Chapter 2: - Center for Responsible Travel

How Much Has Been Raised?Most funds are raised through Rural Community Tourism activities. On average, this representsbetween $40,000 t0 $60,000 per year.Has Your Philanthropic Program Helped, Hurt or Had No Impact on Your Business?I believe the Center‘s existence and its work have benefited the Lodge because groups enjoy theopportunity to engage in community service, service learning, and rural community tourism. Thisopportunity is a strong attraction for some groups, especially the educational groups with whomHolbrook works. Additionally, I believe that the Center‘s English language and other educationalprograms have helped to funnel more qualified staff to the Selva Verde Lodge. Also, the Center‘ssocial outreach reflects well upon Selva Verde, despite the sometimes strained relations betweenthe two organizations. These strains have existed over the years in part because of differentviews among the founders and key players in Selva Verde Lodge and different managementapproaches of the for-profit Lodge and non-profit Center. Despite efforts to overcome thesedifferences, the staff at the Lodge and the Center have never received a clear understanding ofwhat they can expect from each other because of the lack of a shared vision. Ironically, theLodge‘s CST (Certificate for Sustainable Tourism) rating in the area of social responsibility isconsidered lacking by the tourism authorities despite the relationship and history that existsbetween the Selva Verde and the Center. According to authorities, the good work of the Centershould not be considered as an outreach effort of the Lodge because it is a separate entity.For more information contact:Andrea Holbrook: Andrea@Holbrooktravel.comWebsites: www.selvaverde.com, www.holbrooktravel.com, www.learningcentercostarica.org27