A critical look at whether Costa Rica’s tourism industry is truly giving back to nature, or just selling the illusion.
What is regenerative tourism, and how is it different from sustainable travel?
Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and improving ecosystems and communities. While sustainable travel aims to minimise damage, regenerative tourism intends to leave destinations better than they were before.
Regenerative travel rethinks the tourism model from the ground up. It encourages visitors and businesses to take responsibility for reversing environmental degradation, not just avoiding it. It’s about planting trees, not just avoiding plastic straws.
How do you spot a business that’s actually walking the walk?
Look for transparency, action, and long-term commitment—not just glossy eco-slogans.
- Certified practices – Real regenerative businesses are often certified by recognised third-party organisations like Regenerative Travel, EarthCheck, or B Corp. These labels usually require audits and transparent reporting, not just good intentions.
- Local empowerment – Companies that hire local staff, support community projects, and use local products are directly contributing to the local economy in meaningful ways.
- Measurable outcomes – True regenerative efforts track and share results. Whether it’s reforestation numbers, water saved, or species protected, these businesses can show you the math, not just marketing.
- Visitor education – Businesses genuinely invested in the environment often provide environmental education for their guests. That means tours that explain the importance of wetlands, workshops on sustainable farming, or visits to conservation sites.
Which Costa Rican regions are leading the regenerative charge?
Places with a history of conservation tend to set the standard, often led by locals, not corporations.
- Osa Peninsula – Home to Corcovado National Park, this region is packed with eco-lodges that support jaguar research, rewilding projects, and forest restoration.
- Monteverde – Long a beacon for eco-minded tourism, Monteverde’s cloud forest reserves are backed by community-run conservation groups and sustainable cooperatives.
- Nicoya Peninsula – In the Blue Zone region, some surf camps and wellness retreats support local regenerative farms and indigenous-led forest protection efforts.
Is regenerative tourism just a trendy marketing term?
Sometimes, yes. Greenwashing is real—and rampant. Just because something is branded as “eco” or “regenerative” doesn’t make it so.
Many businesses use buzzwords like “earth-friendly,” “community-first,” or “green-certified” without having done anything beyond printing a new logo on recycled paper. If there’s no data, no evidence, and no long-term commitment, it’s probably more hype than help.
How can tourists participate in regenerative tourism without being duped?
You don’t need to be a scientist to spot the difference—just ask the right questions and do a little homework.
- Ask where your money goes – Will part of your booking fee support conservation or social programmes?
- Look at their partners – Are they aligned with real conservation organisations or just sponsoring beach cleanups twice a year?
- Read reviews carefully – Look beyond stars and check for comments on cultural authenticity, environmental efforts, and treatment of local communities.
- Travel off the beaten path – The more tourist-saturated an area is, the harder it is to maintain genuine regenerative practices. Smaller, community-driven locations often offer more impactful experiences.
FAQ
What’s the difference between sustainable and regenerative tourism?
Sustainable tourism tries not to cause harm; regenerative tourism aims to heal and improve the environment and communities it touches.
Can regenerative tourism work in mass tourism destinations?
Only to a point. While individual businesses in busy areas can make efforts, large-scale regenerative practices usually need systemic policy support and lower visitor pressure.
How do I know if a business is greenwashing?
If a company is vague about its environmental actions or lacks third-party certifications, it’s likely more concerned with image than impact.
Is regenerative tourism more expensive?
Not always. Some regenerative experiences may cost more due to fair wages and ethical sourcing, but they often offer deeper value and a more authentic connection. Should I avoid flying if I want to be a regenerative tourist?
Reducing air travel helps, but once in-country, your choices—local tours, eating seasonal food, supporting conservation—can still make a meaningful difference.
