# Tourism is the New Cocaine for Sierra Nevada Villagers By Andres Colmenares | Published 2007-03-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sierra-nevada-villagers-change-coca-for-tourism References: [eltiempo](http://www.eltiempo.com/vidadehoy/viajar/2007-03-08/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-3464638.html) & [emsolmecltda](http://www.emsolmecltda.com) Tired of the constant threats by guerrilla, drug dealers and paramilitary groups the “cocaleros” of the Sierra Nevada region, have replaced the coca plantings for lodging huts made of wood and palms. This plan, supported by the government, attracts hundreds of [local, european and american tourists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-hot-list) seeking different experiences of [interaction with nature and natives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indigenous-tourism). The villagers miss their lucrative business which gave them around US$ 900 monthly profit, but totally prefer the peace of their new work. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Eco-tourism:** The shift towards eco-tourism in Sierra Nevada presents an opportunity for businesses to offer sustainable lodging and nature-based experiences. - **Community-based Tourism:** The rise in community-based tourism in Sierra Nevada opens up possibilities for businesses to collaborate with local villagers and offer authentic cultural experiences. - **Alternative Income Sources:** The search for alternative income sources in Sierra Nevada highlights the potential for businesses to provide income-generating opportunities to local communities through tourism-related activities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Hospitality:** The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of eco-tourism in Sierra Nevada by offering eco-friendly accommodations and experiences. - **Tour Operators:** Tour operators can tap into the demand for community-based tourism in Sierra Nevada by organizing tours and experiences that provide authentic interactions with the local villagers. - **Sustainable Development:** The trend of alternative income sources in Sierra Nevada presents opportunities for businesses in the sustainable development sector to collaborate with local communities and create mutually beneficial solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tourism Energy Villages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-government.md) - [Artisanal Colombian Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacan-guaro.md) - [Sustainable Bamboo Tourism Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vlo-cuba.md) - [3D-Printed Cacao Waste Villages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cacao-eco-village.md) - [Authentic Amazonian Jungle Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jungle-tour.md) - [Cultural Travel Stays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adventure-homestay1.md) - [Conscientious Tourism Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/against-overtourism.md) - [Eco-Friendly Tourism Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominica.md) - [Regional Agricultural Export Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essential-costa-rica.md)