Climate Change & Environment5-day programme

Innovative Strategies for Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel

Dates1–5 Feb 2027

LocationSan Jose, Costa Rica

VenueTBD

Key facts

Dates: 1–5 Feb 2027 (5 days)
Where: TBD, San Jose, Costa Rica
Fee per participant: £4,930 (GBP)
Payment: By invoice and bank transfer
Registration closes: 23 Dec 2026
Who it is for: Eco-tourism operators & destination managers; NGOs and development agencies focused on tourism; Public sector tourism planners and environment…
Certificate: Certificate of completion
In-house option: Run it for your team, on your dates

Programme Overview

As the global tourism industry shifts toward sustainability, it’s no longer enough to “do less harm”. This forward-thinking training in San Jose dives deep into regenerative practices, inclusive travel design, and innovative green operations that empower destinations and businesses to thrive while protecting the planet.

From digital storytelling to climate-conscious product design, participants will explore creative, actionable, and measurable ways to reshape the future of travel. This course is ideal for tourism professionals, sustainability officers, destination planners, and development organizations.

Funds
Entity
Project
Results
MRV

How climate finance flowsFunders trace the climate rationale through every link, so a proposal has to show it at each step.

Target Audience

This unique programme is best suited for professionals and stakeholders engaged in sustainable tourism, conservation, and community development, including:

Eco-tourism operators & destination managers
NGOs and development agencies focused on tourism
Public sector tourism planners and environment ministries
Hospitality professionals and green entrepreneurs
Cultural heritage and Indigenous community representatives

Is this right for your team?

Tick what your team needs to be able to do.

Design regenerative tourism models that restore local environments and empower communities Apply geo-cultural mapping techniques for sustainable destination planning Develop zero-waste and circular economy strategies in tourism operations Integrate indigenous knowledge and ethical co-creation into travel experiences Innovate climate-conscious travel products and eco-certification practices Utilize digital storytelling and ethical branding to promote eco-destinations

Tick the items that apply

Programme Objectives

By the end of this Training Course Innovative Strategies for Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel in Costa Rica, participants will be able to:

Design regenerative tourism models that restore local environments and empower communities
Apply geo-cultural mapping techniques for sustainable destination planning
Develop zero-waste and circular economy strategies in tourism operations
Integrate indigenous knowledge and ethical co-creation into travel experiences
Innovate climate-conscious travel products and eco-certification practices
Utilize digital storytelling and ethical branding to promote eco-destinations

Programme Contents

Your 5-day journey tap a day to see the sessions

- Defining regenerative tourism
- Comparing sustainability vs. regeneration
- Introduction to regenerative frameworks and metrics
- Geo-cultural asset mapping techniques
- Community engagement and co-design strategies
- Indigenous partnerships in tourism development
- Building zero-waste hospitality systems
- Ethical practices in nature and adventure travel
- Case study: Circular tourism hubs
- Designing low-emission travel products
- Carbon offset integration
- Green mobility solutions for eco-destinations
- Digital storytelling for eco-tourism
- Building eco-conscious brand identity
- Action planning and feedback session

Full day-by-day contents

First Day – Regenerative Tourism & Global Trends

Defining regenerative tourism
Comparing sustainability vs. regeneration
Introduction to regenerative frameworks and metrics

Second Day – Destination Mapping & Community Empowerment

Geo-cultural asset mapping techniques
Community engagement and co-design strategies
Indigenous partnerships in tourism development

Third Day – Circular Operations & Ethical Experiences

Building zero-waste hospitality systems
Ethical practices in nature and adventure travel
Case study: Circular tourism hubs

Fourth Day – Climate-Conscious Innovation & Mobility

Designing low-emission travel products
Carbon offset integration
Green mobility solutions for eco-destinations

Fifth Day – Branding, Storytelling & Strategic Action

Digital storytelling for eco-tourism
Building eco-conscious brand identity
Action planning and feedback session

Programme Methodology

This Training Course on Innovative Strategies for Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel adopts a blended, learner-centered approach, combining theory, practice, and reflection to build capacity in sustainable tourism development. The methodology is designed to foster critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and cross-sector collaboration.

Core Training Methods:

Interactive Workshops
Facilitated sessions with presentations, group discussions, and problem-solving exercises.

Topics: environmental stewardship, community engagement, eco-certification, and tourism planning.

Use of case studies from Costa Rica and other leading eco-tourism destinations.

Field-Based Learning
Guided visits to national parks, eco-lodges, rural tourism initiatives, and conservation projects.

On-site dialogue with local stakeholders, community leaders, and eco-tourism entrepreneurs.

Real-time analysis of sustainability practices and visitor management strategies.

Participatory Group Work
Small teams co-develop eco-tourism models or action plans tailored to their local contexts.

Includes stakeholder mapping, risk assessments, and business planning exercises.

Real-World Insights and Practices
Learners engage with real examples and case studies drawn from diverse sectors, including government, NGOs, private enterprises, and Indigenous communities.Topics explore practical approaches to policy implementation, sustainable tourism financing, and inclusive development strategies.

Simulation & Role-Play
Stakeholder negotiation exercises around land use, conservation conflicts, or visitor impact.

Helps trainees practice communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

Digital Tools & GIS Mapping
Introductory sessions on using basic digital tools for eco-tourism planning and monitoring.

Incorporates GPS mapping, visual storytelling, and data collection techniques.

Reflection & Action Planning
Daily and final reflection sessions to connect learning to real-world application.

Participants develop a personalized Eco-Tourism Action Plan for post-training implementation.

Your projectCommunitiesGovernmentDonorsCivil societyPrivate sectorMedia

Who shapes the projectThis programme works through: Communities, Government, Civil society, Private sector, Media (highlighted).Engagement plans start with who is affected and who has influence, then match the method to each group.

Host Country Profile

Why Costa Rica is the Smart Choice for Eco-Tourism Training and Investment

Costa Rica is a proven global leader in eco-tourism, attracting over 3 million visitors annually, with nearly 50% seeking nature-based experiences. With over 25% of its land protected through national parks and reserves, and hosting over 500,000 species, about 5% of global biodiversity, the country offers a powerful platform for environmental education and sustainable tourism development.

Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) programme, recognized by the UNWTO, ensures accountability and quality across eco-lodging and tour operations. Its Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programme has helped reforest more than 1 million hectares, showcasing a successful public-private partnership model for conservation.

With a stable political climate, strong legal frameworks, and a national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, Costa Rica offers low-risk, high-impact opportunities for NGOs and investors. The country ranks among the top 5 in the Global Green Economy Index, and its eco-tourism sector contributes nearly 6.3% of GDP.

For NGOs, it’s an ideal setting for capacity-building, community engagement, and showcasing scalable sustainability models. For investors, it presents a high-demand, values-driven market with measurable environmental and social returns.

Course Deliverables

Participants will enjoy a full-service experience that covers everything needed before, during, and after the programme:

Before the Programme

Participant Pre-Assessment to ensure effective preparation
Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory (E-visa applications are fully processed by our team)
Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
Accommodation with Breakfast for the full duration
Welcome Dinner for networking and connecting with fellow Participants & the Risalat Team

During the Programme

Risalat Training Kit, including: bag, water bottle, coffee mug, t-shirt, cap, passport cover, pens, notebook, magnet, keychain
Lunch Provided Daily during training days
Comprehensive Course Manual & Training Materials
Project-Based Templates, Tools, and Worksheets
Mini Pad / Tablet for convenient access to digital resources
Digital Case Studies, Reading Packs & Reference Materials
Access to Sample Datasets & Practical Exercises
Field Visit (where applicable)
Complimentary Refreshments & Full Training Venue Facilities
Access to Online Learning Resources
Entertaining City Tour
Certificate of Completion
Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award

After the Programme

Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
Programme Report

Plan your team's places

£4,930 per participant · invoice and bank transfer · groups of 5 or more receive a discount

1participant(s)

£4,930at the standard fee

Registration closes in 59 days (23 Dec 2026)

TopicsClimate change and environment Tourism and culture

What the fee covers

Visa Assistance (complimentary)

Participant Assessment

Airport Pickup

Accommodation

Wi-Fi

Welcome Dinner

Breakfast

Workshop Kit

Programme Materials

Programme Experts

Practical Activities

Lunch

Refreshments

Interactive workshop

Mini Pad or Tab

Risalat T-shirt (complimentary)

Field Visit

Programme Certificate

Entertaining Tour

Programme Report

Programme fee£4,930per participant · groups of 5+ receive a discount Register now → Request an invoice

Registration and payment deadline: 23 Dec 2026

No online payment, invoice by email
Pay by bank transfer to confirm your seat
Complimentary visa assistance

More options

Download the brochure Request the online version Request an in-house proposal

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Discount plans & cancellation policy

DISCOUNT PLANS

Standard fees stated on the website apply to all individual applicants. You Shall qualify for the discount if you register as a group. The group should consist of at least three people or more that are willing to attend the same training program/workshop. The discount rates are offered on case-by-case basis. To get detailed information and individualized offer please get in touch with one of our country/regional offices.

If you and/or your organization are members of Risalat Club, you will be entitled to special discounted rates, exclusive offers, and preferential terms. To get a detailed offer please contact one of our country offices mentioning your unique 8-digit membership number (in the format of RCM********).

Scholarships and Fee Waivers

Available Scholarships and Fee Waiver Opportunities will be announced on our Website’s News Page and Risalat Social Media. We offer a limited number of Scholarships for selected programs within the scope of CSR.

Please consider that sponsored places are oftentimes very limited and highly competitive. Award criteria will be published for each program separately once the call for application opens.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION

For Individual Registrations and Group Registrations on Standard Training Programs/Workshops

Risalat has amended its refund policy that was in effect till 11 December 2018. For registrations and payments made from this date onwards, refunds are no longer possible. Such a decision is driven by below circumstances:

Risalat is committed to maintaining top-notch quality of its training programs/workshops. Although the demand is high, we can only offer very limited places for each batch. Unless there is an exceptional situation, we cannot accept any new registrations after the deadline as we dedicate plenty of time to thorough preparation to meet the individual needs of registered delegates. Thus, any cancellation after the date will result in an idle place on the program.
According to the policy that was in effect till 11 December 2018, the participant was charged at least 50% of the full payment in case of the cancellation. Therefore, many of our clients and partners have been requesting for preferential terms for registration resubmissions and the option of rescheduling instead of cancellation.

From 11 December 2018, the participants are offered the following options:

Each participant is allowed to reschedule the training program dates up to a maximum of 3 times at zero charge within 1 calendar year from the date of registration. This offer is valid as long as the participant reschedules for the same program in the same location or in a different location but same price range.
The organization is allowed to change or replace sponsored participants at no charge as well within one calendar year from the date of registration. An extension of this period can be granted in special circumstances.
The organization can replace the sponsored participant while changing the program of choice as well. As long as the programs are priced at the same level.

Please note, that above offers are valid only if the participant/organization submits the relevant request to Risalat at least 7 Working days prior to the program start dates. Otherwise, the individual/organization will only be entitled to an exclusive discount voucher for registration resubmission in the future (should there be any).

For Exclusive Group Registrations and Custom-Made Programs

Risalat administers dozens of custom-made programs that can be designed and developed based on the clients’ individual requests and requirements. In case if you have registered for tailor-made training course or you have requested exclusive group training, you:

Shall be entitled to get a refund up to 50% of the total amount paid, if the request for cancellation is submitted at least 30 working days before intended program start date
Shall be entitled to get a refund of up to 25% of the total amount paid, if the request for cancellation is submitted at least 20 working days before intended program start date
In case if there are less than 20 working days remaining before the intended program start date, you shall not be entitled to any refund. In such situation, you can only receive an exclusive discount voucher for future registration resubmissions (should there be any)
You can reschedule the dates of exclusive group training or custom-made program for free up to 3 times within a year from the date of payment. This offer is valid only in case if you submit the request for rescheduling at least 10 working days before the intended start date of the program.

NB: All last-minute cancellations are treated as no show and are not eligible for refund.