Translations

HORIZONTES Nature Tours trains its suppliers to build a complete sustainable touristic chain in Costa Rica

4. Environment

Waste management

Sector Services

Year 2011

Country Costa Rica

Transmitter

Context

Since 1984, Horizontes Nature Tours of Costa Rica has taken thousands of tourists to the most beautiful destinations with the richest biodiversity, always in the name of conservation. The company is a pioneer in the nature tourism industry, having the maximum level of Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) and contributing to the creation of incentives for the protection of Costa Rica´s National Park systems, by means of stimulating small tourist groups to visit these areas in their natural state.Throughout the years, Horizontes has instituted initiatives aimed to “green” its own business and industry in general. Efforts have not gone in only one direction; rather they have been implemented in a comprehensive way, consisting of environmental, social, and economic facets. Its social responsibility supports the development of communities surrounding the company, and of those visited, with projects that include funds for forest rangers, the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, research centers, and educational programs, among others. In 2004, Horizontes formalized its actions to improve their impact, and understood that they had to engage its suppliers and start an intense training for its partners.

Objectives

- Make a significant contribution to the conservation of Costa Rican natural resources.
- Promote the economic development of communities and of the country.
- Protect the cultural and social heritage of the country and leave a legacy.
- Design and sell tourist product in a business line entirely identified with sustainability.

APPROACH

The first step was a plan of training of the primary service suppliers: the company staff, hotels, tour operators, and restaurants in different parts of the country.

After training its own personnel, the goal was to train 100 suppliers. To achieve this goal, they go to various destinations in the country, for 2 to 4 days training programs (included raising awareness, informative facts, objectives (vision) and practical actions to embrace the concept and get started). Horizontes find appropriate facilities to provide training, convene and convince the owners and representatives of companies of the importance of this training, provide food and audio-visual methods, etc. The amount invested in this project ascends to $25,000.00

CONTRIBUTION TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE

Being able to offer a product completely aligned with Good Practices have enabled a 20% growth on sales.

International recognition : Horizontes is invited to share its experience in international forums (Peru, Ecuador, the United States, Chile, and France) + free participation in international conventions.

Benefits

- By 2005, 40% of its suppliers had started to adopt Good Practices through consultations with Rainforest Alliance In 2011, 95% have been Verified by Rainforest Alliance or have CST Certification for Sustainable Tourism granted by Costa Rican governing body, ICT.
- Positive chain reaction provocated on the whole tourism industry in Costa Rica:
> Motivated and committed staff.
> Clients awareness increases
> Responsible suppliers align with the philosophy of respect for nature, achieving economic benefits by doing things well and providing excellent customer service.