Faces of Tourism: Discovering the power of cocoa in Limón

George Grant Ebanks grew up inspired by agriculture, especially by cocoa, since a lifetime saw his father grow it on the 20-hectare family farm, located in Santa Rosa de Limón. However, his passion for dedicating himself to farm work arose many years later.

Before that, George worked in marketing for different companies, being one of the most important people in promoting movies and a recognized voice on national radio. However, a few years ago he decided to take on the challenge of the family business despite not knowing it and never having entered that world, but his effort, work and knowledge led him to form what we know today as: G&E Chocolate Adventure Company, a company located in downtown Limón, in front of the Japdeva cruise terminal.

“The cocoa farm was started by my grandfather in 1948. Then my father continued working on it and now me. The phrase that says: 'opportunity is in our roots' has been a reality, it is a legacy that has given me the opportunity to generate an income and reconnect with my culture”, says George.

Grant explains that the experience they offer through tourist tours includes knowing the entire process involved in transforming cocoa into chocolate, together with its by-products, allowing them to turn it into an attraction for visitors, since it is tasted and prepared with travelers, who enjoy a exfoliation with roasted ground cocoa.

Precisely, his work in the tourism industry allowed Grant to participate in the photographic and audiovisual series "Faces of Tourism", developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) in June and until September, an initiative created to show from another perspective the of some of the thousands of outstanding human faces that drive the national tourism industry.

George's story is shared this August 31 on the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.

George has an enormous passion for his roots and that is why he has created a cultural space in the center of Limón so that people can get to know and buy his products made from cocoa on the ground floor of the building where his business is located. .

Then, when they go up the stairs, they begin to enter a world full of culture, surrounded by art from the area, a small library full of books and photographs of unique characters from Limón. For George, it is important to provide spaces in which Limonians and all tourists can educate themselves and learn about the culture of their roots, which is why he also has a radio program on a local station to share experiences and topics that educate and enrich the locals.

Gastronomic tourism

For Grant, tourism and gastronomy are opportunities to improve the quality of life. “The best part of our tours is when clients have their mouths full of unique sensations for their palate that we can provide with the resources of our own farm. Ours is a mixture of agriculture, gastronomy and cultural heritage”, she points out.

He even sends out an invitation to those who have not yet enjoyed his tour: “You have to come try. There is no place in Costa Rica with the flavors, smells, and colors of Limón's gastronomy, which combines ingredients and traditions from many ethnic groups and cultures that make Puerto Limón so special. The products are unique, fresh, nutritious and fill the stomach and soul as if it were his grandmother who cooked for him”.

Source: ICT