COLLEGE STATION – Individuals interested in starting or growing an agritourism business can benefit from “The Best Practices in Ecotourism and Agritourism Field Training” Feb. 18-26 in Costa Rica, said the program’s coordinator.
The nine-day training, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and led by tourism industry experts, will focus on best practices in ecotourism and agritourism. It will cover topics such as marketing, wildlife conservation, customer service and the tour-guide profession.
“Farmers, ranchers and landowners across the world are looking for other means of revenue in order to survive and preserve their way of life, ” said Miles Phillips, AgriLife Extension nature tourism specialist, College Station. “Many have turned to agritourism and have found success.”
Phillips, who will lead the tour, said participants will have the chance to talk with a number of ecotourism and agritourism professionals as well as experience a variety of tourism operations, including Finca Luna Nueva, a sustainable rainforest ecolodge and certified organic biodynamic farm.
“The farm was established in 1994 with the planting and harvesting of organic ginger and turmeric,” he explained. “Almost a decade later, the owners of the farm built several ecolodges using fallen timber. Since then, they have added a 50-foot observation tower, a solar-heated Jacuzzi, an ozonated swimming pool and a handicapped-accessible rainforest trail.
“Guests from across the globe come to Finca Luna Nueva to learn about the farm’s sustainable practices and relax at the lodge.
Phillips said other popular sites participants will visit include the Texas A&M Soltis Center, National Museum, Proyecto Asis Wildlife Preserve and Carara National Park. A leadership program, chocolate farm/forest tour and crocodile-viewing boat tour are also on the agenda. Attendees will also stay at the Punta Leona Hotel & Resort, which has its own wildlife preserve along the beach.
“A major goal of this field course program is to provide participants with additional insights on how they may enhance their own operations and communities by introducing higher-value experiences to attract regional and international visitors,” Phillips said. “Costa Rica is one of the world’s most successful sustainable tourism destinations and provides a wealth of information on how to boost travel and tourism, while conserving wildlife and natural resources.”
He said nearly 25 percent of Costa Rica’s territory and part of its maritime zone have been declared national parks and protected areas, plus there are private initiatives focused on protecting the environment.
“Such enterprises are growing in the United States, including Texas,” Phillips said. “In 2011, more than 90 million Americans, 38 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older, enjoyed some form of fishing, hunting or wildlife-associated recreation.
“Outdoor recreation is a huge contributor to our nation’s economy. Expenditures by hunters, anglers and wildlife-recreationists were $145 billion in 2011, which equated to 1 percent of our gross domestic product.”
The cost of the trip is $1,699 per person and includes lodging, land travel, meals and tour experiences. The price does not include airfare, and a few miscellaneous expenses, as some attendees may wish to extend their trip or use frequent flier miles.
To register or for more information, go to http://naturetourism.tamu.edu/ or call 979-845-2604.
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