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.
In 2018, the number of international tourists who arrived in the countries of the region fell 2% compared to 2017, in contrast to the increases of 4% and 3% recorded in North and South America, respectively.
According to the report of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) presented on January 21, the results recorded last year in Central America are partly because of behavior in some countries, as in the cases of Panama and Nicaragua were recorded declines in tourism.
Among the causes identified are high operating costs and poor terminal infrastructure for tourists.
For the cruise season which begins on October 16 and ends on May 30, 2014 only 60 boats are expected to arrive at the port. Data provided by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), reveals that while in the 2008-09 season 127 cruise ships arrived, in the 2011-12 season only 71 came.
In September and October hoteliers reduce or close their operations due to the low levels of occupancy recorded at this time of year.
Many of these companies send their employees on training courses or terminate their contracts as occupancy levels in these two months are at the lowest of the year. "... The situation is even more difficult, as it is estimated that the average occupancy will fall to 35%, and less than 30% in many cases," reported Nacion.com.
During the mid-year holiday demand for accommodation decreased by 12% compared to the holidays in 2012, recording only 45.52% in occupancy by Costa Ricans.
From a statement issued by the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR):
Drop in hotel occupancy during mid-year holidays
• Demand decreased by 12 percentage points over the 2012 holiday.
• Occupation of domestic tourism was 45.52%.
Monteverde is a renowned destination for eco-tourism and adventure holidays which is home to more than 200 companies specialising in lodging, tours, entertainment, food and souvenir sales.
A statement from the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) reads:
In light of the poor condition of the road to Monteverde
• Hotels in the area are already seeing a significant drop in occupancy rates.
The cancellation of the FIFA U-17 Women's Football World Cup is a serious loss in many senses, but especially for the country's image and for the tourism sector in Costa Rica.
A statement from the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) reads:
Country loses showcase opportunity with the change of venue for the Under 17 Women's World Cup
In Costa Rica the current methods for keeping records about the number of tourist arrivals are inefficient, with differences in numbers of up to half a million.
Professionals in the tourism sector believe it is essential to incorporate new tools in order to generate more reliable data regarding the entry of tourists into the country.
3.9% fewer tourists entered the country by air in the 3rd quarter than in the same period of 2010, worrying the sector's business leaders.
A Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR in Spanish) press release states that it is worried about the fall in visitor numbers in the third quarter of 2011.
The storms that have hit Central America in last ten days have affected the sector which makes up 8% of GDP in the region.
As well as the decline in tourist arrivals, there are also substantial damages to infrastructure with collapsed roads and bridges, making it impossible to achieve growth targets set for this year.
A declaration of emergency status would have negative impact on the tourism industry due to poor image, the closure of credit lines and brakes being put on investment.
In response to a request by some representatives of the sector to declare a state of emergency, the major players in the industry have disputed the idea.
A press release states:
“The Tourism industry objects to application for declaration of state of emergency
The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) explained the negative effects of exchange rate in the tourism sector.
CANATUR's analysis determined that current exchange rate generates negative effects on the sector in four main areas: drastic changes in the rules of the exchange rate regime, loss of competitiveness in the tourism industry, planning difficulty due to high volatility and tariffs to exchange rate benefits.
Central American tourism was brought to its knees by the economic crisis and the A H1N1 virus, and is having a rough time getting back on feet.
All the countries of the region have suffered with less tourists and less revenue, in addition to lower quality tourists with reduced purchasing power.
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