“La Crema y Nata” of Sustainable Tourism
That’s what the consensus was of those attending the First Annual Eco- and Sustainable Tourism Conference at the Hotel Herradura when it came to the role of Costa Rica in sustainable tourism. Specifically, Bruce Poon Tip, founder and Executive Director of GAP Adventures, a worldwide adventure tourism company, told La Nación that Costa Rica is “out in front” of all others when it comes to sustainable tourism. Costa Rica is the “world reference and head” for sustainable tourism, stated Poon Tip. Echoing the sentiments of Poon Tip was Masaru Takayama, from Japan, who also commented, as I have many times, that he hoped rampant development does not convert Costa Rica into a “Cancun.” Poon Tip did note certain challenges facing the country, including infrastructure improvements, and to increase the quality and quantity of persons responsible for attending to the needs of the growing tide of tourists. Glen Jampol, president of the National Chamber of Ecotourism, also noted that Costa Rica needed more qualified people working in tourism, but also that those coming into the industry must be sure to remember to maintain the friendly reputation that Costa Rica has cultivated so well. The records of ICT (the Tourism Ministry) show that in 2008 50.4% of total tourist arrivals were motivated in some manner by ecotourism. Those records also show that 66% of tourists came to Costa Rica via the recommendation of a friend or family member. Other data show the following profile of the typical Costa Rican bound tourist…..
Average Age……43 years
Average length of stay….9.5 days
Average amount spent in the country…..$855 per person
61% come on their own, that is, look for their own transporation and accommodations, whereas the rest come via travel agencies (like Package Costa Rica….nice plug, huh?).