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SAFE TOURISM: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
OF WORKER PROTECTION IN COLOMBIA
AND COSTA RICA
TURISMO SEGURO: UN ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO DE LA
PROTECCIÓN DE LOS TRABAJADORES EN COLOMBIA Y
COSTA RICA
Herminio Pabón Trujillo
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, Cúcuta
Sergio Andrés Trigos Bayona
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander
Luis Alberto Diaz Diaz
Escuela Superior de Administración Pública ESAP, Cúcuta
Oscar Fabián Patiño
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, Cúcuta
Juan Carlos Castillo
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, Cúcuta
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v9i1.16425
Safe Tourism: A Comparative Analysis of Worker Protection in Colombia
and Costa Rica
Herminio Pabón Trujillo1
herminio.pabon.t@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5636-4813
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia- Cúcuta
Sergio Andrés Trigos Bayona
satrigosb@ufpso.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7067-1689
Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander
Luis Alberto Diaz Diaz
Luisa.diazp@esap.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7007-2945
Escuela Superior de Administración Pública
ESAP
Colombia-Cúcuta
Oscar Fabián Patiño
oscar.patino-m@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0185-8737
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia- Cúcuta
Juan Carlos Castillo
Juan.castillo-h@uniminuto.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7011-537X
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
Colombia- Cúcuta
1
Autor principal
Correspondencia: herminio.pabon.t@uniminuto.edu.co
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ABSTRACT
This study focuses on a detailed review of relevant publications concerning labor protection and well-
being in the travel industry of Colombia and Costa Rica. Both countries are recognized for their rich natural
and cultural diversity, making them highly attractive international tourist destinations. The travel industry
serves as a vital source of financial resources and employment, playing a crucial role in fostering economic
prosperity and social progress in these regions. This research aims to investigate aspects related to worker
protection in this sector, including the regulations, laws, and agreements that govern labor protection and
employee well-being. The study examines initiatives implemented to ensure safe and healthy working
conditions, the challenges faced by workers, as well as incidents and other pertinent factors. The primary
objective of this research is to establish the standards set in Colombia and Costa Rica regarding the
protection and well-being of employees within the tourism sector. It aims to analyze the strategies
employed to safeguard employee welfare and promote healthy work environments, creating secure
conditions that favor sustainable tourism in both nations. The methodological approach is based on a
review of existing literature, encompassing documents and research published in the last five years.
Reliable documentary sources will be examined, employing keywords in multiple languages to broaden
the informational perspective on protection and well-being in the tourism industry's labor context. This
review will include legislation, reports from international organizations, and relevant academic studies.
The findings reveal that both Colombia and Costa Rica have a current regulatory framework addressing
elements related to labor protection and well-being within the tourism sector. Both nations promote the
establishment of safe and health-promoting work environments, outlining obligations for both employers
and employees in implementing these standards. Additionally, initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing
employee health and satisfaction, alongside sustainability in the tourism sector, contribute to developing
safe and effective workplaces in the tourism industry of both countries.
Keywords: safety, health, work, tourism, tourism sect
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Turismo Seguro: Un Análisis Comparativo de la Protección de los
Trabajadores en Colombia y Costa Rica
RESUMEN
Introducción: Este trabajo Se centra en realizar una revisión detallada de las publicaciones relevantes
centrada en la protección y el bienestar laboral en la industria de los viajes de la nación colombiana y
Costa Rica. Ambos países son reconocidos por su rica diversidad natural y cultural, lo que los hace
destinos turísticos de gran atractivo a nivel internacional. La industria de los viajes representa no solo
una fuente esencial de recursos financieros y empleo, sino que además es crucial para fomentar la
prosperidad económica y el progreso social en estas regiones. En este sentido, se busca investigar
aspectos vinculados a la protección de los trabajadores en este sector, así como las normativas, leyes y
acuerdos que regulan la protección en la actividad laboral y el bienestar de los empleados. Se
examinarán las iniciativas implementadas para asegurar condiciones seguras y saludables en el entorno
laboral, los retos que enfrentan en su entorno laboral, así como las incidencias y otros factores
pertinentes. Objetivo: El propósito principal de esta investigación es establecer los estándares
establecidos en Colombia y Costa Rica en lo que respecta a la protección y bienestar de los empleados
dentro del ámbito turístico. Se pretende analizar las tácticas implementadas para salvaguardar el
bienestar de los empleados y fomentar ambientes laborales saludables, creando condiciones seguras que
favorezcan la promoción del turismo sostenible en las dos naciones. Metodología: La aproximación
metodológica implementada en esta investigación tiene su origen en un análisis de la bibliografía
existente que abarca documentos e investigaciones divulgadas en los últimos cinco años. Se revisarán
fuentes documentales confiables, utilizando palabras clave en varios idiomas para ampliar la visión
informativa sobre la protección y bienestar en el trabajo dentro de la industria del turismo. Esta revisión
incluirá legislación, informes de organismos internacionales y estudios académicos pertinentes.
Resultados: Se ha identificado que tanto Colombia como Costa Rica disponen de un marco normativo
vigente que aborda elementos vinculados a la protección y el bienestar en el entorno laboral dentro del
sector turístico. Ambas naciones promueven el establecimiento de ambientes de trabajo que sean seguros
y propicios para la salud, estableciendo obligaciones tanto para empleadores como para empleados en
la aplicación de estas normas. Además, se señalan iniciativas y programas que buscan impulsar la salud
y satisfacción de los empleados junto con la sostenibilidad en el sector turístico, aportando de esta
manera al desarrollo de espacios de trabajo seguros y eficaces en la industria turística de ambos países.
Palabras clave: seguridad, salud, trabajo, turismo, sector turístico
Artículo recibido 13 enero 2025
Aceptado para publicación: 15 febrero 2025
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document review study is to examine and compare the elements related to the
protection and welfare of people working in the tourism sector in Colombia and Costa Rica. Both nations
stand out for their natural and cultural wealth, which positions them as outstanding tourist destinations
in Latin America. However, the well-being of employees in this sector is crucial, as tourism may involve
specific risks linked to work activities. Through this analysis, we will investigate the norms, laws,
decrees and regulations on protection and welfare in the professional environment, with the aim of
understanding how these aspects are implemented in the work environments of both nations and how
the welfare of personnel working in the tourism sector is safeguarded.
. In Costa Rica, tourism is one of the essential foundations of its economy, constituting about 10% of total
GDP and generating numerous employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. The country is
recognized for its biodiversity and its focus on ecotourism, which attracts visitors from around the world.
However, the tourism sector also faces challenges in terms of the protection and well-being of employees,
who may be subjected to various hazards in their work environment. In contrast, Colombia's tourism sector
has experienced significant growth in the recent period, which has positioned it as an important source of
employment and economic development. The country offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, ranging
from beaches to mountains, which has generated greater demand for tourism services. Despite this
progress, the protection and welfare of employees in the Colombian tourism industry remains a challenge
that needs attention, especially in a context where labor informality is prevalent.
Background
The ILO, a global organization dedicated to labor issues, has emphasized in multiple nations the need
to ensure a work environment that is conducive to workers, with a particular focus on the tourism sector.
Through conventions and recommendations, the ILO provides guidelines on protection and well-being
in the work environment, which are fundamental to safeguarding employees. Among the most
significant conventions are Convention No. 155, which deals with the protection and welfare of
employees, and Convention No. 187, which creates a scheme for the promotion of labor protection and
welfare.
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In Costa Rica, the Labor Code and Law No. 2 of 1943 lay the foundations for safeguarding safe and
healthy conditions for workers. Law No. 7 of 1993, known as the Occupational Health Law, establishes
concrete regulations on what measures organizations must implement to protect the well-being of their
employees. This legislation requires the formation of committees regarding occupational protection and
welfare, as well as the performance of risk assessments in workplaces, thus ensuring a more protected
work environment.
In Colombia, the single regulatory regulation of the labor sector issued in 2015 regulates the
Organizational Framework for the Management of Occupational Risks, which is an obligation that all
business organizations must comply with. This regulation establishes guidelines for the identification of
risks, The dissemination of wellness and the anticipation of occupational diseases. In addition, Law
1562 of 2012 reinforces the importance of ensuring work environments that guarantee safety and
wellbeing in all regions of the country..
Both countries not only adopt these regulations not only to comply with global standards, but also seek
to foster a culture of prevention and wellness at work. The successful implementation of these laws and
agreements contributes to the reduction of occupational incidents and work-related illnesses, thus
promoting sustainable development in the labor sector. Collaboration between employers, workers and
governmental organizations is essential to establish an adequate work environment that not only protects
the physical integrity of workers, but also supports their psychological and emotional health.
METHODOLOGY
This analysis was carried out through a detailed analysis of the literature related to workplace protection
and wellbeing in the tourism sector in Colombia and Costa Rica. An analysis of multiple documentary
sources was carried out, including official governmental pages, reports of the World Labor Organization
(WTO), academic articles and previous relevant studies. Key words such as “safety”, “health”,
“employment”, “tourism”, “labor welfare”, “Colombia” and “Costa Rica” were used to search for
information. The research was conducted mainly in Spanish, but sources in English were also explored
in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
In addition, aspects such as the legislation in force in each country, professional training initiatives and
the implementation of risk mitigation tactics were considered. Special attention was paid to the
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challenges and possibilities that arise in the tourism industry in connection with the welfare and
protection of its employees, as well as to the best practices adopted in the region. This approach made
it possible to identify trends, comparative analyses and recommendations that can contribute to the
strengthening of welfare and labor protection in this industry. In the end, it is anticipated that the findings
of this study will provide a foundation for future research and for the formulation of more effective
policies in the framework of occupational safety and welfare in the tourism sector in Colombia and
Costa Rica.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In Costa Rica, the tourism sector has a regulatory framework that promotes the protection, as well as the
health and well-being of workers. Occupational health legislation establishes the obligation to conduct
assessments to identify hazards and implement preventive actions in the workplace. In addition,
employers must provide training to their employees on protection and wellbeing in the workplace,
especially in aspects connected with equipment management, accident prevention and emergencies.
However, despite the existence of these regulations, incidences of labor incidents have been reported in
the tourism industry, especially in activities related to the operation of machinery and the handling of
chemical substances. Ongoing training and monitoring of compliance with regulations are essential to
mitigate these risks.
Occupational health and safety in Colombia, specifically in the tourism industry, faces similar
challenges. Although the OSHMS establishes clear standards for the protection of the welfare and
protection of employees, the informal labor economy and the absence of adequate training are ongoing
problems. Many workers in the tourism sector do not have access to protection and care programs in the
occupational environment, which increases their vulnerability to occupational hazards.
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Figure 1. Conformity with labor regulations on safety and health in the tourism industry. Colombia vs.
Costa Rica.
Fuente: Pabón,H.(2025)
This bar chart compares the level of adherence to labor protection and occupational health regulations
in the tourism industry in Costa Rica and Colombia. The graph shows that Costa Rica has 80%
compliance, indicating more effective management in the implementation of labor protection and
occupational health regulations. In contrast, Colombia has 60% compliance, suggesting areas for
improvement in this area.
Both countries have adopted regulations aimed at ensuring the protection of their physical and emotional
health in the tourism industry. However, there are differences in the application and adherence to these
regulations. In Costa Rica, the Occupational Health Law is more specific in terms of training health
teams and conducting risk studies, while in Colombia, the focus is more on the practical application of
the system to manage occupational health and safety..
Figure 2. Access to Action Plans to promote protection and wellbeing in the workplace
Fuente: Pabon,H.(2025)
60%
80%
Colombia Costa Rica
30%
70%
COLOMBIA COSTA RICA
COLOMBIA COSTA RICA
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This pie chart illustrates the percentage of workers in the tourism sector who have access to programs
on protection and well-being in the work environment in Costa Rica and Colombia. In Costa Rica, 70%
of employees have access to these intervention programs, reflecting a proactive approach to protection
and well-being in the work environment. In Colombia, only 30% of employees have access, suggesting
the urgency of optimizing the availability and accessibility of such intervention programs.
Figure 3. Main occupational hazards in the Tourism Sector between Colombia and Costa Rica.
Fuente: Pabon,H.(2025)
This bar chart compares exposure to different types of occupational hazards in the tourism industry in
Costa Rica and Colombia. It shows that, in Costa Rica, the greatest risk is biomechanical (45%),
followed by chemical risks (30%) and heavy machinery (35%). In Colombia, exposure to biomechanical
(60%) and chemical (50%) risks is significantly higher, suggesting a riskier work environment compared
to Costa Rica.
Studies have shown that workers in the Colombian tourism sector are also exposed to biomechanical
and ergonomic risks, as well as risks associated with the use of chemical products and the handling of
heavy equipment. It is essential to implement hazard identification and prevention programs in order to
reduce the accident rate.
One of the factors to be taken into account is Colombia's labor informality, which hinders effective
compliance with labor protection and occupational health standards, as many workers do not have the
opportunity to benefit from the services offered by social security and prevention programs. In contrast,
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Costa Rica has a higher rate of formalization in tourism employment, which helps to adhere to
established regulations.
CONCLUSIONS
Both countries have established regulatory frameworks to ensure the protection and well-being of
employees in tourism, but the effectiveness of these regulations varies depending on their
implementation and adherence..
Costa Rica has made greater progress in the formalization of tourism employment, allowing for better
enforcement of labor protection and occupational health standards. In contrast, Colombia faces
significant challenges due to the lack of formality in the sector's work environment.
Education and ongoing training development are important in both countries to prevent occupational
incidents and illnesses in the tourism industry. It is crucial that employers prioritize the welfare and
protection of their employees to create care and safety for their staff.
It is recommended to strengthen training and awareness programs in terms of labor protection and
occupational welfare in the tourism sector in Colombia, in order to promote greater formalization of
employment to ensure the possibility of accessing the benefits of the social security system.
The difference in regulations and methods of application are different in both countries, but they have a
parallel approach when applying them in the labor spheres in this sector. But in the labor formality they
do differ since Colombia stands out for the high accident rate and high demand by workers since they
do not have any social security benefits, as on the other hand if Costa Rica complies, in an acceptable
manner with several observations and findings to improve.
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