Rural Tourism Fair Set for This Weekend

The 7th Community-based Rural Tourism and Sustainable Living Fair will take place this weekend at La Aduana culture center, the former Customs building in the eastern San José neighborhood of Barrio La California.

More than 70 community-based rural tourism providers will exhibit their products, offering healthier ways to engage in tourism while contributing to the preservation of local cultures and natural resources, according to spokeswoman Grettel Prendas.

Some 30 sustainable production organizations will also be present, offering information about where to buy organic products, how to contribute to natural resource conservation, integrating alternative energy sources and recycling waste.

In keeping with the concept of sustainable living, this year’s fair will feature an environmental theme, eliminating the traditional stands and employing artistic use of recyclable materials, Prendas said. The event will also include sustainable living forums, traditional and Caribbean food stalls, a handicrafts fair and a children’s play area.

More than 5,000 people attended last year’s fair; organizers expect that number to grow this year.

The event, which runs today through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is organized by the Alliance to Strengthen Communitybased Rural Tourism, composed of the Cooperative National Ecotourism Network (COOPRENA) and the Costa Rican Association for Community-based Rural Tourism (ACTUAR).