National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism of Costa Rica Meets at CATIE

• Opportunity used to strengthen alliances and enhance ties with the tourism sector.

December 19. In an effort to redefine and strengthen its objectives, the CANAECO (National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism of Costa Rica) held a strategic meeting at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) to celebrate its first meeting of the year.

The visit to CATIE was deliberately chosen as the setting for this strategic meeting. Hans Pfister, the president of the CANAECO board of directors, led the session, with the main goal of stimulating creativity and reimagining the chamber's strategies to promote ecotourism in the country.

Pfister emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to move away from the usual virtual dynamics and encourage the generation of creative ideas. "We wanted to step out of the normal environment, and there is no better place than CATIE, so beautiful and special, for these creative ideas to flow," Pfister stated.

The welcome was given by Carlos Araya, Director of Business and Strategic Alliances, and Eliecer Vargas, Coordinator of the International Master's in Sustainable Tourism, who is also a member of the CANAECO board of directors.

Araya highlighted the strategic collaboration with the University of North Texas, evidenced through its international master's in Sustainable Tourism, as a fundamental tool for community development with a focus on low environmental impact. "It is one of the ways in which CATIE contributes to economic development, offering communities an additional avenue to generate income by promoting sustainable tourism," he said.

He also mentioned that staying close to authorities, in this case, CANAECO, is essential. “This collaboration not only strengthens CATIE's position in the ecotourism sector but also represents a continuous effort to forge alliances with the entire industry,” he concluded.

CANAECO, comprised of tourism professionals with a focus on sustainability, regenerative tourism, and ecotourism, has undergone significant changes in its board of directors since November of last year. According to Pfister, the visit was seen as an opportunity to discuss and redefine strategies, leaving behind the shadow of the crisis and the pandemic.

Strategies for 2024

Regarding the topics addressed during the visit, Pfister revealed that a strategic plan with a renewed vision for the chamber was presented. Issues related to finances, fundraising to carry out the chamber's work, and taking positions on social and political issues affecting tourism in Costa Rica were discussed.

Additionally, current challenges in the tourism sector, such as the impact of the exchange rate on businesses billing in dollars and paying in colones, were mentioned. Despite a good recovery in visitor numbers after the pandemic, addressing this challenge was emphasized to avoid problems in the upcoming low season.

Pfister expressed enthusiasm for further strengthening these ties so that collaboration with CATIE contributes to boosting ecotourism and sustainable development in Costa Rica.

The board of directors also enjoyed lunch at the Sustainable House to experience "farm to table," followed by exploring part of the institution's tourist offerings during a walk in the Botanical Garden. Finally, the delegation returned to the Henry Wallace building to conclude a last round of meetings and end with a coffee tasting at the Collections café.