Hotel Punta Islita’s Neighbor Communities Exemplify Costa Rica’s Green Leadership
ABC Television’s Live Well HD Network’s “Save My Planet” showcases the success of a novel tourism initiative that bridges community outreach, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.
Nevada, IA (PRWEB) February 26, 2010
The latest installment of ABC Television’s Live Well HD Network’s original program, “Save My Planet” features a special segment, shot on location at Hotel Punta Islita and its closest neighbor, Islita Village. Host Stephen Brooks narrates the fascinating success stories of community members who have transformed their homeland for the better.
For years, the forest surrounding Islita had been stripped through unsustainable cattle ranching, slash-and-burn agriculture, and indiscriminate hunting. At nearby beaches, sea turtle populations dwindled due to poaching practices. As resources were depleted, the area became economically depressed, fueling urban migration and cultural stagnation.
Since its 1994 inauguration, and opting out of enclave business models, Hotel Punta Islita helped to reverse this process. Education, local training and hiring programs, local purchases, and innovative community outreach initiatives, including the creation of an Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum, gradually transformed the area into a thriving collective of travel professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Today, travelers are marveled by an ecosystem where sea-turtle populations are growing and the recovered tropical dry forest and mangroves again teem with howler monkeys and bird species. Furthermore, visitors are greeted by a healthy community, eager to showcase its art, music, and culinary traditions.
"Tourism enterprises are in a unique position to inspire and effect change," said Alonso Bermudez. His personal success story is featured in “Save My Planet” as he details his rise from Front Desk Operator to General Manager. Mr. Bermudez added, “As a business entity, Hotel Punta Islita has been able to leverage and channel resources from the Costa Rican government, philanthropic foundations, other businesses, and even private citizens to support and grow its programs. Hotel Punta Islita provided a spark and my fellow community members responded with enthusiasm. I am thrilled to tell my own personal story and I am proud that the people of Islita set yet another example of Costa Rica’s green leadership.”
Developed by Answers Media, an interactive media production company based in Chicago, Save My Planet is a fun, fast-paced show detailing practical “green living” strategies. The episode featuring Islita can be watched at:
Http://livewellhd. com/savemyplanet/story? id=7255957 (http://livewellhd. com/savemyplanet/story? id=7255957)
Hotel Punta Islita is an upscale beachfront resort set along the coastline of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), it is the perfect destination for savvy travelers who seek impressive natural landscapes, friendship-based hospitality, cultural authenticity, and thrilling eco-adventures.
Hotel Punta Islita (http://www. hotelpuntaislita. com (http://www. hotelpuntaislita. com)) and its sister property, El Silencio Lodge & Spa (http://www. elsilenciolodge. com (http://www. elsilenciolodge. com)) respectively feature the best of Costa Rica’s sunny beaches and cloud forests. Both have been featured in top travel publications as exemplary in service, spectacular settings, and commitment to planet-positive, people-friendly practices.
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