The release of the report coincides with Tabacón becoming the first hotel in Costa Rica to simultaneously achieve Elite Level Certification for Sustainable Tourism in the categories of Lodging, Gastronomy and Hot Springs & Spa, as awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
Tabacón's Sustainability Report outlines many of the initiatives submitted as part of this certification process.
Sustainability Highlights specific to 2022 include:
Environment - Initializing a nature mapping project across 900 acres of rainforest. In partnership with the National System of Conservation Areas, Tabacón spearheaded a project to generate an inventory of the various species living on the property. Resort staff have been trained to install and use equipment that will help identify and monitor flora and fauna in the gardens and rainforest. This work will be done in collaboration with neighbouring properties to share data and learnings, and best protect their natural habitat.
Natural Resources - Implementing monitoring systems to preserve the ‘blue gold.’ Tabacón sits on five thermal and mineral springs which feed both the resort and the thermal river, and distribute water based on a flow authorised by the MINAE Water Directorate. Water consumption is now recorded and controlled more accurately by improved hydrometers, and flowmeters will be added in 2023 to further help conserve this precious resource.
Employees – Expanding the staff wellbeing programme to ensure holistic job satisfaction within the 315-strong team. Staff volunteered 1,350 hours to assist with 12 projects during the year, received a total of 11,480 training hours (equating to almost five days per employee), and participated in regular team building activities. A mental health self-care program was also implemented in partnership with a Harvard Doctor of Psychology. The efficacy of these initiatives was manifested in 45 internal promotions and recognised by Tabacón’s Quinquenios long-service programme.
Community - Reinstituting activities by the Alliance of Companies for Sustainability in La Fortuna. Formed by Tabacón in 2018 the alliance is open to any business committed to bringing the region closer to sustainable development and raising awareness among the community, working in collaboration with groups like the Chamber of Tourism. Projects to date include the La Fortuna Electric Route and a partnership with the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Product - Prioritising local artisans in the renovation and design of new rooms and suites. As part of Tabacón’s renovation programme, 33 Orchid and Rainforest rooms and Honeymoon Suites were completed. The rooms feature locally-made furniture crafted from native Pacific cedar wood and custom design artwork on aluminium to ensure longevity in La Fortuna’s humid climate. The renovations were carried out by a local remodelling company providing jobs for 40 local tradesmen. Accessibility - Ongoing commitment to ensure experiences are accessible to all guests. Tabacon has collaborated with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (CONAPDIS) to further expand its capacity to welcome guests with additional needs. As a rainforest resort, Tabacón offers unparalleled access to its facilities including a wheelchair ramp into the main pool and access to the thermal river for the soothing effects of balneotherapy. The resort has specialised wheelchairs that can slide down steps to complement their 100% accessible rooms and electric buggies that transport guests between buildings. By collecting plastic bottle tops, Tabacón has also contributed to nationwide initiative ProParques, led by the National University of Costa, that repurposes them to create ramps in National Parks and protected areas.
F&B - Launching Tabacón’s School of Gastronomy and Service. The on-site school provides aspiring talent with the opportunity to develop creative and culinary techniques, learn about food culture, the importance of locally sourced foods, and food safety, as well as front of house service and restaurant management. This grass roots level mentor program initiative was supported by the appointment of a new Costa Rican Culinary Director, Saul Umana, at the start of 2023.
Andrey Gomez, General Manager at Tabacón says: “Tabacon has been operating as a responsible business for over three decades. The land was rewilded from pastureland and an experience created with respect for our unique natural resources. We have a dedicated team who guides and executes our Strategic Sustainability Plan allowing us to develop programmes that address areas of environmental, social and cultural need. We are a leading voice in the La Fortuna community and we hold our social responsibility seriously. As we explore new forms of tourism, our aim is to increase awareness about travelling with purpose, taking care of our surroundings and contributing to its sustainable growth. We’re proud to be able to share our insights, expertise and support with our wider community, and that our work has been recognized through this certification.”
About Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
A tropical haven that blends modern-day luxury with timeless beauty, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. Set amidst more than 900 acres of a pristine rainforest reserve, the 105-room property is blessed with the largest network of naturally flowing hot springs, complemented by cascading thermal waterfalls, serene river pools and an internationally renowned spa. Tabacón is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and one of the founding members of its Considerate Collection of actively sustainable hotels. The resort is an ideal launch pad for nearby adventures including those in Arenal Volcano National Park, where ecotourists will encounter such wildlife as howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis. An escape at Tabacón is an immersion in a Costa Rican paradise. For more information or to book, please visit www.tabacon.com.
