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!
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