sustainable tourism certificate (C.S.T.)

This program seeks to categorize and certify each tourism company according to the degree to which its operations contribute to a model of sustainability.  Its main purpose is to improve the way in which the natural and social resources are managed, to motivate the active participation of the local communities, and to support the competitiveness of the business sector.

We define sustainable tourism as the balanced interaction of four basic aspects within the tourist industry:

• Proper use  of our natural and cultural resources.
• Improvement of the quality of life of the local communities.
• Invite our guests to become contributors to the hotel’s policies of sustainability.
• Economic success that can contribute to other programs of national development.

The classification system works with leaves, which are established through a scale from 1 to 5 (the same as the stars).  The higher levels correspond to stages that are each one more advanced than the previous one, peaking on level 5, which means that the company is considered as outstanding in terms of sustainability. The Hotel Belmar has 4 leaves

some of our practices

• We have an alternative for of energy production, using a Biodigestor which provides gas used in different activities.  At the same time this biodigester treats our waste water avoiding the contamination of the soil.
  
  
• We produce our own fertilizers through the process of  vermicomposting /vermiculture (worm beds), which uses part of our organic waste.
  
  
• Our cleaning products are 100% biodegradable.
  
  
• We recycle organic and non-organic products; (glass and bottles, plastics, cardboard, metal and newspapers)
  
  
• We help Monteverde´s community by purchasing our materials and food to local providers and we hire most of our employees within the area.
  
  
• We constantly make donations for projects of community development; the education and health of their youth.

Here you can view our calification: C.S.T. Website