Effective nature and Effective nature and

culture interpretation for culture interpretation for

quality ecotourism quality ecotourism

experiencesexperiences””

Erick VargasErick Vargas

National Ecotourism Chamber of Costa Rica , CANAECONational Ecotourism Chamber of Costa Rica , CANAECO

What are tourists looking for today?

Tourists want nature!

� Natural surroundings

� Nice climates

� Biodiversity

� Protected areas

� Adventure

What are tourists looking for today?

Tourists want culture!

� Interaction with local people

� Diverse cuisine

� Rural life

� Cultural manifestations

� Authentic traditions

� Historical and archaeological

resources

What can destinations offer to tourists?

� Understanding and

appreciation of the

natural heritage.

� Opportunities to

contribute to nature

conservation.

What can destinations offer to tourists?

� Sharing cultural

manifestations of

destinations.

� Experience

authentic interactions

with local people.

Key aspects for a successful destination

1. Conservation

of the natural and

cultural heritage.

Key aspects for a successful destination

2. Generation of

knowledge

associated with the

resources.

Key aspects for a successful destination

3. Knowledge

dissemination

among the people.

Key aspects for a successful destination

4. Understanding

and appreciation of

the natural and

cultural heritage.

Key aspects for a successful destination

5. Committed and

well trained tour

guides.

Key aspects for a successful destination

6. Interpretation:

Building bridges

between tourists and

the resource.

Key aspects for a successful destination

7. Quality,

innovation,

and

authenticity.

Nature interpretation

“Manuel

Antonio

National Park: A

true

kaleidoscope of

landscapes”

Nature interpretation

Fire from the

Earth: The

Poás and Irazú

Volcanoes

Culture interpretation

“Golden Path: The

history of people

and gold in the

Osa Peninsula”.

Culture interpretation

“Horseback trail

at Las Mercedes

Ranch: farming,

livestock, and

wilderness”

Culture interpretation

“The new Sarchí

coffee experience:

from our fields to

your table”.

Culture interpretation

“The Otarolas: A

family experience

in the production

of tropical

butterflies”

Interpreting of the

natural and

cultural heritage

adds tremendous

value to the tourist

experience and

enhance

understanding and

appreciation!