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Introduction
It
is with great pleasure and pride that we present to you our year
2002 Costa Rica programs. The vacation packages featured
on this website capture the intensity of Costa Rica from a
variety of different perspectives. Whether by horse, by foot,
via raft or hot air balloon, each of our tours provides
educational insight into the complex and sensitive structure of
biodiversity and promotes interaction with and an appreciation
for a society and culture in which sustainable developme nt
thrives. Guaranteed departures on all itineraries ensures the
vacation you want - when you want it.
This
means that we operate all our tours regardless of the minimum
number of participants. So while you could find yourself on a
private tour (one on one with your guide) at no additional cost
to you, you could also find yourself enjoying the company of a
small distinctive group of travelers. From
honeymoons to adventure expeditions, we include the best of the
best. These are the things you can expect from Sunny Land Tours:
Expert guides, the kind that bring greater awareness
- Distinctive hotels, the one's worth returning to - Unique
customized tours, things you would never have thought of. All
well planned for your total comfort and enjoyment with the Sunny
Land Tours signature of quality services in the background of
Nature's greatest Museum - Costa Rica!
Costa
Rica is the world’s best example in sustainable tourism and
environmental awareness. Sunny Land Tours is a long time
supporter of responsible eco-tourism. We promote tour products
that are environmentally sustainable and beneficial to the local
culture. We feel we play an important role in preparing you, the
traveler, to share the natural treasure of Costa Rica while
caring for it at the same time. We believe that an important
part of our mission is to sustainably manage tourism by helping
communities earn fair incomes, promote cultures and protect the
environment. Part of our objective is to promote a larger sense
of responsibility among our guests themselves, increasing their
awareness of biodiversity and their understanding of the impact
their visit may bring to the natural environment, while
encouraging respect for, and an interest in, local cultures.
What
You Can Mean to Costa Rica
We
all know that Costa Rica’s number one tourist attraction is
its natural environment. It’s cathedral cloud forests,
imposing mountains, spewing volcanoes and primordial rainforests
beckon us to come and visit their earthly roots. But as we share
these treasures of nature, we must also learn to care for them.
The single greatest influence you as a traveler can have on the
environment you visit, lies in your purchasing power. Support
responsible tourism, beginning the moment you consider a
vacation to this ecological paradise. Give careful consideration
to choosing the right tour operator to ensure your money goes a
step further than just buying a night in a hotel. It is in this
way that economic benefit can be shared by the local community
who will remain encouraged and committed to continue the
protection of this nation’s vast natural resources.
Certification
for Sustainable Tourism
The
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program was
conceived in Costa Rica in 1997 and has been adopted by the
World Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Commission as
the standard to be implemented by nations worldwide. The plan
encourages the kind of tourism development, which is
economically successful without giving up a holistic, long-term
future which benefits the local community as well as the
surrounding environment. Efforts like the CST program help
conscientious travelers like you make better informed decisions,
and invite businesses like Sunny Land Tours to embrace the
economic benefits of sustainable development and eco tourism.
Sunny Land Tours is proud to be the very first U.S. tour
operator to be voluntarily evaluated under this plan.
Adopt-A-School
Program
Did
you know that your Sunny Land vacation allows a Costa Rica
elementary school student to enroll and participate in the
Biodiversity Educational program known as PROEBI. This program
which compliments the students study plan by the Ministry of  Public
Education (MEP)is held at the National Institute of Biodiversity
(INBio). INBio is a non-governmental, non-profit association
that promotes better understanding of the value of biodiversity
in order to improve the quality of life. The program increases
awareness about biodiversity among children and the
understanding of the possibilities to incorporate this important
natural resource in the social, economic, intellectual and
spiritual development of Costa Rican society. Your automatic
contribution to this program, referred to as “Adopt a
school”, provides transportation and entrance to INBioparque,
guided tour, take-home learning materials and lunch to less
fortunate rural and urban school children who otherwise would
not have the means or opportunity to participate in this
educational program. Already since February 2001 Sunny Land
Tours has enabled over 1000 children to take part in this
program. By understanding and appreciating biodiversity these
kids are becoming strong supporters of the nature conservation
which in turn will determine the future of the natural wonders
that are the core of the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica.
Supporting responsible tourism is the key to Sunny Land’s
success. To our dear valued guests, on behalf of the many Costa
Rican children who will benefit from this program, thank you!
Our Value Added Advantage
This
year, more than ever before, you'll find our pages packed with
value added extras. We know that our greatest asset to you is in
our buying power and in our ability to negotiate special extras
that make our packages more val uable and unique. Look for the
Value Added seal on the many hotels and tours we offer in this
catalogue for special free bonuses and/or free upgrades. Beach
bound guests will appreciate complimentary breakfast at the
prestigious Melia Playa Conchal, a value of over $30 per couple
per day. Guests of the lovely Hotel El Ocotal will enjoy a free
upgrade to Bungalow junior suites from standard rooms and
receive a romantic 3-course dinner for two on stays of 3 nights
or more, completely free. Way down in the Osa, you will find a
special bottle of wine, basket of flowers and candies in your
deluxe bungalow at the beautiful Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
Take a look at our upgrade policy in San Jose: Pay superior
tourist hotel rates, like the Best Western Irazu ($50 value),
and receive a deluxe hotel, like the Barcelo San Jose Palacio or
Herradura ($70 value) instead. Pay for a deluxe hotel - like the
beautiful Real Inter-Continental and receive an upgrade to their
executive Club floor where, at no additional cost to you, you
can enjoy all the benefits of exclusive concierge services.
Continental breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktail hour with hors
d'oeuvres, coffee service and evening dessert are just a few of
the enjoyable and valuable benefits that Club floor guest
receive. Complimentary packing and unpacking of your luggage
from the Butler service as well as pressing of up to 4 pieces of
clothing per person per stay is available upon request and at no
cost to you. All upgrades are based on availability and are an
exclusive offer from Sunny Land Tours.
And
there’s more…a special gift for you!
In
recognition of the significance the horse culture plays in Costa
Rican society, history and tradition we have the unique pleasure
to invite you as our guest to the
dinner show at Rancho San Miguel. This fa bulous Andalusian
horse ballet takes place every Friday night, 25 minutes outside
of San Jose. Transportation is included from all major San Jose
area hotels. This show features Andalusian horses trained to
perform in the art of "dress age". A "Cuadrilla"
of mares and stallions along with a rider move completely
synchronized, demonstrating the discipline of training. Man and
horse merge as one in what the Spaniards call "Riendas
Largas". Rancho San Miguel's top stallion will perform
his"literally dancing" demonstration. A delightful
dinner of Costa Rican cuisine is served directly following the
performance. This complimentary dinner show is available to all
passengers purchasing an SLT vacation of 7 nights or more and is
an exclusive offer from Sunny Land Tours.
Click
here for more information about our company
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