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The following steps constitute the core of what Naturegate does for a client. There is no typical project; each project and each client is different from the next. The expertise, professionalism and excitement that Naturegate brings to an assignment never changes. Naturegate offers clients a host of consulting services. These steps are the cornerstone to Naturegate's analysis and development of environmental management systems, ecological design, marketing strategies, feasibility studies and bankable business plans. Principle I - Site Search & Selection
The most important ingredient in determining the success of a destination is an environment of outstanding natural beauty. The subtle nuances of a location create unforgettable experiences. Naturegate pays attention to the small details, and the greater ones that make a site unique. The determinants of site selection are based upon a criteria model that accounts for regional and local issues, physical, biological and cultural assets, types of activities and their impact, zoning regulations, infrastructure availability and site accessibility. Naturegate ensures that all projects are harmonious with their surroundings, built with an eye towards local heritage with the use of sustainable materials and modern technologies. The final design is a product of thorough analysis at this stage; Naturegate emphasizes the details that constitute rare experiences for life. See Project Example: Wildlife Conservation Society Principle II - Conceptual Design
Naturegate bridges the relationship between land, lodge and local culture with an informed respect for regional intricacies and design practices. Naturegate projects are located in areas of natural beauty, facilities must compliment their surroundings not compete with them. Details such as wind direction, flora, fauna, water availability, drainage patterns and sound travel are all defined for consideration and their effect on conceptual designs. Naturegate works with architects to compliment their designs with our expertise in ecological responsibility, alternative energies, hotel and management and maximization of guest enjoyment. Naturegate performs experiential conceptualization models that are contingent on local specifics and guest demography. Each guest should be rewarded the synergy of experiencing nature at its unaltered best while enjoying the comfort and services of a personal luxury retreat. Naturegate strives to create the best possible experience guests could have from the moment a guest arrives to the moment of departure. Naturegate develops activity options, food and beverage menus, interpretative tours, guest service levels, reservation systems and ambient styles. Through a combination of ecological design, natural beauty and outstanding service Naturegate designs rare experiences for life. See Project Example: Tres Rios, Costa Rica Principle III - Marketing Analysis and Strategy Development
Successful marketing depends on a greater understanding of the global tourism market. Distinctions in regional, national and global marketing analysis must be made to best package the product and reach the intended market. Naturegate analyzes each product specific as it pertains to its regional and global marketing position. Naturegate performs in-depth studies for product placement within the intended market. Naturegate develops marketing alliances as a tool for cost-effective marketing. The uniqueness of a Naturegate project adheres to a specialized marketing plan that places the project apart from other tourism options. Naturegate develops competitive analysis, product positioning, market identification, marketing alliances, promotional materials, public relations and market evaluation. Because each traveler is unique, Naturegate designs marketing plans that are tailored to the project and the intended audience for maximum results. See Project Example: Pico Bonito Lodge, La Ceiba Honduras Principle IV - Alternative Energies/ Technologies Application
Naturegate is committed to creating destinations of the highest quality service and design using the latest in sustainable technologies and alternative energies. By integrating modern technologies we reduce energy consumption and pollutant toxins. Naturegate strives to prove that beautiful design can be environmentally responsible, cost-effective, functional and educational for guests, communities and developers. Every Naturegate project is audited by a team of experts from a multitude of backgrounds and diverse field experience. Through our team of experts we are able to address energy needs, water use, renewable resources and waste management. Naturegate assists hoteliers and developers reduce negative impacts by developing environmental management systems. By using alternative technologies and methods to reduce environmental impact we are preserving the places and purpose that people travel for. See Project Example: Toucan Services: Papagayo, Costa Rica
Principle V - Stakeholder Facilitation
Naturegate has built strategic alliances with organizations involved in sustainable tourism and other related fields. Naturegate facilitates partnerships and forges new ones for our clients to overcome initial barriers to entering the tourism industry. Partnerships with host communities, NGO's, tour operators, development banks, investors and governments are some of the alliances that Naturegate nurtures. The success of any project is dependent on positive community relations. Naturegate works closely among community members to address concerns and needs. Tourism cannot solve all the problems that exist in developing countries but it should provide tangible benefits to local communities. Naturegate performs socio-economic impact studies, analyzes community costs and benefits and implements strategic solutions to these complex issues. See Project Example: Presburger Family Trust, Costa Rica
Principle VI - Capital Costing & Financial Projection
Perhaps the greatest obstacle our clients face in sustainable tourism development is an insufficient pool of financial investors. A plethora of outstanding projects never achieve investment simply because the market for tourism projects is so small. Despite the difficulties, without a complete and well thought out business plan, complete in its content and approach, it is simply impossible to achieve financing for any development. Naturegate has developed financial models in sustainable development projects for over ten years. An entire project from pre-construction to seven-ten year operation costs are projected and packaged for insertion into a business plan. Different investment scenarios are analyzed and investor ROI models are developed in relation with a debt/equity solution. Risk and Reward Analysis are performed for market risks as well as currency fluctuations and repatriation of invested capital. Naturegate projects are both environmentally and culturally sustainable while being financially sustainable as well. See Project Example: Tiamo Earthkind Resort.
Principle VII - Project Management/Operational Management
Naturegate continues to support projects throughout all stages of development. We share our experience in project construction and operational management with our clients so that projects and managers are afforded the opportunity to learn as the project proceeds. Undoubtedly, the toughest time for a business is the first twelve to twenty months. To overcome the difficulties in this period Naturegate can stay on as project managers during the construction and/or operational stages. Naturegate will hire, train and develop staff. Managers are trained directly by Naturegate. Naturegate performs operating oversight in sales, marketing and reservations. Conceptual designs are tested and refined for greater efficiency and customer satisfaction. Naturegate monitors and evaluates each project for analysis. To monitor progress, an executive summary is written for staff, management and owners/investors. |
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