Exploring the applicability of sustainable development goals in Costa Rica: case examples from Mastatal and Conchal

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate, which sustainable development goals (SDGs) are most mentioned in the sustainability programs of two hospitality companies, Rancho Mastatal and Reserva Conchal, in Costa Rica. In so doing, it is possible to evaluate the level of integration of sustainability principles with hospitality practice.Design/methodology/approachThis paper features a case study based mainly on secondary information sourced from the corporate websites of the two companies, augmented by published studies about specific aspects of the SDGs, hospitality and news articles about both companies. Finally, the hotel-specific information was analyzed using studies about SDG progress, and also related frameworks, proposed by the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).FindingsConsistent with UNWTO studies, the two companies’ sustainable programs align the most with SDGs 11, 12 and 13. These are goals classified as difficult to achieve meaning that tourism has a pioneering and innovative role to play in this regard. Mastatal has fully implemented sustainability and Conchal demonstrates an advanced level of integration, using different types of technological solutions to increase sustainability. Finally, the advice is given for companies seeking to embrace the SDGs as a way of being innovative and better positioned in a highly competitive tourism market.Originality/valueAs SDG overviews exist for large global brands, this paper adds country-specific knowledge, that of Costa Rica a pioneer in tourism sustainability, of sustainable practices of a management company and also of an independent small company, broadening the scope of prior research.