A meeting of small hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean was recently held to discuss the feasibility of creating a continental network that promotes sustainable tourism development in the region and exchange successful experiences. The meeting was held in Costa Rica.
The event, which lasted two days, was attended by about 150 representatives of small hotels belonging to 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The objective is to follow the model that is carried out by the National Network of Small Hotels in Costa Rica (Rednaph), chaired by Jane Lemarie and which has been in operation for several years successfully.
According to the official Lemarie, about 80 or 85% of the hotels in the region are small, that is, 50 rooms or less. For this reason, the importance of sharing experiences around the operation of establishments that lead to the consolidation of best practices and mutual collaboration is highlighted.
"We have survived crises and we have become important vehicles for the development of our communities, we are aware that to advance in a changing world it is necessary to professionalize," said the Costa Rican businesswoman, according to the international news agency Efe.
The directive also pointed out that the creation of successful models must be based on sustainability and respect for the heritage and culture of each country and the region.
The creation of this network also seeks to make small hotel companies visible, promote job creation and combat poverty.
The meeting was supported and sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS).
