Sustainability
Sustainable tourism in its most basic terms is an industry which attempts to make
a low impact on the environment and local culture, while simultaneously generating
income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible
tourism that is both ecologically and culturally sensitive. According to the World
Tourism Organization, Sustainable Tourism “leads to the management of all resources
in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining
cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life
support systems.”
On a basic level, long-term sustainability requires a balance between the environmental,
economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism and should:
- Utilize the environmental resources available while preserving essential ecological
processes, natural heritage and biodiversity.
- Strive to build viable, long-term economic operations that fairly distribute socio-economic
benefits to all stakeholders in the community such as more employment opportunities,
social services, and poverty alleviation.
- Respect the culture of the host community, work towards preserving their cultural
heritage and community values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and
tolerance.
In line with these values, Explornatura strives to work with the environmental,
economic, and socio-cultural resources found in our home community — the Turrialba
Valley. He we hire local people for our permanent position so as to provide more
stable employment opportunities to the community. We maintain a positive and fair
work environment where all of our employees are provided with health insurance and
fair, above standard wages.
We invest in our community by spreading the spirit of adventure and provide local
Turrialbenos with an opportunity to experience adventure by providing special programs
to local schools, having special tour prices for locals, and actively participating
in our local Chamber of Tourism.
To help preserve our office, the outdoors, we promote a program that encourages
people to visit Costa Rica and erase their Carbon Footprint. This is a fantastic
program that promotes awareness of the environment and works towards protecting
and maintaining its diversity and vibrancy by minimizing the impact of tourism.