Ecotoursim in Costa Rica

ECOTOURISM IN COSTA RICA

Ecological tourism , usually shortened to ecotourism , is a form of tourism which aims to be ecologically and socially conscious . Generally speaking , ecotourism focuses on local culture , wilderness adventures volunteering , personal growth , and learning new ways to live on the planet typically involving travel to destinations where the flora fauna , and cultural heritage are the primary attractions . Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment , and enhance the cultural integrity of local people . Therefore , in addition to evaluating environmental

and cultural factors , initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling , energy efficiency , water reuse , and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism

Ecotourism is currently the fastest growing sector of the world 's largest service industry , tourism . While environmentalists are weighing the pros and cons of ecotourism , many developing nations are looking to cash in on the growing demand for this new trend in travel . The poor nations of Central America , with its cloud forests , active volcanoes and wide variety of flora and fauna , appear ideally situated to take advantage of the growing demand for ecotourism with Costa Rica leading the pack

While many Third World nations are focusing on rapid industrialization and urbanization , Costa Rica has turned to ecotourism as its key to economic development . Although a small country about the size of West Virginia , Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity with scenic beaches lush rain forest , impressive volcanoes , and exotic wildlife . The nation 's tourist industry brings in about 1 million visitors annually and generates approximately 1 billion a year , making it Costa Rica 's second largest source of income after silicon chip production (Dulude 2000

volcanoes , as well as beaches and rainforests , all located within a relatively small region . Costa Rica 's diverse flora and fauna are protected in 24 national parks , covering 21 of the country 's territory (28 if the nation 's Indian reserves are included (Dulude , 2000

Costa Rica 's proximity to the United States gives its tourist industry a clear advantage over the ecotourism adventures offered in Africa and Asia . Since the United States is the number one "tourist exporter " with American travelers making up approximately 20 of the world tourism market , Costa Rica 's access to the North American market is a considerable advantage . The U .S . contributes nearly 49 of Costa Rica 's foreign visitors with another 9 traveling down from Canada and Mexico

Another advantage of Costa Rica 's tourism industry is the nation 's relatively high standard of living when compared with the majority of developing nations (Weaver , 1998 , 83 . Known as the Switzerland of Central America because of its high growth rates , economic stability and low crime rates , Costa Rica enjoys a per capita GDP of 6 ,700 literacy rate of 95 , and female life expectancy of nearly 79 years Thus , Costa Rica offers a look at a way of life distinct from the modernized world , while allowing tourists to largely avoid...