Costa Rica: More Bureaucracy in Tourism

Arguing that they would "give muscle" to the state in managing the sector, a proposal has been made to add a Ministry of Tourism to the current Costa Rican Tourism Institute, a move which has been firmly opposed by employers.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The private sector is concerned that the proposed bill to create a Ministry of Tourism to operate alongside the current Institute of Tourism, will mean that State funds that are used to promote the country as a tourist destination will be diverted.

The initiative furthermore suggests creating a Tourism Advisory Council, which would include private and public participation, and a Joint Advisory Council of Small and Medium Enterprises (Advisory Council for Small Businesses) with various ministries and chambers, and integrating the Minister of Tourism into the Governing Council of the Development Banking System  (SBD by its initials in Spanish).

"What is sought it is to give muscle to the public sector of tourism, as currently other ministries have no obligation to check some things. This was said yesterday by the Christian Socialist deputy and chairman of the Special Permanent Committee on Tourism, Luis Vasquez," reported Nacion.com.
 
"...Gustavo Araya, president of CCH, said the project has a lot of inaccuracies and creates a number of committees and two deputy ministers, which detracts power from the minister."

Editorial commentary: It should be explained to the state deputy proposing the law that it is difficult to convert executive fat into muscle.

¿Busca soluciones de inteligencia comercial para su empresa?



More on this topic

Costa Rica: Tourism is "in the Background"

March 2015

The limited political strength of the current Minister of the department is preventing industry demands from being addressed and priority given to the sector in the government's strategy.

Representatives from the tourism industry argue that they have been given a back seat because they are not given the necessary priority in government policies.

Panama: Modernized Tourism Plan Urged

February 2015

In order to achieve maximum growth potential and position themselves as a major destination in the region, it is imperative to update the Master Plan for Tourism, developed in 2007.

In the view of tourism enterprises, some of the factors that need to be strengthened are related to the creation of a plan to boost tourism products, work with indigenous regions to boost tourism in these areas, update sector priorities and above all to create the concept of clusters, "... conglomerates which form a more integrated tourist circuit."

Costa Rica: Sales Tax on Tourism to be Reviewed

August 2014

After complaints from the sector about the adverse implications of taxing tourism services in protected areas, the government has announced that they proposal will be revised.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) announced it will support a reform of the regulations recently proposed by the finance ministry, which sought to impose a 13% sales tax on tourism activities carried out in protected areas.

Tourist Destination Clusters in El Salvador

April 2012

As part of the proposal for Fomilenio II, the government has announced several projects for creating a nucleus of attractions in various parts of the coastal zone.

Among the plans for the development program FOMILENIO II using funds from the U.S., the National Institute of Tourism is promoting the creation of tourist development as part of a strategy that aims to increase tourist visits and create more jobs for the sector.

ok


Costa Rica ECO-Residential Development & Business

Real Estate Development & Adventure Park Jacó, Costa Rica. Multiple Investment Opportunities Available.
The Ocean Ranch eco-residential development is located...

Stock Indexes

(Apr 6)
Dow Jones
-5.60%
S&P 500
-5.10%
Nasdaq
-5.64%

Commodities

(Jan 21)
Brent Crude Oil
87.070
Coffee "C"
237.55
Gold
1,836
Silver
24.26