Ecotourism Costa Rica
November 10, 2009
Be a Savvy Traveler!
Each vacation you take is an opportunity to have a positive impact on the places you visit. Anyone can be a responsible traveler! You can get back to nature, or bathe in luxury…hike into the rainforest, or explore the city…stay close to home, or travel to the exotic location of your dreams. Responsible travel provides many options, and is often very affordable. By using socially and environmentally responsible tour operators, hotels and outfitters, you can ensure that your trip contributes to conservation efforts and to the well being of communities. Your travel choices make a difference. On this way, Greenway Nature Tours has a selected a group of special suppliers that have an environmental commitment as well. At least 50% of our lodging contractors had been certified as Green Companies by the Costa Rican Tourist Board (Certification in Sustainable Tourism CST).
CST is regulated by the Costa Rican National Accreditation Commission and consists of a scale of 5 “levels” of sustainable tourism achievement.
There are a growing number of conscientious consumers and responsible travel companies who are donating financial resources, time, talent and economic patronage to protect and positively impact the cultures and environments they visit. This voluntary movement is becoming known as Travelers’ Philanthropy.
Travelers’ or travel philanthropy, as it’s also commonly known, is helping to support community development, biodiversity conservation, and other environmental, socio-cultural and economic improvements including providing jobs, educational and professional training opportunities, health care and environmental stewardship.
* Government budgets and international aid is decreasing in some developed and many undeveloped countries, increasing the level of need.
* Protecting the environmental and socio-cultural needs of host countries strengthens relationships and improves business.
* Almost 90% of the U.S. population state that it is important for companies to not just be profitable, but to be mindful of their impact on the environment and society (Source: Corporate Social Responsibility: Consumer Understanding and Influence, Natural Marketing Institute, 2005)
* Industry leaders who have strong environmental and social values and ethics are pioneering the movement.
* Growing movement toward corporate responsibility as it improves market differentiation and increases consumer demand.
