SOFIA Network seeks to foster equality and safer travel environments with the joint collaboration of the public and private sectors. This program actively involves the tourism sector and communities located in tourist areas
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA – The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), in coordination with the National Women’s Institute (INAMU, per its Spanish abbreviation) and the National Commission for Tourism Security (Consetur), presented the SOFIA Network program,
which aims to promote a better travel experience.
The SOFIA Network program was created within the framework of the Specific Institutional Support Agreement between ICT and INAMU, signed on March 22, 2021, with the aim of promoting gender equality in the Costa Rican tourism industry, preventing violence against women and creating safer environments for female solo travelers.
"This program helps to promote the pleasant permanence of tourists by strengthening the industry’s professional skills. It is also linked to Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which seeks gender equality to build a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable environment in a world where women are more independent and enjoy traveling alone,” said Gustavo J. Segura, Costa Rican Minister of Tourism.
Segura said the program is designed for everyone who works directly and indirectly in tourism, and those who have established tourism companies in the country, with the purpose of raising awareness. It is a voluntary and free process that does not require an additional investment. The only requirement is the commitment of those who work in the tourism sector.
The SOFIA Network is the first initiative in Costa Rica’s tourism industry with a focus on gender. Companies that join the program will be trained and become program promoters. A visible stamp on the establishments’ website will identify the companies committed to the SOFIA Network.
This network was designed to unite people, businesses and tourists who share the values of gender equality, tourism safety and sustainability. Its mission is to build a destination where tourists feel able to have a more peaceful experience, well-being and above all – fully enjoy their trip.
For the Women’s Condition Minister and the INAMU Executive President Marcela Guerrero Campos, it is of institutional interest to invest efforts in the tourism industry for a quick recovery, aware that an important part of the sector is made up of female entrepreneurs and collaborators.
“During pandemic times, when tourism has been impacted, we ask the commitment of every person in the industry and the tourism community, with the objective of guaranteeing equality between women and men in the Costa Rican tourism sector, eradicate violence against national and foreign women, and promote safe environments for tourists, as an axis of responsible, sustainable and inclusive tourism," said Guerrero.
According to ICT data, in which an area of non-residents of Costa Rica were surveyed in 2019, it is estimated that female solo travelers represent 15.8% of the total non-resident arrivals, a figure of 381,448 women traveling throughout the national territory.
How do I participate in the SOFIA Network?
The course to obtain the SOFIA Network seal is open to all companies and people who provide some kind of service or product for tourists: staff of transport companies, hotels, cleaning, restaurants and bars, security, souvenir shops, artisans and craftsmen, tourist guides, chambers and associations of the tourism sector, language schools, travel agencies and tour operators, national parks, refuges and conservation areas, other theme parks and activities, car rental companies, universities, marinas, water transport and sport fishing, port authorities, convention venues and event organizers, among others.
Companies related to tourism must have a physical or legal certificate and at least 80% of their staff must take the course to join the program, use the seal and be part of the SOFIA Network. The duration of the certification is two years, after which the certificate must be renewed.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
