No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveEnvironmentally Conscious Tourism Businesses Win

Environmentally Conscious Tourism Businesses Win

Latin American travel-related businesses see tangible benefits when they invest in sustainable environmental and social practices, according to a new study.

The study – “A Cost and Benefit Analysis of Best Practice Implementation in Tourism Businesses” – was conducted by Rainforest Alliance (RA), an international conservation organization, with 14 tourism businesses in Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

RA released the study to coincide with the 30th anniversary of World Tourism Day on Sunday.

For example, just by cutting water consumption, 71 percent of business owners saved an average of $2,700 per year, according to the study.

“All of the hotel owners surveyed believe that their quality and appeal to tourists has improved, thanks to biodiversity conservation,” said RA Technical Manager Silvia Rioja. “The preservation of natural areas has also made them more competitive and has improved their tourism destinations.”

This year’s theme for World Tourism Day, “Tourism – Celebrating Diversity,” was aimed at reminding participating countries of their roles in seeking a balance between the financial benefits of globalization and the importance of protecting a country’s identity.

Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, said, “Certainly globalization is something that can improve the economy, but it should not be at the cost of a diluted cultural diversity. In this sense, tourism plays a key role and is responsible for promoting the positive aspects of globalization while at the same time encouraging sustainability and balance.”

–Sean O’Hare

 

Trending Now

Costa Rica Shaken by a Quake with No Injuries Reported

A strong earthquake struck near Quepos late last night, sending tremors across parts of our country and even into our neighbor Panama. The quake,...

Belize Signs Safe Third Country Deal with US for Asylum Seekers

Belize and the United States have sealed a deal that positions Belize as a temporary host for migrants pursuing asylum in the U.S., according...

Docuseries Last Lands Spotlights Panama’s Prison Island Now a National Park

ABC News Live has launched the second season of its docuseries "Last Lands," with an episode that spotlights Coiba Island in Panama. The island,...

Costa Rican Man Dies After Health Decline in U.S. Immigration Custody

Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a 52-year-old man from Pérez Zeledón, died after nearly two months in a Costa Rican hospital. His family confirmed the death,...

Guatemala’s Prison Escape and Central America Security Risks

Guatemala faces ongoing challenges with gang activity, and recent events highlight how these groups test the system's limits. On October 12, officials announced that...

Costa Rica Eliminated After 3-1 Loss to Morocco in FIFA U-17 World Cup

Our under-17 women's national team ended their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign on a tough note Friday evening, falling 3-1 to host nation...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica