Costa Rica has been selected as the destination for the 2011 WITIA Educational to be held from October 16–22.

The annual gathering unites WITIA members hailing from six continents for networking opportunities, the annual general meeting of the Alliance, and enriching cultural experiences expertly crafted by this year’s WITIA host member, George Duffy, owner of Worldwide Ecolodges.

Costa Rica is widely acknowledged as the worldwide leader in sustainable tourism, maintaining the delicate balance between improving the country’s economy by opening its rich biodiversity to tourism and carefully preserving its delicate ecosystems and natural wonders for present and future generations. WITIA continues to champion efforts to increase education on this topic to their global member network.

This year’s itinerary begins with a look into the maw of an active volcano, visits to authentic village markets, and guided explorations of flora and fauna through biodiverse Manuel Antonio National Park.

As participants get their proverbial feet wet, they’ll progress to walking tours around the famed Arenal Volcano, electrifying meanders high above the forest floor as they explore the canopy via hanging suspension bridges, and a soothing experience in the natural mineral waters of the Ecotermales (Hot Springs). A farewell dinner gala will include an informative session with special guest speaker Federico Solano of the Rainforest Alliance, sharing points on Best Practices in Sustainability—practices adopted by every supplier on the itinerary.

Registrants pay $1,260 ppdo covering six nights accommodations, airport transfers, welcome reception, daily breakfast, various tours throughout the regions in a private air-conditioned coach with English-speaking guide, and some additional meals. Unique optional tour extensions that allow for more specialized explorations in the Costa Rican rainforest, or further south to Panama are also being offered at attractive prices.

WITIA seeks to link tourism professionals, male and female, in locations all over the world.

Presently represented in 25 countries, the organization communicates with monthly electronic newsletters to a database of over 2,600 tourism professionals. Each member has an entire profile page on the WITIA website accessible to all other members.

WITIA (Women in Tourism International Alliance), president@witia.org, www.witia.org