Indrani Batabyal
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa has published its annual Sustainability Report, showcasing the substantial progress made by the 105-room resort and thermal complex in 2023. The report covers the resort’s operational footprint, environmental stewardship, community engagement, wellness initiatives, and the promotion of Costa Rican heritage.
Key Achievements:
Nature Mapping: Since June 2023, three photo-trapping cameras have been operational across Tabacón’s 900-acre rainforest as part of ITASA’s ecological monitoring program. These cameras have captured 535 sightings of 23 species, with Pecari Tajacu (mammal) and Crax Rubra peacock (bird) being the most frequently observed. This project is poised to be the first to receive an Ecological Blue Flag award in 2024.
Blue Gold: Tabacón is the steward of natural volcanic and mineral springs. Thanks to the installation of flowmeters in 2022, the resort reduced its water consumption by 26.5% in 2023. All water used on the property is naturally heated and returned to the environment in an eco-friendly manner.
Energy Efficiency: Tabacón now operates on 75% renewable energy, derived from hydroelectric and solar sources. In November, the resort introduced new laundry equipment with greater capacity, saving 12,000 liters of water each month.
Waste Reduction: In 2023, Tabacón avoided the use of plastics by incorporating over 128,800 reusable or compostable items, such as combs, shaving kits, bottles, and cups. Additionally, more than one tonne of plastic waste from cleaning products was returned to suppliers for proper disposal.
Developing Future Tourism Leaders: Tabacón resumed its role as a ‘school hotel’ in 2023, promoting sustainable best practices. The resort partnered with the National Learning Institution (INA) to offer three Dual Education internship opportunities and hosted student visits from universities in Costa Rica and the USA. Construction also began on a new production kitchen that will serve as a culinary research and innovation center, training local youth.
Ruta Eléctrica La Fortuna: Tabacón installed the first fast-charging electric station in the La Fortuna de San Carlos area, which is now available to guests and visitors. The resort has been a pioneer in expanding Costa Rica’s electric vehicle charging network.
Programa de Reconocimientos a la Excelencia Educativa: Tabacón launched a recognition program for teachers and students of 26 educational centers in La Fortuna de San Carlos, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The inaugural awards ceremony took place in February 2024. As part of its broader school outreach efforts, Tabacón provided 280 school supply packages to local families and has contributed to the construction of five classrooms at the Liceo de Sonafluca. These new classrooms, set to open in 2024, will help address the overcrowding issue at the school, which currently accommodates 500 students but has a capacity for only 200, leading to a fortnightly rotation of classes.
Hyper-local Supply Chain: Tabacón continues to prioritise working with trusted local partners including Biosfera Skincare and local construction company Masaba. Masaba’s owner, Freddy, says: “I began to take the first steps to have my own business… they called me from Tabacón to give me the opportunity to work on a pedestrian bridge. At that time they gave me their trust and 10 years later I continue to be an ally for the hotel’s construction projects. For me, Tabacón is my second home. I feel very happy to work with this company. Management and leadership know my work and gave me the opportunity from day one”.
General Manager Andrey Gomez comments: “Tabacón is committed deeply to regenerative tourism. As our fourth impact report, these vital insights add another layer of understanding to our overall Strategic Sustainability Plan year over year, guiding how we can evolve existing programs and shape the introduction of new ones for the benefit of our entire ecosystem. This year, we’ve introduced a number of collaborations focused on positive regeneration. Our nature mapping project to manage the flora, fauna and natural resources of our 900-acre rainforest, and working with local partners to provide essential infrastructure and inspire and motivate our local communities. All are designed to establish an intrinsic harmony and balance between tourism and our beloved destination. We’ll continue to build on these initiatives in 2024, led by our dedicated sustainability team and with the proactive support of our Tabacón family and partners.”
