The Latin American Center of Competitiveness and Sustainable Development of the Incae Business School conducted a study for the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the Index of Social Progress of Tourist Centers in Costa Rica, which measures environmental and social indicators in ten regions.

Three indicators are divided in four aspects and each is assigned a grade between 0 and 100.

One of the indicators measured, opportunities, is related directly with tolerance and inclusion. The information was gathered from the inhabitants of the different areas through surveys conducted in tourist centers.

“When it comes to tolerance and inclusion, we analyze if there is acceptance of immigrants, LGBTIQ population, and different religions. Also, if there are cases of violence against woman and if they have the necessary support networks in the community”, explained Rodolfo Lizano, director of Planning and Tourism Development of ICT.

Respondents are also questioned on whether they have felt discriminated or have witnessed others suffering from discrimination.

In this index, Tamarindo beach town in Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio in Quepos obtained the worse mark, with 67.7 and 70.7 respectively. These two had a lower performance in comparison with the rest of the areas evaluated.

The best scores were received by Monteverde (85) and Drake Bay (81.3).

This information serves as an internal tool that is used as a guide on aspects that need to be improved.

“They are actionable indicators, we can generate work agendas for these areas and determine the priorities through meetings with the Tourism Chambers and Municipalities, in general it is a route to attend and strengthen tourism and have an impact in the population of these areas”, explained Lizano.