Cecropia Travel was founded by Jack Emery, who previously managed a turtle rescue centre in Costa Rica. It is named after a group of trees found in the Central American country – the favourite food of one of its most famous inhabitants, the sloth.
Emery hopes to work with agents selling ground-only tailor-made arrangements with – if their clients wish – a conservation and volunteering element. Itineraries can also include focuses on wellness, the rainforest and scuba diving, with most offering premium accommodation options.
Explaining to TTG how he came to launch the venture, Emery said: “I moved to the north of the country where there were a lot of Europeans and Americans, but not many Brits.
"I asked how I could attract them here – I wanted to show them how amazing Costa Rica is while keeping it sustainable and conservation-led through my contacts in the conservation industry."
Emery believes the brand will fill a gap in the market. “When you think of volunteering, you think of backpacking and accommodation that’s not great. I wanted to make it accessible to those with a bit more money. It’s all tailor-made.
"I believe we’re unique; on one hand you, have volunteer backpacking for younger people, and on the other, normal tailor-made itineraries – but I don’t think the two cross over that much. Plus, I’ve lived in Costa Rica for six years, and travelled here extensively.”
Cecropia was launched with support from The King’s Trust, which besides its work with disadvantaged young people, helps anyone aged 18-30 start their own businesses. “They give you a mentor – mine had her own school group operator business in the US that she had sold,” Emery revealed.
“They also put you in touch with experts in SEO, advertising and digital marketing, and gave me money for public liability insurance.”
Cecropia’s packages start at around £3,200pp (ground-only), and include accommodation and breakfast, excursions and conservation fees. The brand will work on a commission basis with agents.
