Feasibility Analysis for an Ecotourism Hotel in Costa Rica

Tourism is the world’s largest industry with nature-based ecotourism seeing rapid growth since its initial arrival in the 1980s. It is estimated by the World Tourism Organisation that nature tourism generates 7% of all international travel expenditure (Lindberg, 1997) and this figure will have increased rapidly over recent years. It’s increase in popularity is due to a number of factors; tourists becoming increasingly bored of the typical sun, sea and sand holiday’s, the increase in global awareness or environmental issues such as global

There are the tourists—those who seek temporary relaxation, or famous sights. There are the travelers—those who wander, without aim, for the love of moving. There are the explorers—those seeking adventure, the thrill of unearthing things rarely seen.

I am drawn to the thought that vacationing is a way of making everlasting memories, in addition to encountering many diverse cultures around the world.

Enjoy the great outdoors,The exposers to the fresh air and sun and being able to know what in the water.

In turn, this allows the visitors to experience the natural beauty, charm, and spiritual significance of the “true world” in almost the exact same light as even the earliest of environmental philosophers, such as Henry David Thoreau. Being exposed and actually walking through these lands allows people to go beyond their desktop screensaver aesthetic admiration for the natural world and really connect to and feel in their own individual way the majestic powers of the wild. One example, among many, of these powers would be the opportunity for extreme solitude, time for personal reflection, and an outlet for escape. The benefits of such introspection could entail an increased sense of vitality, self reliance, confidence and moral strength. “New Englander Joseph Knowles proposed setting aside ‘wild lands’ and establishing outdoor communities where Americans could retreat from the ‘commercialism and the mad desire to make money that have blotted out everything else leaving us not living, but merely existing.”’ There are no advertisements trying to persuade one to buy this, or upgrade to this new form of “must have” technology in the wilderness. There is no boss or professor demanding work or assignments, there is just pure bliss. When people get out and really smell the pollutant free fresh

The utilization of nature has increased due to human amendments of trails and parks. Mackinac Island, a charming tourist island in Michigan, boasts a system of trails and amenities that have attracted many people to get out in nature. Visitors enjoy the beauty of the area, bicycling alongside the shore, hiking around historic sites, and riding horses through the woods. Because

Now, in 2008, this issue is of even more importance, and less of a device to attract business from the environmentally-aware demographic.Guest involvement in a more green hotel environment has become more apparent with a recent survey in the New York Times found that 16 percent of hotel guests chose where they will stay based on the environmentally-friendly options available to them and the practices of the hotel. A 2007, New York Times article titled, “Enjoy Your Green Stay,” states that green options for hotels have become widespread so quickly because of the rising cost of energy. It should be no coincidence that

The recreational focus of the island remains on passive, nature-based activities. Guests enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing and picnicking. Boating and kayaking offer views from the water. And, overnight dock accommodations for boats allow camping on your vessel. Plus, the treat of stargazing unobstructed by artificial lights is breathtaking.

It is accessible and so convenient. Immerse yourself in nature and experience a multitude of unforgettable activities. Ranging from shopping or exploring, relaxing or touring. No doubt, it is a place to experience an ideal adventure of your

Ecotourism began in Costa Rica in the 1970’s. It was very small and began to grow exponentially in the late 1980’s. In 1970 Costa Rica had a GNP, gross national product of 1000 million in 1995 that number nonuple to 9000 million. Many consider 1978 the first year ecotourism began in Costa Rica. At that time, Costa Rica had a GNP/capita of 1500. After the ecotourism boom, the number ballooned to 2000 in 1992. It is evident by the 33% increase in GNP/capita that ecotourism was a positive influence economically on Costa Rica.

This love for water deepened as our family sojourned from one Naval base to another. Before my eighteenth birthday, I had dipped my toes in the waves at least eleven beaches, from the island of Saipan to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This mobile childhood sparked a lifelong passion to travel the world, seeking the natural beauty of God’s magnificent creation. Water covers nearly three-quarters of the earth, therefore the opportunities to nourish my soul are more than abundant.

When it comes to the topic of ecotourism, most of us will readily agree that it is a less harmful alternative to mass-tourism and that it promotes responsible and low-impact travel to areas where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary drawing power. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of what the impact of ecotourism actually is and what its long-term consequences are. Whereas some are convinced that ecotourism provides the basis for sustainable development, particularly in places that suffer from exploitation and excessive resources’ usage, and that could only improve the general conditions of the local people, others maintain that we are still far from true ecotourism, for many are those in the

Marketing to people in the world is done in different ways depending on the demographics. “Demographics underlies almost every marketing program, and is often a source of potent insights and opportunities for marketers (Hiam, 1992).” In society today, the different age groups and social classes of our population are part of the demographics that are considered. The groups are these: the youth market, teens, underclass, baby boomers, elderly and marital status (Hiam,

It lists the various types of vacations available, along with whatís included in each trip package. The ad is giving the students a chance to escape and get away from the stress and work and enjoy a weekís worth of fun and ìadventure.î The beach snapshot in the background attracts students to a week of freedom, relaxation, adventure, peace and independence. Here, both hierarchy and pastoral feelings are represented (Student Travel).

Despite Cabo San Viejo’s (CSV) start in the late 1970s as a “fat farm,” catering primarily to women, the resort is now operating in a more niche and exclusive market, providing for guests who are largely affluent with high expectations for the service. In terms of pure demographics, the business welcomes 3,500 new guests each year. Between new and repeat customers, 70% to 80% are female. In the high seasons of winter, spring and fall, the average household income (AHI) exceeds $150,000 for 82% of guests; in the summer an AHI greater than $150,000 applies to 59% of guests. Most customers live in California and the West coast region and are in their 40s or 50s. It is interesting and should be pointed out that between 1992 and 2004, CSV’s average customer age has increased by 10 years of age, from 47 to 57. Behaviorally, up to 70% of new guests became aware of CSV via word of mouth, while 30% visited as a result of travel agent referrals. The most common reasons for patronizing CSV (regardless of frequency) are rest, a healthy vacation option, fitness vacation option and spa activities and offerings. The average guest takes 3 to 4 vacations per year and first time guests returned to the resort within six years at a rate of 32% and 62% of initial return visitors returned again within 6 years. The two most common reasons for customers returning are health benefits (35%) and a great overall vacation (30%). CSV