“This acknowledgement of our country is extremely important because it shows that we are working in accordance with environmental practices, which is the foundation of our campaign abroad, and helps other people recognize us as a green and environmentally friendly destination spot” said Allan Flores, the tourism minister.

The surveys revealed our country as the only destination spot with market awareness at 6.8%. This comes as no surprise since 26% of our country is made up of national parks and reserves; likewise, the country stands out for preserving its national heritage over the last 50 years with the government’s investment of 1.92 million dollars in the tourism industry.

Among the most noteworthy policies, according to those who filled out the survey, is that Costa Rica offers visitors the opportunity to participate in the carbon reduction program during their travels in order to assume some responsibility for the tourism industry’s CO2 emission. This program was developed by the National Eco-tourism Chamber (CANAECO) with the goal of making Costa Rica carbon-neutral by 2021.