Green Guide

Reefs to Rockies’ Green Guide

Reefs to Rockies’ Green Guide is a listing of hotels and lodges that operate in a way that meets many of the goals of sustainable tourism set forth by the certifying agencies. Development of our Green Guide Costa Rica is ongoing and, based on the experience of our expert guides, it is our intention to develop Green Guides for additional ecotourism hotspots in the future.

There are several certification programs in the tourism industry with the same overall goals:
1) sustainability,
2) maximize social and economic benefits to the local community,
3) enhance cultural heritage, and
4) reduce negative impacts on the natural environment. 

Some of the businesses on the Green Guide list are certified by an agency, others are not. However, each property listed has been interviewed and asked a series of questions by a representative of Reefs to Rockies, LLC. To achieve certification, a business must demonstrate its commitment to achieving these goals.  No uniform certification process exists in the tourism industry today, and some businesses may never achieve certification.  This does not mean that the business is not committed to sustainable tourism.

Reefs to Rockies’ staff have had the opportunity to visit a variety of hotels and lodges that have achieved certification.  Their strides are impressive and we applaud their efforts.  We have also come across businesses that are not certified by an agency, but that are still striving towards sustainability.  For many, it just makes sense (financially, socially, and environmentally).

Reefs to Rockies’ Green Guide is a listing of hotels and lodges that operate in a way that meets many of the goals of sustainable tourism set forth by the certifying agencies.  Some of the businesses on the Green Guide list are certified by an agency, others are not.  However, each property listed has been interviewed and asked a series of questions by a representative of Reefs to Rockies, LLC.

To be included in a Green Guide listing, the property must show a commitment to sustainability through their answers.  If Reefs to Rockies, LLC finds the answers to be untrue or misleading, the property will immediately be removed from the list.  The listing is free for the properties and Reefs to Rockies is not generating advertising dollars through Green Guide.

Reefs to Rockies preferentially selects businesses committed to sustainability and conservation and the Green Guide list is an important tool used when designing itineraries for clients.  We also hope that the Green Guides will be used by travelers when researching a destination as they provide insight into an array of businesses committed to sustainable tourism.

If you would like a copy of the Green Guide interview questions/ answers for a property on the list, please email us at Admin@ReefsToRockies.com.