The goal of this project is to make the community of La Reyna the principal destination within Matagalpa for ecotourists by improving the quality of their services and promoting effective marketing techniques both nationally and internationally. As of the June, 2009, successful results of this project include the completion of a strategic plan and the construction of key community buildings including the visitor control booth, visitor reception and meeting pavilion, and visitor bathrooms. Repairs to the bridge that provides access to La Reyna are also underway. In addition, the host families are providing feedback surveys, and record keeping regarding the number of visitors and their contact information has improved. A recent 7-month period reports that 425 tourists were hosted. In addition, marketing information is under development, as well as improved media contacts as evidenced by recent filming in La Reyna by The Travel Channel and National Geographic.

Thanks again for your article. We hope that through partnerships with organizations like Equal Exchange and LWR, community-based ecotourism will continue to highlight the benefits of Fair Trade for visitors while at the same time providing a viable means for rural families to increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.