   Before the pandemic, the park would see more than half a million tourists a year. - Tourism Institute photo - |
||||
  
  |
 Published
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Manuel Antonio Park recognized as a sustainable tourist site By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Manuel Antonio National Park, located in Quepos Canton, Puntarenas Province, was recognized by the Tourism Institute as a place where sustainable tourism is practiced. The concept of sustainability refers to human actions to promote economic and social progress while respecting natural ecosystems and the quality of the environment. Being recognized provides visibility in identifying the concept of sustainability to a real tourism zone, said Gustavo Segura, Minister of Tourism. "Here is demonstrated that the sustainable management of a national park is possible, regarding aspects of business management, environment, cultural and economic repercussions, as well as work with the local communities." With this recognition, the park will be included in the institute's advertising campaigns to attract more tourism, such as international fairs.  Access to the park was reopened in June 2020, after being closed to the public for several months due to the pandemic. Following the Ministry of Health guidelines to avoid the covid-19 contagion, the park had installed multiple portable sinks for hand washing and containers were placed for handling the waste. As well as a new wastewater treatment plant was installed. Park rangers increased their safety protocol by enforcing protective equipment such as face masks and thermometers to take the temperature of the visitors before they enter the park grounds. People can hike the trails individually, in pairs or groups of no more than 5 people. Everyone must respect a social distance and enter with their social bubbles. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the more popular tourist sites on the Central Pacific Coast. The park was created in 1972. Currently, there are 352 species of plants, 107 species of land mammals, 335 species of birds, 93 species of reptiles and 56 species of amphibians, according to the institute. Before the pandemic, the park would see more than half a million tourists a year. Park tickets can only be pre-purchased online on the SINAC website. ------------------------ What else could the Manuel Antonio Park managers do to improve the experience for visitors? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com         
  |
|||
|
|
