Remembering Archie Fields, the Man Who Founded International Tourism to Costa Rica.
Does Rio Colorado Lodge or Sports Fishing Ring a Bell?
Archie Fields was an American who came to Costa Rica and fell in love with both the country and its people and wildlife.
He founded Rio Colorado Lodge, a place for most Americans to dive into the Costa Rican culture and do activities such as sportfishing and birdwatching.
Archie was also the founder of the Swiss Travel Agency, which nowadays is one of the largest travel agencies in the country, with many ongoing operations.
Archie was a family man and truly believed in some core values to apply both to his family and his organization to provide leadership and also give back to others
Integrate Your Family From the Start
Archie worked with his two brothers in Rio Colorado Lodge, and each one would take charge of a different area, whether it was operations, marketing, or management.
He believed business is like a family, and it’s best if looked upon as different members rather than one, so it can proceed faster.
Anita Fields, his wife, also worked with him for many years in the travel agency and helped him with quotes, tours, and lead management, and they made a good team together.
Listen to Your Customers
Archie believed that people had to deliver what customers were asking for, whether it was a service or a product.
He would not only sell an experience but also share it so that he could learn from his clients and provide them with a good memory.
Keep Innovating Even in Uncertain Times
He constantly thought of a way to innovate in difficult times; some of the disruptive things he attempted on doing was bring incentive American groups to Barra del Colorado for one purpose only (sports fishing), provide various access to get to his business (aerial, marine, car) so people could arrive in any way and also the personalization of tours based on client’s needs such as corporate events and couple’s retreats.
Always Give Back to the Community
Archie Fields ended up being a very successful individual in the tourism industry, but he always gave back to the country that opened its arms to him.
He learned from the army, which he attended to be there for others, and established a fund destined to a school in Barra Colorado, and also helped the various organizations in hand with the “Asociación de Damas Panameñas” in which his beloved wife was part of.