New health and hygiene protocols in the establishments and the commitment to attract national tourists in an environment where short trips will be preferred, are some of the trends predicted in the new "normality" that will come after the quarantine period.
Given the quarantines decreed by most governments worldwide, it is anticipated that the habits of tourists will change dramatically in the short and medium term, as the crisis of covid-19 will leave consequences among consumers.
In the 2019 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala fell back in the ranking, while the Dominican Republic was the only country that improved.
According to the report prepared by the World Economic Forum, during 2019 Costa Rica ranked 41 out of 140 countries. It was followed by Panama at box 47, the Dominican Republic at 73, Nicaragua at 91, Honduras at 94, Guatemala at 99 and El Salvador at 108.
Following 2017's 5% increase in the arrival of foreign tourists, the authorities foresee an increase of 6% for this year.
Regarding the figures on domestic tourism, authorities in the sector estimate that last year this item generated an economic spillover of about $2.122 million, an amount that they aim to exceed in 2018.
On May 25 and 26, a meeting of tourism companies from Central America will take place in Panama City, in which buyers from all over the world will take part.
The International Tourism Expo 2018 will be held at the ATLAPA Convention Center, in Panama City.
The meeting, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, will involve more than 160 international issuing wholesalers from Europe, North America and Latin America, with the aim of seeking service providers and tourism products.
Tailor made tourist packages, modifications in hotels, and learning the Mandarin language, are just some of the aspects that companies must work on in order to receive tourists from China.
The bilateral tourism promotion agreement signed between the governments of China and Panama, after they reestablished diplomatic relations in June 2017, involves much more than a simple framework to promote the arrival of tourists, but also contemplates the requirements that Panama must meet in order to be categorized as a country authorized to be visited by the citizens of China.
Businessmen from the Panamanian tourist sector welcome the arrival of Air China flights in March 2018, but consider it will be a challenge to attract a type of tourist that seems to prefer very different destinations than those offered by Central America.
In a region which for many years has specialized in serving North American tourists and more recently Europeans, preparing to provide the attention demanded by tourists from China will be a challenge, according to the Panamanian tourism entrepreneurs themselves.
A bill being prepared by the government proposes granting tax exemptions and other incentives on investments made in hotel infrastructure and other activities in the tourism sector.
Among the incentives included in the bill are a decrease in the payment of income tax, elimination of import taxes and"... charges on the sale of land for hotel construction."
Using the Pura Vida Wellness concept, Costa Rica intends to take advantage of a global market valued at $563 billion, with tourists whose average spending exceeds 130% of global average tourist spending.
The aim of the Costa Rican Institute is to develop this segment, which has great market potential, in order to diversify and consolidate the country's tourism supply.Global wellness tourism grew by 11% between 2013 and 2015, according to data from Global Wellness Tourism Economy.
During the event held in Panama, more than 1,800 business appointments took place between international wholesale buyers and tourism companies in the region.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama:
(Panama, May 29, 2017).EXPO TURISMO INTERNACIONAL 2017 received 11,960 visitors interested in the supply of tourism in Panama and the region, exceeding expectations for this year, announced the Organizing Committee of EXPO TURISMO INTERNACIONAL.
From June 19 to 23 companies working in convention tourism will be meeting in Antigua with international buyers and suppliers in order to develop business opportunities.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
Guatemala January 26, 2017.The Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT together with the Convention Bureau of Guatemala, announced that the City of Antigua Guatemala will host the Latin America Meetings and Incentives Travel Exchange, Lamite, from June 19 to 23.
From October 6 to 8 San Salvador will be hosting a regional tourism promotion fair, in which it is expected that 80 wholesalers from Europe, the US and South America will take part.
The eleventh edition of the event will be organized by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador and the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America.
On June 21 and 22 local and foreign tourist companies will be meeting to discuss issues such as using technology as a tool for promotion and hearing about successful experiences from other countries.
From a statement issued by the Tourism Authority of Panama:
The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) and the Panamanian Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR) will be holding from June 21 to 22 the first National Tourism Convention "Juntos por Panama" (CONATUR), to establish a strategy with all stakeholders in the sector, which will strengthen the country's tourism supply.
With the selection of the new logo and the slogan "Honduras: We are for you," the government is relaunching its international tourism promotion strategy.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of Honduras:
Artwork that symbolizes the Honduran map and also a cornucopia, has won the contest for Graphic Image for Honduras's Country Brand Image, promoted by the Government of the Republic whose award was celebrated in the Presidential Palace.
When it comes to making a choice, there is a clear preference by travelers for "green" hotels and tourism products, confirming that the sustainability of the tourism business only makes sense when the sustainability of the area is guaranteed.
In her blog in Elfinancierocr.com, Katiana Murillo highlights the growing preference of tourists worldwide for hotels which have environmentally friendly practices, even if it means paying higher rates.