Abstract
The tourism industry has experienced sustained and exponential growth, a trend expected to continue in the years to come. Today, tourism is one of the leading contributors to the world economy. It is capable of producing both positive and negative social, economic and environmental effects. The concept of ecotourism was born out of a need for tourism that supported and enhanced the positive influences of the industry and minimized the negative. Over time the term ecotourism became diluted to a mere marketing ploy. Certification was introduced as a means of identifying businesses in adherence with responsible business practices and principles. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the use of certification in upholding the values of “real” ecotourism and therefore sustainable development in structure and practice.\r This question was addressed through a focused look at two pioneering certification programs, Kenya’s Eco-Rating Certification Program and Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism. The study was conducted through a review of scholarly literature supplemented by multilateral organization reporting, web based research, my graduate coursework, and personal travel experience. An exploration of the history of the tourism industry and its positive and negative environmental, social and economic effects sets the foundation for a review of Kenya and Costa Rica’s certification programs. Through an analysis and critical review structured in accordance with Martha Honey’s seven characteristics of ecotourism I found that these certifications do adhere to the values of ecotourism and therefore sustainable development in structure but not in practice. The potential for certification to serve as a tool for sustainable development exists and I offer recommendations on how to work toward fulfilling that potential.