A recent article in Tico Times, “Grim Tourism Outlook Has Silver Lining,” discusses the impact of the global economic downturn on tourism in Costa Rica, noting that “the economic crisis presents an opportunity for the [tourism] sector to reinvent itself” and “to ensure future development in Costa Rica shares the vision of sustainability.”

If handled effectively, the crisis can be an opportunity for fostering sustainable growth of Costa Rica as an ecotourism destination, concludes the report by a local tourism consulting group.

Featuring the finest examples of eco-holiday experiences and companies from Costa Rica, our ecoDestinations online auction trips offer travelers the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of the destination, while gaining extraordinary local experiences. These featured eco-holiday packages are donated by leading companies that focus on small group and low-impact travel, local community participation, enhancing cultural and economic benefits, and effective energy and natural resources management.

Featured Costa Rica EcoAuction sponsors:

Seascape Kayak Tours follows Sustainable Tourism Guidelines to minimize environmental impact on fragile coastal ecosystems, reduce and effectively manage waste, contribute to local conservation efforts and environmental education initiatives, support local communities, and purchase locally and naturally produced goods and ingredients whenever possible.

Harmony Hotel engages in green policies and practices including a recycling and waste management program, compost and worm farm, organic fruits and vegetables, community projects, reforestation and beach clean up, and a native plant nursery.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, is a model ecotourism project, demonstrating that No matter how you cut it a rain forest left standing is worth more.

>> Read more about the featured ecoDestination, Costa Rica