Just returned from a trip to Costa Rica and although we had an amazing time and found the country to be full of friendly people and an awesome diversity of nature, I am left in part with a sense that the tourism industry 
may ultimately be the end of what attracted my family and others to the country in the first place. A common thread throughout the world, it certainly gives one pause. The irony of wanting to travel to and see these beautiful places first hand and understanding the impact of those actions seems parallel with the irony of participating in the building economy while trying to meet the definition of sustainability. Is it possible?
Undoubtedly there is tremendous economic advantage to the people of Costa Rica in having billions of dollars in foreign investment and trade pouring into their country every year. That being said the development is happening quickly and without significant planning or design. There is an emphasis on catering to wealthy (middle class?) Americans, Canadians and Europeans with mega luxury resorts that makes one think of Robin Leach. It's a country renowned for it's high literacy rate, commitment to democracy and conservation of its natural treasures and yet McHaciendas abound and multiply. Do Americans really all want to go on vacation and feel like we walked into an issue of Robb Report? Somewhere there seems to be a perception that's out of whack.
Check out this article regarding a new development by Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, in Northwestern Costa Rica. This isn't far from where we visited and falls on the heels of another large scale and controversial development in Costa Rica, the Peninsula Papagayo.
It's an amazing place. One hopes that the things that make it so special aren't lost in an effort to please the tastes of the world. Pura Vida.
may ultimately be the end of what attracted my family and others to the country in the first place. A common thread throughout the world, it certainly gives one pause. The irony of wanting to travel to and see these beautiful places first hand and understanding the impact of those actions seems parallel with the irony of participating in the building economy while trying to meet the definition of sustainability. Is it possible?Undoubtedly there is tremendous economic advantage to the people of Costa Rica in having billions of dollars in foreign investment and trade pouring into their country every year. That being said the development is happening quickly and without significant planning or design. There is an emphasis on catering to wealthy (middle class?) Americans, Canadians and Europeans with mega luxury resorts that makes one think of Robin Leach. It's a country renowned for it's high literacy rate, commitment to democracy and conservation of its natural treasures and yet McHaciendas abound and multiply. Do Americans really all want to go on vacation and feel like we walked into an issue of Robb Report? Somewhere there seems to be a perception that's out of whack.
Check out this article regarding a new development by Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, in Northwestern Costa Rica. This isn't far from where we visited and falls on the heels of another large scale and controversial development in Costa Rica, the Peninsula Papagayo.
It's an amazing place. One hopes that the things that make it so special aren't lost in an effort to please the tastes of the world. Pura Vida.
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