Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica Celebrates Double Victory at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards for Innovative Eco-Tourism Projects

Nestled along the stunning North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo has been celebrated as a leader in sustainable tourism, recently earning two prestigious awards at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards held in Dubai. This eco-conscious destination, located in the heart of Guanacaste province, continues to redefine luxury tourism by embracing environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Recognized globally for its commitment to sustainability, Peninsula Papagayo won the titles of World’s Leading Sustainable Hotel or Resort Development and World’s Leading Sustainable Community Empowerment Programme. The resort community’s ethos is built upon combining responsible tourism with cutting-edge resort design, social inclusion, and a deep-rooted connection to Costa Rica’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

The honors underscore Peninsula Papagayo’s innovative approach to sustainable development, its strong environmental practices, and its dedication to community-focused growth. These achievements reflect the vision of the resort’s owners, Mohari Hospitality and Gencom, who have been transforming the property since its acquisition in 2016 into one of the world’s foremost examples of regenerative tourism.

Sustainable Hotel Development and Design: A Vision for the Future

Peninsula Papagayo’s sustainable hotel development philosophy focuses on integrating luxury experiences with minimal environmental impact. The destination’s master plan ensures that less than 30 percent of the peninsula will be developed, preserving the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The development of luxury properties such as Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the forthcoming Papagayo Park embrace regenerative design principles that include low-impact architecture, native landscaping, and the optimization of natural resources.

Key sustainability practices at Peninsula Papagayo include:

• Minimal land disturbance in new construction projects.
• Native landscaping to enhance local biodiversity.
• Resource optimization, including water conservation and energy efficiency.
• ISO 50001-certified energy management system for reducing energy consumption.
• 51 percent reduction in water use at its golf course.

These design principles help create a seamless experience where guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations while knowing that their stay supports environmental preservation.

Community Empowerment and Social Inclusion: Growing Together

Peninsula Papagayo’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond environmental practices to include community empowerment. The resort’s Creciendo Juntos (Growing Together) program is a standout initiative that offers sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship training to local families. Focused on creating direct market access to Peninsula Papagayo’s resorts and farmers’ markets, this initiative has proven transformative for communities in the surrounding areas.

In particular, the program:

• Trains families in 13 communities on sustainable farming techniques, with 55% of participants being women.
• Produced over 250,000 kilograms of vegetables, benefiting local households and reducing pesticide use.
• Improved household nutrition by providing fresh produce directly to families and resorts.
• Created market access for local products, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

This model of community-led progress has positioned Peninsula Papagayo as an example of how luxury tourism can drive inclusive growth and offer long-term benefits to surrounding communities.

Peninsula Papagayo’s Dedication to Regenerative Tourism

Since its acquisition, Peninsula Papagayo has dedicated itself to regenerative tourism, a form of travel that prioritizes giving back to the environment and community rather than taking from them. With this philosophy, the resort has continued to set benchmarks for the industry in terms of integrating sustainable practices with high-end accommodations and experiences.

Notable sustainable initiatives include:

• The Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre oasis and one of the last remaining tropical dry forests on the planet.
• Restoring biodiversity through proactive environmental management and conservation efforts.
• Implementing AI-driven food-waste technology to optimize resource usage.

Through these actions, Peninsula Papagayo is leading the way for the tourism industry to adopt practices that benefit both the planet and the people who live on it.

Peninsula Papagayo: A Sustainable Destination for Luxury Travelers

As a premier destination in Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo offers travelers the chance to experience a luxury resort that is intimately connected to the natural world. Home to internationally renowned hotels like Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, the destination allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the Guanacaste province while supporting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The resort’s accessibility is also a key factor in its appeal:

• 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, easily reachable via 100+ seasonal weekly flights from major cities in North America and Europe.
• Guests can engage in hands-on experiences in conservation, culture, and community through Papagayo Legacy, a new guest engagement platform launched in 2024.

For those seeking a luxury vacation that also supports environmental sustainability and social equity, Peninsula Papagayo is a standout choice.

Conclusion: A Benchmark for Responsible Development and Luxury Tourism

Peninsula Papagayo’s recognition at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards serves as a reminder that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. By combining regenerative design, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship, the resort has set a new standard for the tourism industry, proving that responsible development can lead to lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

As a destination, Peninsula Papagayo showcases the future of sustainable tourism, where economic growth, environmental preservation, and social inclusion go hand in hand. It’s a true leader in Costa Rica’s efforts to create a tourism model that reflects the country’s deep commitment to sustainability and its unique role as a global example for future generations.

Summary of Key Facts:

• Awards won: World’s Leading Sustainable Hotel or Resort Development and World’s Leading Sustainable Community Empowerment Programme.
• Key sustainable initiatives: Palmares Preserve, regenerative design, biodiversity restoration, AI-driven food-waste technology.
• Community program: Creciendo Juntos (Growing Together), empowering 138 families in 13 communities, with a focus on women-led households.
• Location: Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport.
• Global recognition: Recognized at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai.

Peninsula Papagayo continues to inspire sustainable development and redefine luxury tourism by integrating environmental responsibility with world-class hospitality.