Ecotourism in Costa Rica
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Transcript of Ecotourism in Costa Rica
Ecotourism in Costa Ecotourism in Costa RicaRicaJay and Nazly
Locational Context and Locational Context and TrendsTrends
Population: 4 million
1.5 million tourists per year
MonteverdeMonteverde
La Fortuna La Fortuna
Arenal Mundo Aventura Arenal Mundo Aventura
Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano
Transport Transport
Impacts of EcoTourismImpacts of EcoTourism
“likely to cause more harm than good”
Selective benefit“Trojan horse to gain entry to areas
otherwise denied”Solution: Certification unclear standards, not well known“greenwash for few companies-
largely western owned”
Established 2003 by World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC)
Only a symbol of commitment, not of achievement
High feesAffiliation fee: $220Benchmark sticker: S $395,
M $1610, L $7500Certification fee: ??
Sustain Tourism Stewardship Council (STSC)Accreditation body by UNWTO,
UNEP, TIES, Rainforest Alliance, etc
only regional network setupHigh operational costsHigh fee for accreditation status
Criticism on CertificationUntil demand increases, efforts
doomed“flawed and self-serving concept…
[only for] First World interests”Awards given to hotels and tour
operators that only super-rich can afford X role models
“Tourism is essentially egocentric, and escapist activity”
Social impact of ecotourism : increase in local awareness of
their env:“eliticist construct”=>
patronizes local communitiesImposing artificial “zooified”
lifestyleIgnorance of local ppl’s aspirations
for higher living standards“form of voyeurism”
Environmental Impact of EcoT: Evidence that animal activities
are disturbedMay result in destruction of the
very thing ppl come to seeBig hotels require large amount
of resources and facilities◦Golf course, spa, swimming pool, etc
Economic impact of EcoTEconomic impact of EcoT: Increased employment: Increased foreign investments: Increase in real-estate prices
due to foreign operators and investors
SolutionsNeed rules on density and
capacity ethical code among companies on visitor limits
Stop promoting mass tourism; need fewer tourists who pay more
More caretakersGuidelines for building in
sensitive areasCertification becoming
mandatory from voluntary
Interesting SitesSuccessful Ecotourism in Costa Ricahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me
ynzQz4SXk
Ecotourism explained by Duke U profshttp://www.biology.duke.edu/bio217/
2005/cmp8/index.html