Tourism is one of the most vibrant industries in the world, connecting people with different cultures, landscapes, and traditions. However, it has often been executed in ways that lead to significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. From water shortages caused by sprawling resorts to cultural displacement and gentrification, tourism has a well-documented dark side.
But tourism doesn’t have to harm the world—it can heal it. The question boils down to this: is tourism mindless, or is it mindful? When done with awareness, tourism can become a tool to regenerate ecosystems, empower local communities, and foster deeper connections between travelers and the places they visit.
In this article, we’ll explore five actionable ways to make tourism regenerative, showcasing how Valle Escondido, our eco lodge in Costa Rica, embodies these principles.
1. Provide More Than Jobs: Foster Well-Being
Creating jobs is often touted as a company’s primary contribution to the local community. While providing employment is crucial, regenerative tourism takes it a step further by asking: what kind of jobs are being offered, and how do they contribute to the overall well-being of employees?
At Valle Escondido, we focus on supporting employees across all levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
Safety: We cultivate a safe working environment where harassment is not tolerated, and boundaries are respected. Psychological safety is just as important as physical safety.
Physiological Needs: Employees can access nutrient-dense food from our farm-to-table restaurant at reduced prices. Local community members also enjoy discounts on our organic produce.
Belonging: Bonding activities, such as team-building events and birthday celebrations, help foster a sense of extended family and mutual support.
Esteem and Self-Actualization: We provide opportunities for professional growth, such as scholarships for employees to take Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) or trainings in their specific fields. Many team members have benefited from these educational experiences, enriching their lives and their career.
F&B employees at a Wine workshop
This holistic approach ensures that we’re not only offering jobs but also empowering individuals to grow and thrive.
2. Lend Infrastructure for Community Affairs
In many rural areas of Costa Rica, public spaces for cultural and community activities are scarce. Hotels and resorts that steward large tracts of land are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by sharing their spaces with locals.
At Valle Escondido, we’ve embraced this opportunity by opening our trails, classrooms, and gathering spaces to the community:
Free Access to Trails: Locals can explore over 5 kilometers of trails winding through primary and secondary forests. Hidden among the greenery is our hammock garden, a popular spot for people to come relax, read a book, or enjoy a family picnic.
Sunset Plaza: This vibrant open space is a meeting point for families, you’ll see children from all backgrounds playing together, riding bikes, playing soccer, all while enjoying the breathtaking ocean-view sunsets with their parents.
Classroom Use: While this space is primarily used for permaculture tours and workshops on a regular basis, it’s also available to locals for free use when hosting non-commercial events, meetings, or workshops.
Community Events: From music festivals to fundraisers, we often organize events that bring people together and enrich cultural life in Monteverde. A good example of this Festival Cultivando Musica:
a yearly Music Festival we organize in order to raise funds for educational experiences in the local area.
By integrating our facilities with the community, we aim to “integrate rather than segregate,” (Permaculture Principle # 8) making tourism a shared experience rather than an exclusive one.
3. Reinvest in Local Community
Regenerative tourism thrives when profits are funneled back into the communities that sustain it. In our case, we work in conjunction with AVER, our sister nonprofit organization that receives direct financial support from our hotel. This partnership allows us to amplify our impact through initiatives such as:
Environmental Education: Workshops for local school children teaching them the importance of Soil health, conservation, and sustainable living.
Affordable Education: AVER facilitates one of Latin America’s most accessible PDC, tailored to Spanish-speaking Costa Ricans and .Students get 2 weeks of intensive Permaculture education with top level teachers in the field, including food and accommodation for approximately $400, unbeatable! On top of that we are providing scholarships for those in need of financial aid. This ensures that education in regenerative design is not a luxury but a realistic possibility for most Costa Ricans in their economic reality.
Workshops and Skill-Building: We regularly host classes that teach permaculture principles and similar subjects aimed towards positive social and economic impact, giving participants tools to implement regenerative practices in their own communities.
By reinvesting in education and community-building, we help ensure that tourism leaves a positive and lasting legacy.
4. Transform Low Season Into an Educational Opportunity
In the tourism industry, the rainy season often means low occupancy and idle facilities. At Valle Escondido, we’ve turned this downtime into an opportunity to deepen our regenerative impact. Each year, we host a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in collaboration with Porvenir Design and AVER.
During this immersive two-week course, participants—many of them Costa Rican locals—learn to design sustainable systems for food production, water management, and community development. By filling our hotel with eager learners instead of leaving it empty, we not only support education but also ensure that resources are used efficiently year-round.
This use of the rainy season exemplifies the regenerative principle of turning challenges into opportunities.
5. Preserve Ecosystems Through Eco-Tourism
Costa Rica has long been a leader in ecotourism, a model that ties conservation to economic sustainability. At Valle Escondido, we are proud to protect 15 hectares of pristine primary and secondary forest. This land serves as a refuge for wildlife and a sanctuary for visitors seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Eco-tourism not only funds conservation but also provides educational experiences for travelers. Guests at our eco lodge in Monteverde can immerse themselves in the rainforest, learn about sustainable farming practices on our organic farm, and participate in birdwatching tours that highlight the biodiversity of the region.
By turning conservation into a viable business model, we ensure that protecting the environment isn’t just an ethical choice—it’s a sustainable one.
Why Regenerative Tourism Matters
In an era of climate change and social inequities, regenerative tourism is no longer optional; it’s essential. While traditional tourism often leaves behind a trail of destruction, regenerative tourism leaves places better than it found them. It restores ecosystems, uplifts communities, and nurtures meaningful connections between travelers and destinations.
Costa Rica, with its abundance of eco lodges, eco resorts, and forward-thinking conservation practices, is a shining example of how tourism can become a force for good. Places like Valle Escondido are leading the way, proving that hospitality can be both luxurious and sustainable.
Choosing Regenerative Travel
As travelers, we hold the power to shape the future of tourism. By choosing to stay at eco-friendly hotels or nature lodges in Costa Rica, you’re voting with your wallet for a world that values sustainability and community. Whether you’re exploring lush rainforests, learning about permaculture, or simply relaxing in a hammock under the canopy, your choices matter.
So next time you plan a trip, ask yourself: are you traveling mindlessly or mindfully? Let’s make tourism regenerative—one journey at a time.
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