Between October and November, the number of visitors from the US quadrupled, from 6,000 to 24,000, a rise reported in the context of the economic reopening and the reactivation of commercial flights.
The 24,606 Americans who arrived in the country during November, represent a little more than a quarter of the visits from the US registered in the same month of 2019, informed the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
As a result of the covid19 outbreak, Costa Rica closed its borders to tourism and during April and May practically no visitors entered the country, a situation that will persist in the coming months due to the slow reactivation of the sector.
In order to mitigate the advance of the virus, by means of a government decree the authorities ordered that as of March 18 only Costa Ricans and residents could enter the country.
Refinancing the debts of tourism companies, reviewing the exchange rate policy so that the country is not a very expensive destination and recovering the category of aviation security are some of the actions that the government should focus on to prevent the bankruptcy of this sector.
In addition to the millions of investments that have been made in this sector, it is very important for the country because according to official figures for 2019, its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product amounts to about 7%.
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.
One of the most relevant sectors for the Costa Rican economy is declared in "Total Emergency and State of Calamity", as it is the first time in the "zero" season that total income ceases.
The Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) stated that all State institutions, Powers of the Republic, Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Institutions, as well as Municipalities throughout the country, are required to collaborate in the broadest and most expeditious manner within the framework that the serious reality demands, in order to alleviate the situation of the Private Tourism Sector.
Within the framework of the national emergency declared by the government due to the crisis of the covid19, the decision was taken to suspend from March 19 to April 12, 2020, the entry of foreigners to the country.
In the case of flights, a decree instructs that from this Wednesday March 18 from 23:59 until 23:59 Sunday April 12, 2020 only Costa Ricans and residents may enter the country, explains a statement from the Ministry of Health.
At the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018, touristic companies in Nicaragua were reporting a good performance, but the political situation in the country has generated a crisis that is still unsolved.
In 2017, tourism generated $840 million in revenue for the Nicaraguan economy, 31% more than in 2016, growth that improved the companies' expectations at the beginning of the year, since in the first quarter of 2018 the forecasts were that by the end of this year revenues could reach $900 million.
In the first half of the year 1.4 million tourists visted the country, only 1.7% more than in the same period in 2014.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
In the first six months of the year, our country received 1,415,046 international arrivals; that is, more than 23,429 tourists entered through all ports, according to data provided by the Directorate General of Immigration (DGME) and analyzed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
In Costa Rica the union is opposed to the decision of the Ministry of Finance to charge 13% VAT on tourism enterprises for the use of protected areas.
From a statement issued by the National Chamber of Tourism:
Wednesday July 23, 2014. Perceiving it as a serious threat to the tourism industry, the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) categorically rejects the decision of the Ministry of Finance to extend the interpretation of Article 1, Section C of the General Sales Act, which taxes, with 13 % Value Added Tax on all State Protected Wild Areas, considering them to be provision of recreation services.
Missing or false information encourages consumers who are defrauded, to be mislead, especially with regards to vacation plans.
Reports have been made of huge losses worldwide due to scams related to vacation plans due to lack of tourist information and false advertising.
More than 42 consumer protection agents in Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Oceania will meet at the Forum entitled 'Improving Consumer Protection in a Global Economy', which is taking place in Panama until October 11.
Go Blue Central America is an interactive map to share with the rest of the world the uniquiness and authenticity of the marine and coastal areas of Central America.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Geographic (NatGeo) presented "Go Blue Central America", an interactive map on the internet designed to promote tourism in the Isthmus.
Some 220 international companies from 37 countries and 300 national entrepreneurs will present their tourist packages.
"The work done in recent years has resulted in approximately 100,000 tourists annually, which allows us to indicate that EXPOTUR has brought more that $ 600 million to Costa Rica, and contributed to job creation between 120,000 to 150 thousand positions," said Yadyra Simon, president of Acoprot to Nacion.com .
Real Estate Development & Adventure Park Jacó, Costa Rica. Multiple Investment Opportunities Available. The Ocean Ranch eco-residential development is located...