PROVIDERS
This spring Planeta.com queried ecolodge owners. Here are
their replies about on-the-ground practicalities of implementing
sustainable tourism:
Carol Tumber,
Balamku -- Tourism in popular yet delicate environments
will not be sustainable unless we support environmental concerns.
People are become tired of the same old resorts that cater to
"established needs." There is an opportunity to be
ahead of the old guard.
Verena Gerber,
Eco Paraiso -- This type of product is not for everybody
and operators need to learn to target their clients. There is
sometimes the need to teach the clients about more eco forms
of travel. This takes time and effort and normally tour operators
ignore this niche market.
Eco Paraiso does not offer the traditional resort activities
-- discos, restaurants, entertainment, shopping. We are secluded
and clients need to be advised that we are in the middle of
nature, and nature wins. This means there are mosquitoes, scorpions,
and snakes. This is also an area that has a biological diversity
and wonderful surprises, including the snakes -- for me they
are always a surprise! In short, we offer something which is
educational, but also fun and relaxing.
Michelle
Kirby and Andres Hammerman, Black Sheep Inn -- The Black
Sheep Inn's target clientele are Free and Independent Traveler
(FITs). Their age and income vary greatly, but they enjoy traveling
on their own schedule. We often refuse reservations from agencies
that only want to stay one night with large groups (10 or more
people).
Agents typically ask for discounts, arrive late (after dark
or after dinner) and demand an early breakfast, treating us
more like a motel than a guesthouse. Their clients arrive uninformed
about where they are staying and are surprised that we do not
have private bathrooms or that all bathrooms are composting
toilets. FITs arrive well informed and love the style of the
Black Sheep Inn. FITs book for three nights and often extend
their stay.
BENEFITS
- The 'right thing to do'
- Improve the visitor's experience
- Improve relations with locals
- Develop repeat customers
CONCLUSION
In short we need to become better listeners, soliciting and
responding to feedback of locals, operators and travelers. This
is the best way to gain satisfied clients (repeat customers)
and earn the respect of locals.
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