COVER STORY
A tale of two destinations development. Phuket and Costa Rica offer constrasting but the approach to tourism makes the critical difference
Costa Rica – A model of sustainable tourism
Country context: Costa Rica is a middle-income country in Central America with abundant biodiversity and a strong commitment to environmental protection. Tourism strategy: • Emphasized ecotourism and nature-based tourism rather than mass tourism. • Invested in protected areas – over 25 percent of the country’s land is under conservation. • Encouraged local ownership of tourism services such as eco- lodges, guided tours and farms. • Promoted education and training
Outcomes: Tourism accounts for around 6–8 percent of GDP and employs more than 200,000 people. • Significant foreign exchange earnings while maintaining a strong environmental record. • Attracted higher- spending tourists with lower volumes – minimizing overcrowding. • Globally recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism and green growth. Key lessons: • Environmental conservation can coexist with economic development. • Community involvement is crucial – locals benefit
to develop human capital in tourism and conservation.
Photo: Marco Lissoni/ Shutterstock
directly and support conservation efforts. • Policy consistency
and government support make a huge difference.
Photo: iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock
Costa Rica: A long-term,
conservation-driven model that balances profit and preservation.
11
Powered by FlippingBook