Sustainable Bolivia’s Tourism projects are currently suspended for the indefinite future. We hope to have both our sustainable tourism and ecotourism projects up and running shortly, so please contact us or visit the website for updates. For more information regarding our tourism programs, see the information below.
Introduction
As tourism continues to be one of the fastest growing industries in the world, many developing nations are turning to it as a means of earning foreign exchange and encouraging foreign investment. At the same time, travelers, in search of pristine natural environments and unique cultural expressions, have expanded their pursuits to include previously unexplored regions of the globe. These factors, combined with advancements in transport and communication technologies, have helped facilitate a globalization of travel, which, if not carefully administered, could lead to the destruction of the very natural resources these travelers seek to observe.
Sustainable Bolivia Travel
Sustainable Bolivia maintains a unique position in the travel market as both a non-profit foundation and a service provider. We are a foundation which promotes environmental protection and awareness, cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable development. Yet we also function as a language school, a volunteer program and housing provider; offering the highest quality service and standards for our customers. As both a non-profit foundation and a service provider, we are able to design our products in a holistic manner – one which meets the ‘needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future.’ It is through this manner that we are able to provide our customers with a truly adventurous yet comfortable and affordable experience while adhering to the principles of sustainable tourism.
Sustainable Bolivia has divided its tourism operations into two distinct yet intersecting forms of ecotravel; community based ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
Community Based Ecotourism
Sustainable Bolivia is currently “promoting” and “supporting” the development of community based ecotourism projects in the Bolivian Amazon and Sierra. We use the words “promoting” and “supporting” cautiously since these projects are fully owned, developed, and run by local communities. All decisions regarding daily operations, the allocation of funds and the direction of the program are made by the community, not by Sustainable Bolivia or any other outside institution. It is our philosophy that this ownership and control is necessary for any community tourism project to be a success. Our primary function is to provide marketing assistance as well as technical and logistical support. We work with communities to ensure proper safety/health standards are in place and provide guidance as to tourist wants, needs and expectations. Essentially we work as a liaison between Bolivian communities and the international tourist industry.
For more information:
What is community based ecotourism?
What is sustainable tourism?
What is the history of sustainable ecotourism?