Social Sustainability of Tourism: Connecting the Essential at 360º
The 29th World Congress of the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO) is a meeting point that will bring together leaders, innovators, experts and professionals of social, fair and sustainable tourism from around the world, who will have the opportunity to participate in interesting debates, attend thought-provoking sessions and discover the keys to promote socially sustainable tourism practices.
This Congress, which will take place from 21 to 25 October 2024 in the dynamic city of San José, at the Costa Rica Convention Center (CCCR), has the sponsorship and support of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), a member of ISTO, which promotes socially responsible and sustainable tourism for all.
You can register for the Congress on this page.
Prior to the start of the Congress, we propose you to experience one of the three field visits (two days long) specially designed for international participants to learn and exchange experiences in the Costa Rican tourism ecosystem, based on ISTO's DNA.
Target audience: open to all international participants, although places will be granted on a priority basis to ISTO members.
Conditions:
All the field visits include:
Please note that all the proposed visits will be offered with interpretation in English and Spanish, and that the cost of any visit you choose is the same.
Book your place quickly, places are limited! Discover here the three options of visits offered!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Participation in Experiences in 360º
Participation in Experiences in 360º is only possible if you are registered as a participant or if you are accompanying a participant to the Congress. In both cases, you must pay the corresponding registration fee.
Option #1: Exploring the Natural Treasures of Costa Rica
Embark on a two-day, one-night journey through the magical tropical forest of Costa Rica. Share unforgettable moments with the local community, marvel at the majesty of an active volcano, and delight your taste buds with exquisite Costa Rican cuisine. On the second day, elevate your spirit by walking among the treetops, contribute to an organic farm, and immerse yourself in local crafts while learning about important social organizations.
This trip includes transportation, guide, lodging, sensory trail, delicious meals, participation in community activities, relaxing hot springs, thrilling hanging bridges, visit to an organic farm, exchanges with local artisans, and an enriching experience with social organizations.
Option #2: Immerse Yourself in the Essence of Guanacaste
Discover the cultural and natural richness of Guanacaste during this exciting two-day trip. Learn about the cowboy culture, explore the fascinating history of the region, and delve into the philosophy of the circular economy, where social and environmental well-being are paramount. Enjoy accessible beaches and live the thrilling experience of adaptive surfing with the national team. After so much adventure, marvel at the lush nature and fascinating history in a Ramsar site.
This trip includes transportation, guide, lodging, delicious meals, guidance from a local historian, cowboy culture, access to adapted beaches, exciting adaptive surfing session, a boat tour through the Ramsar site, and walks filled with culture and nature.
Option #3: Exploring the Wonder of Wetlands and Tropical Rainforest
Venture into the heart of Costa Rican biodiversity with this exciting two-day trip. Discover the impressive Ramsar site, known as the "Amazon of Costa Rica," where you will share unforgettable experiences with local park rangers, learn about valuable conservation work, and hear passionate testimonies about impact and sustainable growth. If nature allows, you will have the privilege of witnessing the dazzling spectacle of sea turtles. Upon leaving this magnificent natural space, you will visit the vibrant community of Sarapiquí, where you will get to know local enterprises and enjoy the authenticity of Costa Rican rural life.
This trip includes transportation, guide, lodging, delicious meals, entrance to the national park, visit to a hydroelectric plant, interaction with the local community, experience with park rangers, and discovery of local enterprises.
We have booked rooms in the establishments listed on the ISTO website until 9 September 2024.
Each participant books their accommodation directly with the selected hotel. Please note that rates are subject to availability. A shuttle service between these hotels and the event venue will be provided (fixed return times).
Alternative accommodation is available, but the Organising Committee cannot guarantee accessibility or the transport route between the hotel and the Costa Rica Convention Center (event venue).
✦ Option #1: Exploring the Natural Treasures of Costa Rica 🏞️
✦ Option #2: Immerse Yourself in the Essence of Guanacaste 🏝️
✦ Option #3: Exploring the Wonder of Wetlands and Tropical Rainforest 🎺
Book your place quickly, places are limited!
Prior to the start of the Congress, we propose you to experience one of the three field visits (two days long) specially designed for international participants to learn and exchange experiences in the Costa Rican tourism ecosystem, based on ISTO's DNA.
Target audience: open to all international participants, although places will be granted on a priority basis to ISTO members.
Conditions:
All the field visits include:
Please note that all the proposed visits will be offered with interpretation in English and Spanish, and that the cost of any visit you choose is the same.
Discover here the three options of visits offered!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Participation in Experiences in 360º
Participation in Experiences in 360º is only possible if you are registered as a participant or if you are accompanying a participant to the Congress. In both cases, you must pay the corresponding registration fee.
ISTO Statutory Meetings to be held:
✦ Board of Directors: ISTO international administrators' meeting.
✦ Extraordinary General Assembly (ES-FR-EN): meeting for all ISTO members and invited observers.
✦ Regional Sections Africa (FR-EN), Americas (ES-FR) and Europe (EN-FR): simultaneous meetings of the three ISTO regional sections with the participation of members according to geographical representation and special guests.
✦ CafecISTO Live: experience ISTO membership and better understand how to get the most out of your membership!
✦ ISTO Alliance for Training and Research: Meeting of universities, researchers and academics brought together in the ISTO Alliance.
Presentation, analysis and exchange of best practices focused on innovation and research with the main emphasis on the social sustainability of the tourism sector.
You will participate in plenary sessions, simultaneous workshops and you will have the opportunity to multiply your meetings in different networking spaces to strengthen alliances.
Do you want to present your best practice during the Congress? Submit your initiative to the ISTO call for proposals!
Call for proposals open to ISTO members and non-members until 11 July 2024: guidelines and application form.
Consult the Congress programme here and download it.
