Monday, September 29, 2008

Surfing

Costa Rica: Surfline unveils new pocket guide

11:55 AM, September 29, 2008

Costa Rica

Picture yourself on the wave in the photograph. But first, picture yourself on an airplane bound for Costa Rica, site of this zipping right-hander, and many others like it.

This is your first or possibly second journey to the sun-drenched, surf-blessed Central American paradise, and your sense of adventure is soaring.

If this is or will soon be you, do yourself a favor and pick up Surfline’s new “Costa Rica Surf Guide” ($14.95, Surfline.com). It’ll help you get more out of the experience.

It’s not intended to be the most comprehensive surfing guide. In fact, it’s pocket-sized and features only a few dozen spots and, as Surfline founder Sean Collins states, “We avoid pointing out the exact locations of some of the more sensitive frontier spots so you may continue on that tradition of surf exploration.”

But the guide does transport you to each prime region and highlights many premier surfing breaks. It notes the best means of access and optimum times for each season and swell direction. It describes what kind of board you’ll want for each spot, and explains which spots are suitable for beginners.

It also touches on the local vibe and hazards to watch out for, in some cases crocodiles!

It will assist greatly during your adventure, but extensive odysseys in rugged realms almost always call for detours and ad-libbing.

The Surf Guide, for example, profiles Pavones, a remote destination that features incredibly long waves and a jungle backdrop.

It almost dissuades surfers from visiting Pavones — home of that world-famous freight-train left-hander — by citing the break’s fickle nature, an eight-hour bus ride from the capital city of San Jose; or if flying from San Jose to Golfito, a bone-jarring two-hour cab ride.

However, there’s another way. I discovered Pavones by accident, while on a fishing trip out of Crocodile Bay Resort on the Osa Peninsula across Golfo Dulce. Our captain drove us to Pavones, we saw the tops blowing off 4- to 8-foot breakers, and for some in our group, a fishing trip became a surfing expedition.

Crocodile Bay, which has since added surfing expeditions to Pavones and nearby Matapalo to its list of guest activities, is not mentioned in the Surf Guide. (Nor is it for budget-conscious travelers.)

But that’s what adventures to foreign lands are all about. It’s wise to load up on proper literature, but the best discoveries are sometimes those you make on your own.

-- Pete Thomas

Explore the Amazon, Galapagos and Costa Rica's rain forest

South and Central America safaris from $1,609

Explore the Amazon, Galapagos and Costa Rica's rain forest

Image: Land iguanas

Land iguanas are seen at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters file


updated 1 hour, 43 minutes ago

The deal
Need a break from the nonstop chaos and deafening roar of the city? We suggest you consider a retreat to nature. With this trio of international guided air/lodging packages, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in pristine ecosystems far removed from the steel and concrete jungle you’ve become accustomed to. Choose between prime Central or South American eco-tourism destinations and be on your way from $1609. Now’s the chance to relax amidst birdsong in Costa Rica, come face to face with unique species on Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands and ease into the Amazon in Peru.

Costa Rica rainforest rendezvous from $1,609
With the Caribbean Rainforest Adventure available through Virgin Vacations, you’ll sleep in the treetops and have the chance to see array of wildlife from monkeys to butterflies to caiman. The package features three nights in San Jose, two nights in Sarapiqui and two in Tortuguero. Roundtrip international airfare, transportation within Costa Rica and 15 meals are also included. Between November 11 and December 18, 2008, and again between January 1 and March 24, 2009, this package is available from $1,609. If you want a chance to see the Atlantic green turtle in Tortuguero National Park, you might want to consider traveling between now and October 24 for $1,629 and up. Quoted rates are based on Miami departures, but flights from other cities are available for an additional cost. To avoid extra fees, you should make your reservations at least 21 days in advance of your desired travel date. The purchase deadline for all trips is October 9.

See the Galapagos Islands from $2,299
A six-day package to the amazing Galapagos Islands, home to scores of endemic flora and fauna, comes courtesy of Gate 1 Travel. The trip starts with a flight to Guayaquil, but the next morning you’ll leave the bustle of the Ecuador’s largest city for the enchanting islands, 600 miles off the mainland. The package, which starts at $2,299, covers roundtrip airfare from Miami, transportation to the Galapagos, five-nights’ accommodations (two in Guayaquil, three on the islands) and 11 meals. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, tours with English-speaking guides, and all transfers are also included. The $100 entrance fee and other charges to the Galapagos National Park, and tips for guides and drivers are extra. Trips begin in January 2009 and run throughout the year.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Costa Rica Most Democratic Latin American Nation

Costa Rica Most Democratic Latin American Nation

Cafta Referendum
Putting CAFTA in the Hands of the People Help Earned Costa Rica this Recognition.

The annual Latin American Index of Democratic Development has found that Costa Rica holds its number one spot for democratic nations. The private study collaborated with Polilat.com and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation to conduct its research, and results were released yesterday, September 25, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Latin America Index of Democratic Development regularly observes, monitors and evaluates the behavior of governments and societies throughout Mexico, Central America and South America. To determine which country was the most democratic, the index conducted an analysis of societies’ behaviors, leaders’ comportment, and the actions of various democratic institutions in each of Latin America’s 18 countries. The results, from best to worst: Costa Rica, Chile, Uruguay, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, El Salvador, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Unfortunately, the study showed that although the average score for democratic development “continues to improve,” more countries lost percentage points this year than were lost last year - in 2008, ten countries lost ground on certain categories compared to 2007’s eight countries. In addition, the study concluded that 50 percent of Latin American countries — the majority group — have a low level of democratic development. These countries include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador have seen the least growth over the past year.

According to the report, only the three countries with the highest scores — Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay — “maintain conduct” and have not fallen into some sort of crisis in the past few years. The other 15 “in accordance with their own situational dynamic, ascend and descend circumstantially,” according to the report. That said, Costa Rica is joined by El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela in improving its 2008 ranking over 2007. The report also indicated that Costa Rica has seen “a widespread improvement in various economic factors,” those which “also reverberate into social factors such as unemployment and poverty.”

Despite its improvements however, Costa Rica still shows room to improve. The Latin American Index of Democratic Development followed up its praise with a warning that, according to international human rights standards, a “high percentage of the population still lives below the poverty line.” This socioeconomic factor causes the difference between Costa Rica’s rich and poor to polarize toward two extremes. The study also cites the wealthy-poor dichotomy as one reason for the country’s rise in violent crime.

2008 is Costa Rica’s first year as leader of the pack, and the country showed a 6 percent improvement over last year’s scores. The nation scored two percent higher for Respect of Political Rights and Civil Liberties in 2008, largely attributed to female participation in politics. Regarding social indicators, Costa Rica saw its ratings soared in 2008. Almost all related indicators improved in this field, including a 16 percent improvement in the infant mortality rate. The country’s TLC referendum — the first time in Costa Rica history that the government gave such power of choice to the people — also contributed to its high rankings.


Written by Erin Raub

Friday, September 26, 2008

Costa Rica’s Endangered Animal Species

puma
Costa Rica’s More Elusive Species May Soon Be Non-Existent if the Country Doesn’t Act Soon.

Costa Rica is attracting more and more tourism and its popularity as a favorite destination is greatly thanks to its wonderful wildlife. Who has not heard of the spider monkeys and the Titi monkeys, of the anteaters and the tapir, or the great jaguar and its smaller cousin the ocelot, or the great yellow and blue macaws, or the little tiny poison frogs and the huge leatherback turtles? All of these animals, poster children of Costa Rica Tourism, are in great danger of extinction.

There are, in total, 155 endangered species of plants and animals in this country, including large felines and other mammals, beautiful exotic birds, marine mammals and turtles, and many rare plants. According to the InBio Park in Santo Domingo in Heredia, the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species has come out with the following numbers: 16 bird species, 13 mammal species, 2 amphibians and 8 reptiles.

Ever since 1992 there has been a law protecting these animals as many were captured for the exportation of their skins or to be sold as pets. According to the Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org), Costa Rica is classified just behind Panama in the Central American list of animals in danger of extinction. These shocking numbers have so far not alarmed the government anywhere near enough as the Ministry of the Environment has declared that these numbers were still too low to trigger any kind of action, while environmentalists, on the other hand, are urging them to act! The problem is that while hunting is now almost totally unseen, deforestation is the enemy, and it is going to take more than a few laws to put a stop to it, as it involves the fate of large investments.

Lists of the endangered species released by the government indeed seem to be very much unchanged, year after year, when everyone is aware that the situation is now almost catastrophic. Maybe the information release to the public is not as close to the truth as it should be. This together with the fact that the state doesn’t donate enough funds in order to work toward protecting the biological corridors to save animals like the jaguar and the ocelots who depend totally on their environment to survive.

Most of the donated money comes from other countries and while Costa Rica could not survive alone in this battle, it should still do more to preserve its environmental friendly image. With eco-tourism virtually invented in this country, more and more tourists come here to satisfy their hunger for nature and to find what is now present in only so very few countries. However, if the government doesn’t increase its efforts soon, it will not be long before visitors realize that this country is more concerned about what tourism brings than the actual preservation of its fauna.

The black panther is now totally extinct and the jaguar and ocelot populations are lesser everyday. The jaguars in particular favor peccaries as their main source of nourishment, and once these animals become extinct, then the jaguar is in peril. Farmers in Corcovado shoot the big cats as man and beast live closer and closer together and end up sharing the same territories. Not long ago there was the story of a puma trapped in some tree in Heredia, with the farmers and locals throwing stones at the poor animal, not knowing what to do, resulting in the death of the big cat!

Education can play a big part in this battle. It has been studied that an average 4 out of 10 families own wild animals as pets, animals that may have been rescued as well as captured in less than acceptable methods.

The turtles have recovered since a campaign to help stop the collection of their eggs; which were considered a local delicacy with the promise of aphrodisiac effects too! Now those who collected the eggs are the very ones who work as guides, proudly protecting these awesome creatures. Development, again, is now their sole enemy.

The primates also suffer from development and too much tourism, and the spider monkey in particular is at risk. The Curu Reserve in Guanacaste is presently running a program to reintroduce rescued half-domesticated spider monkeys back into the wild. Climate changes throughout the whole planet are reeking devastation in Costa Rica and experts blame them for the disappearance of this primate in places like Monteverde. While the Howler and Capuchin monkeys are still prevalent, it is considered quite a treat to catch a glimpse of a Spider Monkey!

The large yellow and blue Macaws are almost impossible to see in the wild these days, and the scarlet macaw, locally known as Lapa Roja, is in danger of disappearing completely. There are very few wild scarlet macaw populations in this country that have a long-term chance of survival, including an estimated population of 200 in the Carara National Park and 1,600 in the Corcovado National Park, where as many as 40 may be seen at one time. However, macaws can also be seen regularly at the Palo Verde National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, and other forested parts of the Gulf of Nicoya and Osa Peninsula.

These beautiful birds, considered icons of the tropics for many, fearlessly and majestically patrol the skies, in pairs of two, four or six, as they mate for life. Poachers take the chicks and sell them on the black market in the United States, despite a ban that prohibits importing the birds. Sadly, most of them die before they even get a chance to reach their final destination.

Although they were claimed to be extinct in Costa Rica, a population of manatees has been spotted in the rivers and lagoons adjacent to the world famous green turtle nesting beach Tortuguero National Park. Manatees are also being protected under a program at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The rediscovery of these peculiar animals shows that there is hope in the air as they obviously favor the waters of Costa Rica. Let’s hope that other mammals share this preference for Costa Rica land and water, and that in the years to come this country can be truly proud of its conservation achievements.

The balance of the flora and fauna is a delicate one and as we go about disturbing it, some negative results and effects are inevitable. There are simply some areas that must stay untouched, where even tourism should be monitored strongly as sadly wherever man goes there is some kind of destruction taking place.


Written by Mireille Darras

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Mammals

Guide to Mammal Species in Costa Rica

anteater
This White-Nosed Coati Was Spotted on a Beach along the Papagayo Peninsula.

Many visitors come to this country fore the sole purpose of having their own National Geographic experience, trekking through the rain forest in search of wild cats and sloths. Unfortunately the truth is a different story. While there are still many mammals living here, many are in real danger of extinction, and some have already disappeared. Besides, surprisingly, out of the over 200 mammals present here, half of these are bats.

Cats

The big cats, such as the jaguar and the ocelots, have been hunted for their beautiful skins that were exported to the United States for a hefty price. The jaguar, symbol of the Central American forest, was worshipped as a God during pre-Colombian civilizations. A lover of water, he can be found in mangroves and lowlands as well as in the thick rainforests. Today, he is a rare sight.

The black jaguar, or black panther as it is called, is now almost completely extinct. His cousin the ocelot has had the same fate. Fortunately, poaching is now totally illegal; however it is the deforestation that is now causing the problem, as these animals depend on their habitat to survive. Both the ocelot and the jaguar are now recovering slightly and are present in various parks throughout the country. Needless to say, actually seeing an Ocelot is one of life’s most precious gift, so incredibly beautiful they are, yet, this is also their nemesis, as their fur is probably one of the most beautiful money can buy…. The Margay, slightly smaller than the Ocelot, and the Jaguarundi, usually gray in color and the size of a domestic cat, are more common. These cats are however super shy and avoid confrontation with man, smelling and hearing us long before we can see them! Don’t be too disappointed if you cannot see them as most people don’t.

For those who are cat lovers, La Pacifica, near Canas in Guanacaste, is a huge refuge for big cats; they specialize in rescuing babies with the aim of putting them back in the wild once they are old enough to survive. The cats are free, not kept in small cages, and they are encouraged to hunt for themselves.

Primates

Monkeys, on the other hand, are hard to miss. There are four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, all of which are descendants of Asian and African monkeys that evolved into the New World about 40 million years ago. They are noisy and if you are in the right area, one only has to look up.

The Howler Monkeys, the biggest primate of Costa Rica, can be heard up to 20 kms away; although not particularly aggressive, they certainly do sound like it! The Spider Monkeys will offer you a spectacular show as they swing and throw themselves from branch to branch, almost effortlessly. The White Faced Monkeys, or Capuchin, will not hesitate to have a go at your belongings should you look the other way. The Titi Monkeys, also called Squirrel Monkeys, the smallest and smartest of all primates here, will be watching you as you pass underneath them totally unaware. So beautiful they are, black, yellow and white! Most monkeys are found along the coasts as well as in the forests and mountainous areas.

The sloth is another exotic animal, strange in its appearance and mysterious. The Spanish name for this curious creature is lazy bear, as it moves in slow motion, indeed, it hardly moves at all. They are so slow that moss, and all types of vegetation, has time to grow on their fur!

They do everything in trees, even give birth there suspended on some branch. They rarely venture on the ground, however, should you see one crossing a road, stop the car, find a large branch that you will present to him and he will automatically grab it. All you need to do then is to drag the sloth across the road; you will have then avoided him or her being run over, as it takes them so long to cross over! Beware, however, as sloths are capable of stunningly fast reactions, so keep that in mind if you decide to give one a hand so to speak; make sure the branch is long and strong, and keep your hands well out of the way, as their claws are long and powerful. They have a funny kind of flat face and large round eyes and really do look like happy aliens. There are two kinds of sloths here in this country, the two toed and the three toed.

Winged Mammals

Bats are everywhere yet not always so easy to see as they are of course nocturnal. During the full moon they will usually also stay securely suspended in the branches for fear of the owls! Most bats, like the Giant Jamaican Fruit Bat, are frugivores, eating fruits or insectivores, insect-eaters. The vampire bats are however a different story. They bite cattle and domestic farm animals during the night causing a lot of damage, it has been estimated that it goes as far as $100 million across Central and South America as they go around spreading diseases like rabies.

In Tortuguero the fishing bulldog bat cannot be missed with its huge 60cm wingspan. This amazing creature locates its preys in the water by using sonar; as it flies just above the surface, it can detect the slightest wave or movement of the water, and it catches the preys with its hooked feet just as the fish swims by. No escape! While sitting outside your cabina or in a bar somewhere at the beach, you will feel more than see them flying around you in circles. They may be blind but I have never seen or heard of a bat having an accident and crash into someone, so relax!

Hoofed Mammals

There are many Deer living here, all belonging to two species; the red brocket deer, or cabro de monte, slightly hump-backed and bronze in color. The males have single-prong horns and live in the rainforests. The larger, more commonly seen white-tailed deer or venado, are widely dispersed in habitats throughout the country, but more particularly they live in Guanacaste. They are a smaller variant of their North American counterpart and they vary from gray to red, normally with a white belly and a white dappled throat and face. Males have branched antlers.

Costa Rican Critters

Anteaters are spectacular to see and are fairly easy to spot in the lowland habitats. These strange looking animals survive solely on ants, as their name suggest, and termites. They have a long elongated nose and an even longer tongue that allows them to dig right into the nests!

You will also probably run across the Armadillo, so special to Latin America, so funny to watch as it they seem to carry their armor, faster than you would think! Coatis (of the racoon family), weasels, and various rodents are also plentiful. You will not miss the skunk, or Zorro as they call them here, for its lovely black and white stripes and of course, its world famous smell! These small mammals are eaten not only by the big cats, but by the coyotes; these are spread out all over the country, even in some parts of the Central Valley. The cry of a coyote has to been heard at least once during one’s lifetime for sure. It is wild, dangerous, mysterious, awesome and scary all at once!

Marine Mammals

Finally, last and not least, it is possible to watch whales, dolphins and Manatees in the waters of Costa Rica. In the Osa Peninsula, south of the Country on the Pacific Coast, tours are offered to go whale watching, while dolphins can be see fishing and playing while taking the sun on the beaches of the Caribbean, if you are a little bit lucky that is!

The Manatees are common along the Caribbean coast, and they can be observed in the canals of Tortuguero as well as in the Gandoca Manzanillo Park in Puerto Viejo. West Indian Manatees are quite a sight, huge, they can weigh as much as a ton; resembling a walrus without any tusks, wrinkly and with small round eyes, that are not exactly pretty. They possess no hind limbs and their big fleshy lips seem to hang out of their mouth. They are now strongly protected; they used to be hunted for their flesh and their hides that were used to make machinery belts and high-pressure hoses. Indeed the Caribbean of Costa Rica is one of the places on earth where they are most populated today. They are shy, friendly and loving animals that are said to give each other kisses and make excellent parents and actually swim while “holding flippers” in groups!

This is just a small review of what can be seen or heard in this amazing country. While many are not on the endangered list, it is hoped that our grand children and great grand children will still be able to walk this ground and share this heaven with the wild animals. Enjoy your travels and best of luck if you are hoping to get a glimpse of all these magnificent animals!

Monday, September 22, 2008

IHG Brings Hotel Indigo(R) Brand to Central America

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), (LSE:IHG) (NYSE:IHG)(ADRs) the worlds largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced the introduction of the first Hotel Indigo property in Central America. The property is expected to open in the first quarter of 2009 in the metropolitan city of San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica.

Originally announced in February 2007 as the Holiday Inn Express San Jose Forum, the project was modified to become a Hotel Indigo, following the success of the brand in North America including Canada and Mexico.

"We are very excited to bring the first Hotel Indigo to Central America, together with our franchisee Prime Holding, said Alvaro Diago, area president, Latin America, IHG. "The brand's retail-inspired concept fits the evolving perception of todays modern-day travelers and brings a totally fresh, new and competitive brand into this market. Hotel Indigo emphasizes creative design while it absorbs a citys local flair, and its service philosophy perfectly ties into the cultures of many Latin America countries."

Boutique hotels, known for their intimate, luxurious environments in addition to personalized accommodations and services, have gained increasing popularity. As the industry's first branded boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo artfully combines the conveniences and consistencies of a brand hotel with the design cache and service personality of a boutique at an attractive price.

"We have seen that Hotel Indigo has been incredibly received in North America, so we are confident in the success of this property, said Luis Fernandez, president, Prime Holding. "Hotel Indigo is a unique and innovative brand, perfect for travelers looking for accessible luxury and an alternative to traditional hotels. Were extremely excited to be introducing this brand to the region together with IHG.

Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum Costa Rica will be located in Santa Ana, one of Costa Ricas fastest developing areas, next to a major thoroughfare that connects to Escazu, the prominent residential and business district of the city. Surrounded by a major commercial complex that features two shopping centers with retail stores, boutiques and restaurants, the Hotel Indigo will be ideally situated only 15 minutes away from the Juan Santamaria Airport and within walking distance to Forum Business Park I and II, the city's latest and most upscale office tower complexes.

San Jose offers a wide array of activities for both business and leisure travelers. It is Costa Rica's only major metropolitan city offering a variety of restaurant and nightlife venues, a number of museums, and art galleries that travelers cant miss. There is also a steady stream of theater plays, concerts, and other cultural events that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.

Currently, IHG is represented in Costa Rica by the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, the Crowne Plaza Corobici San Jose, the Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola and the Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport, which is expected to open next month.

"Opening the first Hotel Indigo in Central America will ensure that IHG preserves its role as the premier hotel group in the region, as it allows us to contribute to the dynamic tourism industry with an even wider collection of our brands, said Tom Murray, COO, the Americas, IHG. "We are confident that travelers will welcome Hotel Indigo, and we are eager to provide our guests in Costa Rica with the unique blend of branded-hotel consistencies and boutique design and service found only at Hotel Indigo.

The 100-room Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum Costa Rica is owned and will be managed by Prime Holding, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. Located at Diagonal al Centro Empresarial Forum 2, the three-story Hotel Indigo will have a Phi Bistro & Bar, several small meeting rooms, a fully equipped business center, an outdoor swimming pool and a "Phitness Studio with cardio equipment and free weights.

The soul of Hotel Indigos retail-inspired concept is renewal - thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. The renewal concept provides even the most frequent guest a unique experience with every stay. The hotel will feature renewable elements such as vivid nature-inspired murals, area rugs, plush duvets and slip-covers that will change periodically. Public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing artwork, music, floral and murals.

The Hotel Indigo brand is quickly expanding across the globe, with 19 locations open and more than 60 under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta in October 2004, followed by Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast; Chicago Schaumburg North; Houston at the Galleria; Hotel Indigo Dallas; Ottawa Downtown City Centre, Canada; Hotel Indigo Scottsdale, Ariz.; Hotel Indigo Sarasota, Fla; Hotel Indigo Buffalo-Amherst, N.Y.; Hotel Indigo Nashville West End; Hotel Indigo Mérida Hacienda Misné, Mexico; Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside; Hotel Indigo Columbus Downtown, Ind.; Hotel Indigo Fishers-Indys Uptown; Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills; Hotel Indigo Ontario Rancho Cucamonga; Hotel Indigo Skyview Rahway, N.J.; Hotel Indigo Basking Ridge, N.J.; and Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland. Future sites of Hotel Indigo hotels include Miami, Fl.; St. Louis, Mo.; London, England; San Antonio, Texas; Baltimore, Md.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and New York, N.Y. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit .

Hotel Indigo participates in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry's first and largest guest loyalty program has more than 39 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,000 hotels worldwide.

IHG has more than 160 hotels in Mexico, Central and South America as the well as the Caribbean, and has been serving Latin America for over 60 years. IHG is the worlds largest hotel group by number of rooms and the second largest hotel operator in Latin America. IHG has hotels situated in nearly every key market in the Latin America territory.

About Hotel Indigo:

The newest member of the IHG family, Hotel Indigo is the industrys first branded boutique hotel experience. It is uniquely designed to appeal to guests who desire affordable luxury, personal service and an alternative to traditional hotels without sacrificing any of the businesses amenities they have come to expect. Renewal is the soul of Hotel Indigos retail-inspired design concept thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh. Guestrooms feature signature murals, area rugs, fluffy duvets and slipcovers that will change periodically, while public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing aromas, music, artwork, murals and directional signage. From relaxed café dining to high-style rooms Hotel Indigo creates an intriguing, warm and inviting environment for guests. For more information on Hotel Indigo, please visit .

Note to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) (LON:IHG), (NYSE:IHG) (ADRs)) is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards with over 39 million members worldwide.

IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 150,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at . For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at .

Monday, September 8, 2008

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Adventure Travel Media Source
Lapa Rios Ecolodge

CONTACT: Jessica Blair

TEL: 734-837-7887

E-MAIL: jessica@atmstravelnews.com

WEBSITE: http://www.laparios.com/





OSA PENINSULA, Costa Rica—Lapa Rios Eco-lodge is proud to announce that it has been once again recognized as the first Costa Rican hotel to earn a “five leaves” rating in sustainability two consecutive times in a row.

Awarded by the Certification in Sustainable Tourism Program (CST), a division of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, Lapa Rios’ “five leaves” rating ensures that the hotel has attained the highest possible level of sustainability set by CST. This includes a balanced interaction of: proper stewardship of natural and cultural resources; improved life of local communities; and economic success that contributes to programs for national development.

This recognition, in addition to many others, including rankings in both Conde Nast Gold and Green lists, as well as designation as a “Sustainable Standard-Setter” by the Rainforest Alliance organization—secures Lapa Rios’ position as a pioneer in ecotourism.

Lapa Rios is one of only four accommodations in Costa Rica to have earned this highly regarded recognition.

According to CST, “The main objective of the CST is precisely to turn the concept of sustainability into something real, practical and necessary in the context of the country’s tourist competitiveness, with the aim of improving the way in which the natural and social resources are utilized, to motivate the active participation of local communities, and to support the competitiveness of the business sector.”



At Lapa Rios, a 1,000-acre private nature reserve, environmental considerations are made clear, with special attention to the local culture and several eco-conscious activities and offerings, such as a volunteer rainforest initiative, biodiesel-powered electricity and the Carbonera School Foundation.

By making wise vacation decisions, tourists are taking a stand to support true environmentalism and the protection of the Osa Peninsula via socially-responsible travel.

Soon to be the first carbon neutral hotel in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios continues to support the advance of considerate travel by educating travelers on a daily basis.

To learn more about Lapa Rios’ dedication to environmentally-friendly travel, please visit www.laparios.com or the Lapa Rios blog.



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Travelers seeking a “green” slice of paradise are encouraged to visit www.laparios.com, where they can view resort details, bungalows and seasonal rates for planning their own eco-friendly getaway at Lapa Rios, ranked #11 in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 25 Hotels in Mexico and Central and South America.”



Note to journalists: Please contact Jessica Blair (Jessica@atmstravelnews.com), (734) 837-7887, to arrange an interview with John and/or Karen Lewis, founders of Lapa Rios.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Brit in Liberia

Costa Rica Arriba!: Liberia
Costa Rica Arriba!: Liberia
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Liberia
Buenos Dias,
Sorry for the long delay in this update - we ended up staying in Samara for 5 nights and refused to use the internet there again because it was so expensive (we think there´s some sort of cartel operating there, like OPEC except more evil) and also because we went over the hour by 2 minutes and they charged us for 15, which doesn´t exactly inspire repeat business. Anyway!
I just wanted to start by saying thank you so much for the comments and emails, they brought a big smile to my face after a lacklustre couple of days (on which more later) and I feel really buoyed for having read them. We´re in ´Planet Internet´, which is unlike many other planets - its terrain is white, cool and shiny, computers and teenage boys are bountiful but any signs of life have sadly become extinct long ago. Also, while I always appreciate not having strange European men looking over my shoulder as I type (I mean you, Mr man in internet cafe in Orosi), the fact that these booths are quite so ´private´is odd and not a little bit creepy.
So, Samara; it was a beautiful place, but we agreed that we weren´t leaving too soon, mostly due to the atmosphere and people.. it´s hard to place exactly what it was, but basically the area around the beach is entirely given over to tourism: all of the nice properties have been bought up by American expats and now it´s too expensive for any natives to live there.. and none of the tourists were particularly friendly (I think they were people there for a week-long beach holiday, rather than youngsters backpacking around like us), so the community doesn´t feel like a community, and although Ticos are far too polite to tell you that they don´t like you, I can see exactly why they´d resent tourists. But we did have a really really good time there, mostly due to the place we were staying, which constituted a cultural experience in itself, although not of the Tico kind. As I mentioned last time, we wangled a really good discount at a B&B near the beach with a lady from Arizona, Marlene, who was many things, among them.. a dedicated Republican, ardent devotee of McCain and even more so Sarah Palin, devout Roman Catholic, and quite hard-of-hearing. But really, genuinely lovely. She regaled us with many tales of her extraordinary family - a whole family of them, 6 kids along with the parents, sing, play instruments and do riverdance-style Irish stuff and have toured all over the world, performed for El Papa (the pope, not to be confused with la papa, the Spanish word for a potato), and got to the final of America´s Got Talent, where Piers Morgan was rude to them. She and her husband used to have a circus, and always had a different animal each year, which appeared onstage with them, and she has written books about cats and faith, and is now an artist. Oh and they´ve led pilgrimages to lots of holy places like Israel, Ireland, Venezuela and Yugoslavia to special places where people have seen the virgin mother, etc. We didn´t let on about our not-being-Catholics and she didn´t ask, but she seems very tolerant and although she´s anti gay-marriage, I bet she wouldn´t mind a gay couple staying in her B&B. We watched a few nights´ of the Republican Party Conference which is about as far as is possible to get from the British equivalent, and which made me feel incredibly grateful that us Brits have a sense of decorum and don´t chant things like "drill baby drill" and "U-S-A!" over and over again. We don´t like or trust McCain, but have decided that he´ll probably win because Obama is still a bit too scary for the Americans, and so ´liberal´, that dirty word. We also spent a lot of time wandering up and down the beach in Samara, and swimming, and Ben tried his hand at surfing while I read an awful, awful Mills & Boon-esque book that I´m sure Marlene doesn´t realise was in her library or she would´ve thrown it out in disgust. *I* was tempted to throw it away in disgust, but more for its poor storyline and character development than the pre-marital sex etc. We also found a really good spot for lunch, called Shake Joe´s, where they do service without a smile but really really good (Canadian!!) smoked salmon baguettes for about 2.50. The currency here is seeming less bizarre, although I still can´t get my head around the fact that their biggest note is, effectively, a tenner (10,000 colones). The cost of living is about 5x lower though.
So, Liberia .. well, it sounded nice in the guidebook and it´s not too bad but there´s nothing really to do, apart from sit in the central park trying to hide from the sun (even in the ´winter´it´s like an oven here) and gawp at the ugly, Modernist church. We´ve just had breakfast in a chain bakery called Musmanni, which may well be our saving grace in Costa Rica since most cafes serve nothing but (things) con arroz, which isn´t my favourite breakfast dish.
We´re planning to have a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja tomorrow, which is a national park not too far from here with a volcano and lots of lovely walks you can do - we´re learning from last time, don´t worry. After that the plan is to head for the Caribbean coast, Cahuita in particular, and have a week there, before going to Uvita (Southwest, near Dominical) for more surfing/beach things. We´ve seen footage of the weather in Britain at the moment and it looks appalling! Flooding everywhere and really cold too :( It´s a shame that it seems like summer, such as it was, is over - and that we can´t send some of this baking Liberia sun over there (really, please take some!). Oh yes, and I finally feel like we´ve had the quintessential Costa Rican experience which had eluded us through sheer chance, of the least comfortable bus journey in the universe. Basically, there are two general types of bus - the coach type which are quite robust and almost as good as National Express, lots of padding in the seats etc, and ex-American schoolbusses (yes, those yellow ones that they have in The Simpsons) which are very ´functional´, or as I like to call it, ´dude, where´s the suspension?´. So I´m pleased we´ve had that experience, but would be grateful if we were to avoid it in future - although at least on this one no-one performed the entire percussion section of La Bamba on the back on my chair. My main gripe at the moment is with sleep: through no fault of my own, I´ve been finding it really difficult to get to sleep for the past few nights - in Samara this was because (please don´t laugh) of Mr Cicada, who lived somewhere outside the building and chirruped constantly and loudly throughout the night - after a few nights I finally discovered that the only way to get to sleep was with a piece of toilet paper wedged into each ear, lying on my side with one ear pressed into the pillow and a towel over my head. You´re laughing now, I´m sure - and in retrospect it´s amusing but it was bloody awful at the time. The problem here in Liberia is that the walls are paper-thin, and in fact they´re not even complete walls since there´s gauze in some places - so the place we´re staying is very charming and rustic etc. (and cable tv, all for about 9GBP) but we can hear the Germans across the hall talking, and every single sound, as if it was happening at the foot of our bed. Last night I dealt with this by asking them politely to be quiet and then trying to listen to The News Quiz until my iPod battery died, before finally resorting to the good old tried-and-tested toilet paper / towel method. Tonight I will have bought earplugs and charged my iPod, which will hopefully fare better. So, I´m fairly sure it´s the 8th today which means we´re over 1/3 of the way through our trip - time´s doing strange things and it feels simultaneously like we´ve been here for a day/forever. At times like last night when all I wanted was a nice, quiet room, the BBC and a cup of tea I have been missing England a lot, and especially the people there, but I know it´ll still be there when we get back and I don´t want to kick myself for not appreciating this adventure while it´s happening. So, onwards and upwards to the volcano :) I´ll update sooner than last time!
Lots of love,
Louise and Ben (who is very chuffed because his website is now the first hit on google when you search for drupal guides)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by Lou and Ben at 09:57
Labels: Liberia

Pueblito Camaronal

Nature Air Named Finalist in the World Savers Awards 2008
Sep 05

The investment of roughly $30,000 promoted the contest called Pueblito Camaronal which consists of the architectural design of a sustainable and eco-friendly structure.

The contest was won by three college students who took on the challenge as a sheer desire to satisfy their need to contribute in the improvement of low environmental impact constructions.

The contest required for the architects to use low budget, local and renewable material while enhancing nature’s visual appeal. The college students pointed out that the Costa Rica was in need of more autochthonous designs and structures that would seek to protect and preserve the environment while enhancing the country’s natural beauty.

The project will be presented in the United States before the actual construction will take place in an undisclosed coastal town. All three students will be flying to New York to present their experimental project.

Although the area where these young architects will be seeing their project come to life has not been mentioned, what has been told is that it will be done under strict environmental control due to an important sea turtle nesting area nearby.

Hopefully this type of tourist investment will continue in order to benefit not only the environment but new proposals that may serve as role models

Saturday, September 6, 2008

COSTA RICA Sets the Latin American standard for sustainable ecotourism, social welfare and civil rights

10 great green and ethical holidays
10 great green and ethical holidays
It’s rare to get all three in one holiday. Now you can, courtesy of the latest hotlist of eco-destinations


At one time, choosing a holiday was a no-brainer. The only question anybody
asked was: “Where are you off to?” Now, of course, other concerns whisper in
our ears. How green is the holiday? How ethical?



Is my cash supporting some despotic regime? Will I destroy an area of
rainforest the size of Shropshire every time I take a shower? Is the hotel
stealing the locals’ drinking water for its golf course? In these days of
greenwash and hogwash, it is hard to be certain of the answers.



However, help might be at hand. Every three years, Ethical Traveler (ET), an
American grass-roots amalgam of tour operators, travel agents and
outfitters, publishes a list of the top 10 ethical destinations, with a
focus on developing countries. It analyses more than 70 nations, focusing on
each one’s commitment to the environment, social welfare and human-rights
record.



ET admits that none of its winners is perfect. Bulgaria, for instance, has
huge corruption issues and has suffered a rash of unregulated construction;
ET is reconsidering its inclusion. With the value of oil and mineral
reserves soaring, some countries, such as Argentina, are aggressively
expanding exploration.




As America has found in Alaska, oil and wilderness protection don’t always
mix. South Africa has hardly covered itself in glory with its treatment of
Zimbabwean immigrants.



Bolivia has social issues because of its historical treatment of indigenous
people (although having an Amerindian president has helped). Amnesty
International has highlighted indigenous land rights as a source of unrest
(and sometimes repression) in Chile.



So, a few of 2008’s inclusions may cause jaws to drop, but that doesn’t mean
ET’s effort to highlight excellence isn’t worth making.



Each country also has individual pockets of excellence, where tour operators,
hotel owners and the locals are working together to make sure they don’t
kill what could be the golden goose of ecotourism. So, here are the 10
finalists, along with some ideas for sampling them yourselves in ways that
don’t cost the earth.



Unless stated, packages are per person and include flights



ARGENTINA Ethical Traveler says: “Scores high for its efforts to build
an attractive and sustainable travel and tourism infrastructure.”



See for yourself: the Yacutinga Lodge & Wildlife Nature Reserve is
set in its own 560-hectare nature reserve in northeast Argentina. It has
fantastic jungle right on its doorsteps, day and night excursions through
the undergrowth and English-speaking guides to point out ancient trees,
medicinal plants, orchids and rare birdlife.



There are also river excursions and treetop observation towers where you can
watch parakeets fly at eye level. It uses alternative energy systems and
employs a strict recycling policy. A 10-day trip with Journey Latin America
(020 8747 8315, www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk
), with nights in Buenos Aires and at the Iguaçu Falls, starts at £1,402pp
for land arrangements (some full-board, some B&B), plus about £880pp for
flights.



BOLIVIA Ethical Traveler says:“With 22 national parks (one with 800
species of birds) and great biodiversity, Bolivia is a real treasure.”



See for yourself: Bolivia’s appeal lies in its mix of dramatic scenery,
from high mountains to low deserts, fascinating indigenous culture and a
rich prehistoric past. Rather than stay at a single destination, sample the
Andes, Lake Titicaca, subtropical Santa Cruz and more.



Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000, www.coxandkings.co.uk
) has a 13-night tour from £2,995; its guides receive regular training on
Bolivia’s ecosystems, the flora and fauna, and the importance of recycling
and energy-saving.



BULGARIA Ethical Traveler says: “The first EU country with a
biodiversity strategy... great potential.”



See for yourself: much of the coastline has been ruined by
overdevelopment, so it is rural Bulgaria that is most eco-enticing. There
you will find the Rila range, a spine of mountains that contains more than
200 lakes, a famed monastery and Bulgaria’s highest mountain. Not far away
is the Pirin National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site,with waterfalls,
caves, 60 alpine peaks and another 70 lakes.



Plus the odd brown bear. Walks Worldwide (01524 242000, www.walksworldwide.com
) has an eight-day guided exploration (for keen hill-walkers) from £775;
Naturetrek (01962 733051, www.naturetrek.co.uk
) has a less strenuous 10-day wildlife tour, Bulgaria in Spring, from
£1,250.



CHILE Ethical Traveler says:“It could become an ecotourism destination
par excellence.”



See for yourself: Patagonia is the place to head for, especially the
Torres del Paine National Park, 1,900 miles south of Santiago by road and a
Unesco biosphere reserve. The dramatic wilderness incorporates lakes,
striking mountains, glaciers and magnificent ice fields to the south. It has
kayaking, climbing, hiking, pumas, condors and, now, a little touch of
luxury on its doorstep.



The new Patagonia Camp is more glamping than roughing it, with sheepskin-lined
yurts, designed by local artists, and imaginative food that’s a cut above
bush tucker. They also serve blue pisco sours that match the turquoise of
the lake the camp overlooks. It’s 100% eco-friendly, with solar power and
top-quality waste management. Tim Best Travel (020 7591 0300, www.timbesttravel.com
) has a 10-day itinerary to Chile, with four nights, full-board, at
Patagonia Camp, for £3,210.



COSTA RICA Ethical Traveler says: “Sets the Latin American standard for
sustainable ecotourism, social welfare and civil rights.”



See for yourself: try the 16-room, family-run Tiskita Jungle Lodge, in
the middle of a private 400-acre rainforest reserve on the south Pacific
coast. It offers guided walks and horseback tours into the rainforest, and
there’s a three-mile stretch of beach below the reserve, the nesting site of
ridley, green and leatherback turtles. Sunvil Latin America (020 8758 4774, www.sunvil.co.uk
) has a 14-night tour of Costa Rica, with three nights, full-board, at the
lodge, from £3,164. The operator contributes $10 per client to the Tiskita
Foundation, a not-for-profit local educational organisation.



CROATIA Ethical Traveler says: “Since its entry into the EU, Croatia
has made a real effort to support sustainable ecotourism ventures.”



See for yourself: one of the most spectacular “green” developments in
the country is the Eco Centre Caput Insulae, at Beli, on the island of Cres.
It’s dedicated to saving the rare whiteheaded griffon vulture, but Goran
Susic, the man behind it, has a touch of the Guillermo del Toro, creating
fantastical stone labyrinths deep in the surrounding forests.



Volunteers (who do everything from trail construction to sheep-shearing) stay
for a minimum of seven days and pay between £80 and £120 a week, depending
on season, plus £32 to cover food. For details, visit www.supovi.hr
or contact the Croatian National Tourist Office (020 8563 7979, www.croatia.hr
). Fly with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com )
to Pula, or with Croatia Airlines (00 385 1 487 2727, www.croatiaairlines.com
) to Pula or Rijeka, then catch a ferry to Cres.



ESTONIA Ethical Traveler says: “One of the world’s best-ranked
countries for protected areas per capita, with the lowest CO2emissions in
Europe.” (Note: since ET’s report was written, Estonia is no
longer considered a “developing country”.)



See for yourself: you can flaunt your green credentials by cycling; the
countryside is good and flat, so it won’t take that much effort. Regent
Holidays (0845 277 3317, www.regent-holidays.co.uk
) has a nine-day trip that starts in lively Tallinn, with its Prague-like
medieval core, then switches to the island of Saaremaa for the pedalling
part. It’s quiet, rural and mostly tourist- and traffic-free. Each night is
spent in a locally run farmhouse, many of which have saunas for treating any
aches and pains. Prices start at £650, B&B, including flights,
bicycle hire, maps and mobile rental.



NAMIBIA Ethical Traveler says:“with abundant wildlife, great national
parks and locally owned and managed conservancies, Namibia is a relatively
undiscovered gem” - although reports that the government is sanctioning
licences to hunt endangered desert elephants bring into question the
Namibia’s ethical integrity.



See for yourself: this is a country with enough space for truly
spectacular landscapes, indigenous people and wildlife to coexist without
too much conflict. Sample all three on a 13-day trip with Explore Worldwide
(0844 499 0901, www.explore.co.uk )
trip.



It takes in the Erongo mountains and Brandberg, with its unique ancient rock
art, spends time with the Himba, the nomads of the Kaokoveld in the remote
north, and concludes at the Etosha Pan, for elephant, wildebeest, eagle,
oryx, lion, hyena and jackal. There’s plenty of off-roading and some basic
camping, but at least you have a hotel and pool bar to look forward to at
Windhoek. You will alsobe supporting the Afri-Leo Foundation, which nurtures
Namibia’s lion population. The trip costs £1,895, full-board.



NICARAGUA Ethical Traveler says: “Fair-trade ventures with local
farmers, impressive civil liberties (except for some issues around gay
rights) and a mushrooming variety of sustainable ecotourism destinations
convinced us to add Nicaragua to the list.”



See for yourself: how about a cup of coffee? How about one grown on
your doorstep? The Nicaragua Lodge and Coffee Plantation - aka Finca
Esperanza Verde Ecolodge - is situated in high, misty, tropical mountains in
the heart of Nicaragua. It offers guided hikes along the nature trails,
bird-watching, night walks, homestays with locals, cooking classes and a
chance to help with the coffee crop.



Solar- and hydroelectric-powered, it sleeps 26 in bunkhouses. Prices start at
£28pp per night, including meals. For more details, call 01273 600030 or
visit www.responsibletravel.com/nicaraguaecolodge
. If you want something more luxurious, the best option is the the splendid
Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge (www.morgansrock.com
). Continental Airlines (0845 607 6760, www.continental.com
) has flights from London to Managua from £589, via Houston. Or try Expedia
(0871 226 0808, www.expedia.co.uk ).



SOUTH AFRICA Ethical Traveler says: “South Africa receives high marks
for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as
for species protection and vigilance against poaching.”



See for yourself:the eight thatched chalets of Djuma Bush Lodge are in
the Sabi Sand reserve, which borders the Kruger. Apart from its excellent
ecological credentials - it has the coveted Fair Trade in Tourism South
Africa kitemark - it’s a fine place to spot the Big Five, as it’s rare to
encounter other safari vehicles.



With Rainbow Tours (020 7226 1004, www.rainbowtours.co.uk
), a sevennight safari at Djuma Bush Lodge starts at £2,445pp, including
meals and game-viewing. Sybarites should upgrade (£390pp extra) to the
nearby Djuma Vuyatela Lodge, the luxury option: eight more chalets built and
operated by the same owners. They can even arrange private silver-service
bush dinners for you (with guards to stop you being on the menu).



With thanks to Jeff Greenwald of Ethical Destinations and Justin Francis,
co-founder of the ethical holiday directory Responsible Travel. For more
details, visit www.ethicaltraveler.org


Turística

Shine.com offers, shinewithshine.com: [green-travel] Digest Number 1813
1. CRISIS ECONOMICA, TURISTICA, AMBIENTAL….¿PARA QUE?
Posted by: "forumnatura" forumnatura@yahoo.com forumnatura
Date: Fri Sep 5, 2008 3:27 pm ((PDT))

No he cometido ningún error gramatical o de redacción, al menos en el
enunciado de este titular y como ya lo espero, no quiero decir ¿Por
qué?, sino ¿Para qué?.
Es cierto y está confirmado que nos encontramos en una situación de
crisis y por tanto con una duración en el tiempo no determinada, que
impacta directamente en la economía global y local, en el sector
turístico (alojamientos, restauración, animación,..) y en el medio
ambiente (con el impacto adicional del cambio climático, que no solo
es consecuencia de, sino productor o inductor de).
Tanto hace un par de días, como hoy mismo escuchaba en la radio,
varios comentarios de expertos en estas materias, que se pronunciaban
de alguna forma, con un pensamiento similar o en la misma línea
conceptual que la mía, lo cual siempre es muy agradable, ya que a uno
le hace sentir, que no está solo pensando o analizando temas que
otros no lo ven.
Pero en resumen, una crisis es parte de la vida y a la vez, provoca
cambios, bien tangenciales, bien en profundidad, dependiendo de su
nivel de impacto y de la reacción, de quien la padece. Estos cambios
nos afectan a todos y nos pueden hundir, dañar o beneficiar,
dependiendo de cómo sepamos y podamos reaccionar.
Pues bien, como Al Gore (Vicepresidente de EEUU y abanderado mundial
ambiental), ya lo dijo en una presentación: nos encontramos en un
periodo de grandes oportunidades de negocio ambiental. Y es
totalmente cierto, cada vez se está abriendo mas este sector, que
apenas esta arrancando y que tiene ramificaciones en otros sectores,
que están totalmente influenciados, como es el turismo.
Por ejemplo, permítame insistir, ¿porque los turistas del norte de
Europa con inviernos fríos y con primaveras y veranos lluviosos,
venían al sur de Europa? Es obvio, que su motivación principal era
aprovecharse de un clima benigno, con sol y calor garantizado. Pero,
en estos últimos años y es la tendencia actual y venidera, el
calentamiento del norte de Europa, está cambiando su clima de tal
forma, que cada vez más, es más agradable, quedarse e incluso viajar
a esos destinos, disminuyendo la motivación por el Sur. Ya estamos
comenzando a pasar de la etapa de percepción de los turistas, por la
de respuesta. Ahora es cuando la oferta turística, deberá también re-
pensar y de alguna forma re-inventarse, para poder reaccionar a
tiempo.
Si a esto le añadimos, los impactos económicos de la crisis, vemos
como la capacidad de gasto de los consumidores disminuye y mas la
percepción generalizada de la sociedad, que al no tener claro sus
expectativas monetarias, restringe cada vez más sus gastos
prescindibles. ¿¿Sera la hora, de implementar el turismo, como una
inversión, versus un gasto a nivel personal/ humano y social??
También hay que tener en cuenta, como hoy mismo lo escuchaba en un
programa radiofónico, que ahora, otras empresas están incrementando
bastante sus ventas, debido, precisamente a esta crisis (por ejemplo
las agencias de contratación temporal).
Lo que es cierto es que una Crisis, puede servir, para replantear
temas, proyectos, tabúes, ideas, sectores, etc…y por tanto genera
nichos de oportunidad, que hay que saber identificarlos.
Y parafraseando, dichos y refranes, se puede aplicar uno de ellos
muy al tono: No hay mal, que por bien no venga.
Un cordial saludo y pongámonos las pilas para afrontar este próximo
otoño-invierno

Arturo Crosby

www.forumnatura.org

Asking Questions Before Flying to Green Vacation Helps Secure Meaningful Experiences

Shine.com offers, shinewithshine.com: [green-travel] Digest Number 1813
Asking Questions Before Flying to Green Vacation Helps Secure Meaningful
Experiences

Green travel and Costa Rica specialist, Richard G. Edwards of
GreenSpot.travel, says that asking the right questions before you get on the
plane will help avoid unpleasant surprises and add value and meaning to a
green vacation.

Often, he says, there's a skew between what's promised as green and what's
actually delivered when it comes to green vacations. To help preclude this
he suggests looking at the pros and cons of planning a green vacation
yourself or turning it over to a professional.

Either way, here are questions he suggests asking before beginning:
1) Do I have time enough to surf the web and access other resources to put
all the pieces of my trip together myself?
2) How will I know that the places I want to visit really are eco-friendly?
3) Can I afford to have non-airline-related glitches taking up my vacation
time once I reach a destination?
4) How am I assured that my presence in a destination assists local
economies in a sustainable way?
5) Will I be able to interface with the locals and not be taken as an
uptight, overbearing gringo?
6) Are there ways I can add personal and sustainable value to my visit by
giving back or volunteering?
7) Is it possible to experience spontaneous, close-up cultural connections
and how would I go about creating them?
8) What about issues of safety and security in my itinerary and lodging
selections?

After some research, a traveler will be able to look at their own answers to
these questions and decide if the independence of a self-planned trip is
what they're looking for and the time investment would be fun and rewarding
for them.

For the third consecutive year Condé Nast Traveler magazine has named
Edwards one of the world's 128 Top Travel Specialists. The adventure travel
veteran divides his time between Montana and Costa Rica where a Condé Nast
Traveler editor experienced first-hand the services that his organization,
GreenSpot.travel, extends to travelers.

A staff editor was assigned the task of comparing a self-planned trip to
Costa Rica with one organized and executed by a travel specialist who, in
this case, happened to be Richard Edwards and GreenSpot.travel.

Says the editor in the August issue of the magazine, "My self-planned trip
was far from a disappointment and offered a bit more independence. But
Edwards gave me a smoother journey overall, with better accommodations, good
guides, and more local flavor. For travelers working with limited time and a
flexible budget, these benefits will likely justify the extra cost."

Says Edwards, "It's gratifying that the magazine recognizes the value that
seasoned travel professionals can bring to the overall travel experience."
He notes that the web offers certain conveniences when it comes to securing
travel details. But travelers are still well advised to turn to the pros,
particularly when considering visiting a foreign country.

Condé Nast Traveler's annual Travel Specialists list began as a travel
service directory 9 years ago, yet it has turned into a must-have roll call
of the most impressive, knowledgeable, and experienced travel specialists in
the world.

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin leads a
team of editors in evaluating applicants. Listed travel specialists have
undergone a rigorous screening process that includes a 47-question
application with sample itineraries and client references, then continues
with phone interviews and, in most cases, road-testing by Condé Nast
Traveler staff. Perrin receives hundreds of letters annually from around
the world reporting back on the trips that were planned by these
specialists, and you can read the most recent ones on Wendy Perrin's blog at
www.perrinpost.com.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Martha Honey

ECOCLUB Interviews Martha Honey




Martha Honey:"I see Ecotourism, whose origins trace back to the environmental
movement in the 1970s, as today a far wider and deeper concept -encompassing
more countries and having more dimensions than in the past "


The
ECOCLUB Interview with Martha Honey

Co-Director, Center on Ecotourism & Sustainable
Development (CESD)


Martha Honey, co-founder and
Co-Director of the Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD),
heads the Washington, DC office. She has written and lectured widely on
ecotourism, travelers' philanthropy, and certification issues. Her books include
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? (Island Press, 1999
and 2008) and Ecotourism and Certification: Setting Standards in Practice
(Island Press, 2002). She worked for 20 years as a journalist based in Tanzania,
East Africa and Costa Rica, Central America. She holds a Ph.D. in African
history from the University of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania. Martha Honey was Executive
Director of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) from 2003 to 2006.



CESDThe Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
(CESD) , founded in 2003, is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary research institute
devoted to eco- and sustainable tourism. The only one of its kind in the United
States, the institute operates out of bi-coastal offices in Washington DC and at
Stanford University, and partners with agencies and institutes around the world
to monitor, evaluate and improve sustainable tourism practices and principles.
Its policy oriented research leverages tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation
and biodiversity conservation. CESD’s areas of focus include “green”
certification; travelers’ philanthropy; indigenous rights; transportation,
climate change and carbon offsets; impacts of cruise tourism and resort and
residential tourism; and research on market trends in the tourism industry and
related areas.


(The Interview follows:)





ECOCLUB.com:

As the former head of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), how satisfied
are you about the progress of Ecotourism as a global phenomenon between Quebec
2002 and Oslo 2007, and what is your vision for the future? Do you see
Ecotourism also playing a meaningful part in the political ecology/ green
movement (with which it seems to shares a taste for the environment, human
rights, pacifism and multilateralism), or do you see it merely remaining a
trendy holiday/lifestyle option for the mainstream?


Martha Honey:
In general, I remain positive about the progress and direction of ecotourism. I
see ecotourism, whose origins trace back to the environmental movement in the
1970s, as today a far wider and deeper concept -encompassing more countries
and having more dimensions than in the past. For me, the UN's 2002 International
Year of Ecotourism (IYE) signalled that ecotourism had grown from a good idea
into a global movement. The UN recognized that in countries around the world,
ecotourism was being put forward as a cleaner, greener alternative to both
extractive industries (logging, mining, commercial agriculture) and to mass or
conventional tourism.

There
were, however, strong concerns voiced during IYE about the benefits of
ecotourism to local communities and particularly indigenous peoples. We
can think of ecotourism as having three primary principles: it should
1) benefit conservation, 2) respect basic rights and benefit host
communities, and 3) be educational as well as enjoyable for the
traveller. On the first, ecotourism has brought increased resources to
protected areas and an emergence of ‘green’ architecture that is
lighter on the land. One the third, we have seen, for instance, the
emergence of the importance of good naturalist and cultural guides in
interpretation and enhancement of the visitor experience. However, the
second principle – ecotourism and host communities - that is both the
most difficult part of the ecotourism equation and where, I feel, we
have done least well.

In the years between the 2002 IYE and
the 2007 Oslo global ecotourism summit we saw ecotourism grow in a number of
ways. Just to name a few: certification, travelers’ philanthropy, and new
variants of ecotourism. During these five years, certification moved squarely
onto the agenda, with the proliferation of 80-odd certification programs that
measure the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism businesses.
Led by the Rainforest Alliance and backed by several UN agencies, we are now
close to the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council (STSC), a global
accreditation body that will “certify” these certification programs against
common standards. This is a big step forward.

Travelers’ philanthropy –
or the flow of development assistance from tourism businesses and travellers to
host communities and conservation – has also increased. And we’ve seen the
emergence of a number of variants of ecotourism, all with slightly different
emphases. There is, for instance, geotourism that emphasizes the entire
destination rather than individual businesses, pro-poor tourism to bring
benefits to local communities, and agri-tourism that seeks to protect and
strengthen family-owned farms and rural lifestyles. One of the most exciting
variants is sustainable tourism which is applying the principles and good
practices of ecotourism to larger, more mainstream tourism businesses such as
beach resorts, city and chain hotels, airlines, and cruise ships.


Ultimately, of course, the goal is that entire tourism industry follow the sound
principles of environmental and social sustainability that have been honed and
ground tested through ecotourism. Clearly we have a long, long ways to go and
there are many challenges to achieving this goal. One of the ongoing tensions
within the field of ecotourism over whether, as you say in your question, it is
a political ecology movement or simply a lifestyle trend. Clearly, I believe it
is the former. I see ecotourism as inherently a ‘revolutionary’ concept that,
properly done, holds out the possibility of transforming the way the travel
industry operates and the way we travel. Ecotourism is, I believe, a part of
efforts to build healthier, happier, more equitable, just and peaceful
societies.




ECOCLUB.com:
In recent years you are developing
and steering the concept of "Travelers’ Philanthropy". For many, philanthropy is
elitist and reminiscent of late 19th century and early 20th century, rather
ruthless industrialists. What is 21st century philanthropy with reference to
travel, and in what way is it different, progressive and for the majority of
travellers?




Martha Honey:
I believe that the concept of travelers’
philanthropy is integral to ecotourism – even though I agree with you that the
name may be misleading. “Philanthropy” can conjure up images of 19th century
mega-millionaires such as Henry Ford or Andrew Carnegie seeking atonement for
ruthless or destructive activities by creating philanthropic foundations. The
21st century practice of travelers’ philanthropy is a form of ‘give back’ or
development assistance from tourism businesses and individual travellers into
host community and conservation projects. The first practitioners of
travelers’ philanthropy were ecotourism businesses who saw real needs in the
host communities and responded by providing material and financial support and
expertise. Initially the owners and staff of many businesses helped to support
local schools, health clinics, micro-enterprises, conservation projects, etc.
Gradually, a number have begun to involve their guests in these projects,
offering them opportunities to donate “time, talent or treasure” to community
projects.

My organization, CESD, has had a Travelers’ Philanthropy
program since 2004 which is helping to bring together under one umbrella these
tourism businesses that are involved in providing assistance to projects in the
host communities. We have a website (www.travelersphilanthropy.org)
that, among other things, offers a way to make tax deductible donations to local
projects that are featured on the site. We are also organizing the next major
conference on travelers’ philanthropy. This international conference will be
held December 3-5, 2008 in Arusha, Tanzania, with a special focus on Africa.
We are pleased that ECOCLUB has become the first media sponsor of this
conference. Our special website –

www.travelersphilanthropyconference.org
– has all the details.









ECOCLUB.com:
You are an accomplished journalist,
academic and author. In your best-selling, seminal book, "Ecotourism and
Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise?" you argue that "Ecotourism should
support human rights and democracy". This is of course beyond the "leave only
footprints" dictum included in many guidelines. What happens however, if the
local culture / people / system / government do not share the western perception
of parliamentary democracy and sort the long catalogue of human rights by a
different rank? How do we avoid looking like the scout who helped the old lady
across the street, or worse like the priests who facilitated the demise of
Amerindians?




Martha Honey:
Good question. Yes, as indicated above, I think
ecotourism means far more than “leave only footprints.” It is also not
about advocating western perceptions of parliamentary democracy. Rather, it is
about supporting the universal human rights, labour rights, indigenous rights,
and democratic principles that the world community, via the United Nations, has
articulated. They have also been well articulated in the UNWTO’s Code of Ethics
for Tourism. These should be the guide for what are best practices for the
tourism industry and for what principles should be promoted in the host
countries.




ECOCLUB.com:
You are also quite familiar with Africa.
Watching conflict and disease increasing rather than decreasing, and the cold
war over, it seems the west has decided to give up on Africa, (with new
powers arriving to fill the vacuum). Until recently countries such as Kenya were
seen as quite successful countries, with a strong Tourism sector. One can
imagine that without Tourism, Africa would have been a lot worse. However, is it
and was it ever realistic that Africa could survive on Tourism alone? Did
Tourism bring about much needed social and political reforms, or did it delay
them, by supporting corrupt and authoritarian structures?




Martha Honey:
Tourism is important in Africa. It is the
principle foreign exchange earner for 83% of developing countries and, along
with oil, the top foreign exchange earner in the 40 poorest countries, most of
which are in Africa. But too often tourism has mainly benefited local and
foreign elite. In East Africa, for instance, there have been land grabs by
powerful elites of tourism rich lands around the game parks and along the
coasts. To be a tool for sustainable development, tourism needs to adhere to
the social and environmental principles and good practices of ecotourism. We see
some fine examples of ecotourism operations in Africa, but there needs to be
much more effort, by governments, the private sector, NGOs and development
agencies to plan and implement nationwide strategies for socially and
environmentally responsible tourism. In addition, it is risky for countries to
rely too much on tourism or any other single industry. To be healthy, vibrant
and sustainable, countries need a diverse mix of economic activities.




ECOCLUB.com:
It is not unheard of in Africa, for
whole peoples to be evicted from ancestral areas, baptized as 'national parks',
so that these can be visited by nature tourists, hunting tourists, and more
importantly mining and diamond extracting companies. Should the ecotourism
community become more vocal about such human rights violations? And how?





Martha Honey:
Yes, definitely, the ecotourism community can play a
more active role in working with local communities who were evicted from
their lands to create national parks. We see some important initiatives to do in
East and Southern Africa. In South Africa, the restitution movement, launched
after the end of apartheid, has permitted communities to petition the government
to get back their lands. The government has returned some lands with the
condition that they be used for only ecotourism. There are a number of
partnerships between ecotourism companies and local communities to run lodges
inside or on the edge of the parks. More, of course, can be done but we do have
some promising models in southern Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, there are
examples of safari companies, camps, and ranches that are working with local
communities to involve them in locally owned or managed tourism projects. Some
companies have worked hard to establish formal agreements with Maasai and other
local communities to provide jobs and pay fees for use of their lands. And there
have been some efforts by local governments to funnel a portion of the park
entrance fees to social welfare and conservation projects in the surrounding
communities and to train and hire more local people as park rangers and guides.
A lot remains to be done, and many peoples who were evicted from their lands to
create parks continue to feel they have not received fair compensation.




ECOCLUB.com:
Costa Rica, and Central America at
large, is considered as one of the birthplaces of Ecotourism. You have lived and
worked extensively in the region and indeed authored a book "Hostile Acts: U.S.
Policy in Costa Rica in the 1980's". Was the emergence and success of Ecotourism
in Costa Rica an accident, or a result of its progressive, pacifist policies?
And what now for Costa Rica?

Martha Honey: The rise of ecotourism in Costa Rica and elsewhere in
the region began when the wars in Central America ended in the late 1980s. The
most important moment was when President Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1987. Peace is a prerequisite for successful international ecotourism.
Costa Rica had, in addition, other ingredients -- the “right stuff” -- that made
it possible for ecotourism to grow rapidly and to involve many local people.
Costa Rica has, for instance, a fine national parks system around which
ecotourism developed. It had abolished its army and nationalized the banks in
the late 1940s and had pumped government funds into infrastructure, education,
health, small farms, and other social welfare programs. Costa Rica has the
largest middle class in the Americas, good public education through university,
and a high quality national health care system. So it has a healthy, well
educated, and entrepreneurial population capable of owning, managing and working
in a range of ecotourism businesses and activities. This is supported by a
stable, peaceful political environment, relatively well functioning and
enlightened government, and close proximity to the North American market. So
ecotourism wasn’t an accident. Rather all these factors combined to make Costa
Rica, by the mid-1990s, the leading ecotourism destination in the Americas.
Indeed, over the last 20 years, Costa Rica’s commitment to ecotourism and
environmentalism as become as important to the national identity as the
country’s non-militarism.

But the picture has become more complex.
There is another type of tourism rapidly growing in Costa Rica. It is coastal
resort and residential tourism of large typically gated complexes with hotels,
golf courses, marinas, vacation homes, and other facilities that are often owned
by and catering to foreigners, particularly from the U.S. My organization, CESD,
is currently involved in the first large study of tourism development along
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. We are examining the economic, social and
environmental costs and benefits of this type of resort and residential tourism
and will assess how it compares with Costa Rica’s ecotourism model.

It
is fair to say that there is much concern in Costa Rica about what is happening
along the coasts and how to maintain the country’s reputation for high quality
ecotourism. The current government, which is once again led by Oscar Arias, has
launched an innovative Peace with Nature Initiative, with tourism as one of its
central components. Among other aims, it seeks to make Costa Rica a carbon
neutral country by 2021. All of this is hopeful, and signals a determination to
try to protect Costa Rica’s successful ecotourism model.




ECOCLUB.com:
Should Ecotourism Certification
stick to measuring environmental impact, or can it credibly incorporate
socio-political criteria & beliefs?




Martha Honey:
Of the 80-odd ‘green’ certification programs around
the world today, the best ones include environmental, social and economic
criteria since all three are vital for sustainable development. In Europe and
the U.S, however, many of the certification programs include only environmental
criteria. They do not deal with fair working conditions, benefits to surrounding
communities, and other social issues. The proposed global accreditation body,
the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council (STSC) will require certification
programs to include certain basic criteria that measure the triple bottom line
of economic, social and environmental impacts.




ECOCLUB.com:
Many tourism & travel conferences are
little more than networking events, and a chance to engage in parallel
monologues, with most speakers praising themselves and their successes. In what
way will the Travelers Philanthropy Conference seek to be different, and what
key discussions and decisions could be made at this gathering?





Martha Honey:
Networking is only one objective of the Travelers’
Philanthropy conference taking place December 3-5, 2008 in Tanzania. The
conference will bring together practitioners from socially responsible tourism
businesses, experts in the field of sustainable tourism and philanthropy,
global, regional, and community-based organizations doing development work, the
United Nations and other development agencies, philanthropic foundations,
government, and the media. The workshops will facilitate discussion of the
tools and capacity needed to effectively run and evaluate community projects, in
order to improve the impacts and outcomes of tourism industry investments in
development projects. A goal is to identify a set of best practices for
Travelers’ Philanthropy projects. More generally, the conference will build
media and public interest in supporting worthy community and conservation
projects as an important component of socially responsible travel.


The theme of the
conference will be “Making Travelers’ Philanthropy Work for Development,
Businesses, and Conservation.” As such, the conference’s program will
emphasize key conceptual and strategic elements of Travelers’ Philanthropy which
enables these initiatives, and the operators and clients who support them, to
deepen their social and environmental impact in a sustainable way. Keynote
speaker Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Laureate from Kenya, and a diverse
line-up of other speakers, presenters and panelists will address key Travelers’
Philanthropy issues, especially in Africa.

These include:



  • Making
    effective, lasting, and strategic investments in social initiatives such as
    public health, HIV-AIDS prevention and treatment, and education;



  • Linking
    tourism businesses and Travelers’ Philanthropy to the conservation of
    wildlife, biodiversity, and marine resources at the local level through
    financial support and economic incentives;



  • Designing
    development projects that target the root social and institutional causes of
    poverty in Africa and other parts in the world, through social movements for
    justice, equity, and political voice;



  • Addressing
    climate change and carbon footprint issues facing the travel industry
    through innovative off-setting and other Travelers’ Philanthropy strategies;



  • Using
    Travelers’ Philanthropy to provide specific training and capacity building
    for communities, emphasizing local participation and empowerment;



  • Developing
    and spreading tourism business models that fully incorporate ethical and
    sustainable tourism with Travelers’ Philanthropy as a central element.



In addition to
these issues, which will form the basis for the conference’s sessions and panel
presentations, CESD will also run a short technical seminar for businesses
interested in developing Travelers’ Philanthropy programs. At this “how to”
seminar, CESD and representatives from companies with well developed programs
will cover questions such as how to identify which community project to assist,
what sorts of corporate involvement and support are appropriate, how to develop
a program to involve guests and travellers, and how to set up the legal
structures and oversight mechanisms. The conference will also feature the
premier of the first ever video documentary on Travelers’ philanthropy. The
documentary, which is being filmed and edited by a team Stanford University
graduate students in video production, will highlight projects from around the
world, with specific emphasis on Tanzania, Kenya and Costa Rica. Finally, CESD
together with leading East Africa tour operators is offering eight optional
safaris before and after the conference. The tours showcase the best of
Tanzania’s ecotourism attractions, including its world renowned game parks
(Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara), Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the
island of Zanzibar. They also include visits to community and conservation
projects that are supported by tourism businesses - to demonstrate Travelers’
Philanthropy in action.



ECOCLUB.com:
Finally, what would be other
ecotourism-related future plans for you or your organisation CESD?




Martha Honey:
CESD is committed to high quality and cutting edge
research and projects around critical issues facing the tourism industry. We are
a bi-coastal institute, with offices in Washington, DC and at Stanford
University (which is headed by CESD’s co-director, Dr. William Durham). We
began with certification and travelers’ philanthropy. Over the last several
years, our focus has grown beyond ecotourism to encompass the broader tourism
industry. We have carried out, for instance, a number of studies of the impacts
of cruise tourism on ports-of-call and destination countries. (The studies on
Costa Rica, Belize and Honduras are posted on the CESD website.) We have
recently completed a study of global trends in coastal tourism (also on the
website) and are now doing an in-depth assessment of resort and residential
tourism along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. We are also working to create and
strengthen a network in the Americas of ecotourism businesses run by indigenous
peoples, and we are exploring expanding this model to other geographic regions.
Our major long term project is called Travel STAR (Sustainable Tourism and
Reinvestment) and it involves creating a one stop shop web portal for ecotourism
holidays, carbon offset, and travelers’ philanthropy and marketing holiday
packages to employees of socially responsible businesses and institutions in
North America. CESD’s portfolio of projects, some of which generate income, are
all aimed , as our tagline says, at “transforming the way the world
travels.”

ECOCLUB.com: Thank you very much!


Find the
complete list of ECOCLUB Interviews here