1.32 million tourists visited Costa Rica in the first half of the 2013 │ Costa Developers

Costa Rica Tourist

The average number of tourists visiting the country reached about 2 million or more.

During the first half of 2013 was recorded income of 1.32 million visitors, this represents an increase in comparison with the previous year, according to information provided by the Costa Rican Institute of tourism (ICT).

The majority of these visitors, entered the country through the Juan Santamaria international airport, the main of the country, secondly the most important port of entry is the Daniel Oduber airport, which is located in Liberia, Guanacaste, the other remaining entered through the land borders, Peñas Blancas with Nicaragua and Paso Canoas (Panama).

Through the airport Juan Santa Maria between the months of January and June entered 678 491 tourists, this represents an increase of 3.5% compared to 2012, when they entered 655 530.

In accordance with the General Directorate of migration and aliens, the month with the lower income of tourists is may.

The Minister of tourism, Allan Flores, said that one of the most important aspects of this study is that markets including China, Mexico, Brazil and the United Kingdom emerged. The Costarican Institute of tourism

made efforts to attract tourists to the country, among them the airline alliances, for example those that were signed with Chinese airlines to offer better access to the country.

Tourists coming from Europe also have more convenient transportations through the opening of airlines such as Iberia, which offers direct flights to Madrid.

Notwithstanding that the number of tourists increased, not generated increased hotel occupancy, this is due to two factors, one of them is the competition that exists in the apartments or beach residences for rent, and one of them is the decline in the length of stay of tourists.

Flores hopes that growth for the second half of 2013 is similar to the numbers estimated by the World Tourism Organization, which would represent a 3% to 4%

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New #tourism partnerships between #Costa Rica and #China │ #costadevelopers

#china and #costarica

Commercial alliances with China have increased in the Government of President Laura Chinchilla.

The Minister of tourism of Costa Rica, Allan Flores said in recent days from Beijing was signed a memorandum on air cooperation between China and Costa Rica with which it seeks to increase Chinese tourism to Costa Rica.

Initiative pursues the increase at four times the number of visitors from China in the next three years. According to the goal intends to spend 12 thousand current Chinese per year to 50 000 in 2016.

The Minister indicated that this establishes a line of air cooperation which was signed in August of last year and which was given validity in President Laura Chinchilla's recent trip to Beijing.

This agreement is beneficial for those airlines that fly between the two countries, through the major cities of the United States, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.

"In the absence of direct air links between China and Costa Rica, something that is technically very difficult due to the long distance (as with almost all Latin America), this type of links seek to stimulate the arrival of Chinese tourists," said.

For example, developing travel packages that include Costa Rica as a destination added to U.S. cities already very popular among travelers from China, said Flores.

The country is currently in search of a profile of specific tourist, those who travel frequently outside of China, and have for favorite destinations, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Viet Nam.

The country wants to be shown as a safe destination, suitable to enjoy eco-tourism, bird watching, and other adventure activities.

This is part of the plan for the diversification of the attraction of tourism in Costa Rica, since this activity is usually promoted to countries like United States, Canada and the European Union; however the country now seeks to attract to the Asian region.

During his visit to China, the Costa Rican delegation, which also includes the Deputy Minister of transport, Ana Cristina Jenkins, met with leaders of three of the major airlines in the country (Air China, China Eastern and Hainan Airlines) and the director of the administration of Civil Aviation, Li Jiaxiang.

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#CostaRica will have a new country brand in August │ #costadevelopers

The country does joint work to promote tourism and achieve a greater attraction of visitors to level int.

The launch of the brand new country scheduled is for the month of August, this new product will integrate culture, idiosyncrasies, climate of business and human talent that exist in Costa Rica.

To define a profile of the brand country conducted several focus group which sought to consolidate the vision of Costa Rica, inward and the rest of the world.

Managers perform this product were the promoter (Procomer) foreign trade and the Ministry of foreign trade (Comex).

The cost for the development and validation of these processes has reached the $450 000 according to Procomer.

Minister of foreign trade, Anabel González, without advancing to the details of the launch, said that this product will be very valuable to position outside Costa Rica.

"The idea is that you can cover the efforts from the commercial point of view, investment, and tourism. It is a need that exists," said Gonzalez.

The definition of the brand country has been an intense work with the support of other companies who have already developed other brands country to others internationally.

Jorge Sequeira, Procomer Manager, indicated that he is a tool of marketing, which possibly will generate a higher profit in the country in terms of perception and positioning.

Other countries have had to invest large sums of money in the tourist positioning, for example Colombia invested $12 million.

Country brand is a tool that helps entrepreneurs in the country, therefore great expectations generated in the business associations.

Juan Ramón Rivera, the President of the Chamber of industries, said that it is also necessary to create discipline in environmental issues and quality.

"Is a very important effort with the seriousness of the case. All studies have been made and it is a very important proposal. If we it put on an international level we see very fortunate", said.

The creation of the brand country represents a challenge for Costa Rica, because it will have to do everything necessary to comply with this profile. The community expects in August for details.

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53 Costa Rican companies are part of the global code of ethics for tourism

Adherence to this code is done on a voluntary basis, despite its scope is not legally binding.

53 enterprises of the tourism industry of the country, signed last week a document where are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism development operation.

The code of ethics world tourism is part of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and has 10 ethical principles, which integrated from components of economic, social and environmental practices into their operations.

The Minister of tourism of Costa Rica said that this code of ethics is intended to help the tourism sector expand more and more the benefits of their industry and also to minimize any negative impact that this can generate.

"This is a further step in the consolidation of a leading tourist market in the Americas region.

Other objectives is maximize the benefits for the residents of the local destinations," Allan Flores told the newspaper El Financiero.

The 53 companies that signed this code as a result will receive benefits directly from the UNWTO, as its logo, and other details will be published on its website, which obviously provides large-scale publicity, as well as in the middle of a press publication writing and communications of the organization.

Within the benefits also is to be invited to participate and share best practices that are in accordance with the implementation of the code, whether in conferences and international events.

Some of the companies that joined together form part of the Guild of hotels, car rentals, travel agencies and tourist operators; these companies accepted membership free and established principles as standards for their businesses.

Within the practices are integrated also issues such as the code of conduct against Commercial Sexual exploitation of girls, children and adolescents, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).

To integrate this principle companies commit to implement measures related to the protection of minors from sexual exploitation affecting countries tourist image.

The integration of these companies came on day 13-15 may within the framework of the 55 meeting of the UNWTO Commission which was held in Costa Rica.

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Participate in rural tourism in Costa Rica during your holiday

The majority of tourists that visit Costa Rica have opted to go to the places most striking and popular in the country, but the rural tourism has taken boom in recent times.

A new kind of tourism develops and extends throughout the country: Rural tourism, where promoting small and micro-enterprise sectors of the country that are far from major tourist hot spots.

These centers offer tourist activities involving the community and their economic activities, largely managed by families.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) offers a certification for these businesses of rural tourism that formalizes its operations. The certification provides benefits with respect to the promotion of your business, credibility and the improvement of quality of service standards.

Although rural tourism is still an option that keeps the public skeptical still, according to data from the ICT in 2008 approximately 3.5% of the tourists who visited the country opted for experience in these centers, however the number has increased significantly, as the year 2012 this was 10.5%.

Currently in the country, there are some 21 tourist companies certified by the ICT, however the National Chamber of tourism community (CANTURURAL) has a few members 31.

Rural tourism has a direct impact with community development, the promotion of the history of the town and their economic activities. The arrival of tourists also obliges public institutions to offer better services to such areas.

For example, 50% of the associations surveyed claimed to have made efforts to improve dial-up, 48% has made negotiations and contributions to the improvement of roads, health services 43% and 36% has cooperated for the improvement of public education.

One of the benefits of rural tourism is the generation of employment, CANATURURAL indicated in prior information that this activity generates approximately 1500 jobs per year.

Rural areas away from the common and popular resorts are a great choice to live a unique experience during your vacation in the country.

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Enjoy Costa Rica during the spring break

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During the spring break, thousands of young people and their families travel around the world to take advantage of the break of the universities

Costa Rica tourism industry prepares for the spring break 2013 season, the period of recess for universities and many departing to vacation during this time around the world, certainly thousands of tourists choose to Costa Rica as the perfect destination for holidays.

With an influx of 2 million tourists a year, hotels, lodging facilities and other places of accommodation and adventure are prepared for the arrival of hundreds of tourists during this period.

During the month of March and April, the climate of Central American paradise stays warm, one of the hottest periods of the year, perfect for adventure activities like canopy, horseback riding, visit the beaches, mountains and national parks that are kept open waiting for visitors.

Many people take advantage of this holiday season to take a look at the industry of real estate in the country. Family holidays are ideal to consult professionals along the coasts and mountains are your best choice to continue vacationing in paradise.

Coast Developers offers an opportunity for investment and fun that you may not pass. Once or twice a year to visit Costa Rica, stay in their own home with a value of $ 1 million, with total assistance and comfort at a fraction of the price.

The Central Pacific region is one of the most visited and tourism of Costa Rica, in its surrounding areas are great attractions as Manuel Antonio National Park, the marina Los Sueños Resort, restaurants of high luxury, local, own the region's trade and adventure in the air such as cataracts, hiking and more.

Brake spring holidays are ideal for fall for Costa Rica and think about property investment roots, you will not pay more lodging and you can visit the country wherever you want!

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Worldwide tourism will grow 4 percent this year to

Costa Rica continues to be a country very visited by tourists from around the world

For the first time globally, international tourist arrivals reached 1 billion (1,035 million) during the year 2012, according to an initial advance of the World Tourism Barometer, exhibited by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) in the framework of the international tourism fair (Fitur).

The World Tourism Organization expects for the 2013 world tourism growth between 3% and 4%, figures that match the predictions made by the Organization to obtain an average of annual growth of 3.8% in the decade from 2010 to 2020.

Data indicate that the fastest-growing tourist region was the Pacific and Asia, who won a 7% increase in arrivals of tourists compared to the 2011. Southeast Asia is the sub-region with better results (9% increases) due to regional tourism promotion policies.

The following region with greatest increase in tourism demand is Africa (6%) with a record of 52 millions of

data from the sub-region of Middle East international tourist arrivals were the only ones in the world that remained in red, however, improved by 2%, after having reached a growth of - 7% during 2011.

Meanwhile, Europe remains the most visited region of the world with 535 million arrivals of tourists (51% of the world). The Mainland had a total increase of 3%, where France and Italy recorded a decline in tourism (- 7% to - 2% correspondingly).

America recorded a total of 162 million tourists, an increase of 6 million (4%) compared with 2011. The most visited sub-region is Central America (4%), while South America dropped 9% that maintained the 2011 to a 4%

For Costa Rica, the data are encouraging, since according to the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism depending on the country received to September of 2012 around 1,800,000 tourists, being the number of the last registered quarter arrivals (513.513) higher from the same period in 2011 (485.067).

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New hotels will open in Costa Rica over the next two years

The occupation of tourists in Costa Rica could increase in the next as it will increase the offer for visitors.

The influx of tourists in Costa Rica reaches more than two million visitors annually and the tourist community has had to go is adapting to this increase offering visitors new, comfortable, luxurious and affordable stay services.

The Costa Rican Institute of tourism recently announced that the country will expand its hotel capacity in 1309 quarters, which will happen after December 2013 and up to November 2014.

For the year of the 2010 Costa Rica had 715 43 hotel rooms and this figure increased in 2011 reaching 44 307. By 2012 the country already had 45 531 hotels, an increment of 1 816 rooms during this period, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

Hermes Navarro, Manager at the Costa Rican Institute of tourism, the scene promises to be positive and tourism authorities also see as promising eyes increase in the quarters.

In spite of this, the President of the Chamber of hotels, Rubén Pacheco, not whole panorama is positive, while new hotels open, about 20 small hotels have closed in the past two years in the country.

The hotel capacity in Costa Rica is known worldwide, and on many occasions was also honored for quality and luxury services that exist in most areas of the country, both on the coast and in the mountainous regions.

In the country, the capacity has been the tourism community to provide visitors with the possibilities of the highest comfort and luxury in harmony with nature until the possibility of lodging in areas of lower impact tourist with a type of rural tourism.

A chance to stay in Costa Rica is the system of fractional ownership offering Costa Developers, luxurious family residences where you will feel comfortable and cared for throughout your stay; to lower costs and also be owner of his faction until you want it, an excellent possibility to their fingertips.

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Costa Rica will see an increase in the sale of commercial properties

Costa Rica Real Estate indicates that it has been an interest of investors for commercial properties in the country.

Costa Rica Real Estate, entity of real estate in the country indicated that foreign investors not only seek properties of rest and pleasure, but have also shown great interest in the purchase of commercial real estate.

Investors are increasingly seeking a diversification of its business, adding to its portfolio of properties, those of commercial type, which generates an important benefit for Costa Rica in terms of popularity internationally and market growth.

"Almost daily we receive calls from investors seeking to invest in commercial properties, including hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses," mentions Costa Rica Real Estate sales manager Jerad Portner.

This not only indicates that there are many business possibilities and opportunities for persons seeking re located in the country, but is also a sign that the easy access to the Costa Rican market has allowed foreigners see the country a source of income and a place to live in retirement.

Some of the factors that attract more investors are the fact that Costa Rica meet unique conditions and possibilities for their businesses to grow and thrive in the country, among the most significant factors are: a high standard of living with a wide expectation, excellent medical conditions, pleasant temperatures and its educational system.

Also plays a role in this phenomenon of business purchase, the closeness that exists in Costa Rica with many cities in the United States, for example, short flights and almost daily that has been growing by several airlines allow investors living only a few hours of its business establishments, easy access and reception afforded to foreigners also stimulates these purchases.

Costa Developers offers you the possibility of acquiring a property in one of the country's major tourist areas, if you seek to become a businessman in Costa Rica, this mode is of great benefit, because you'll save money if you purchase a property that you can use some times a year, without assuming the total cost and not pay high hotel bills whenever you comes to the country to oversee your business.

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Costa Rica inaugurates the international tourism fair in Spain

Participation of the country in the international fair of tourism promises to attract thousands of European visitors to Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican Institute of tourism participated this past weekend 30 January and up to February 3, the 33 edition of the international fair of tourism (FIT) which was held in Madrid, Spain.

During the event around 9000 companies that came from some 167 countries in the world; about 25 national companies in the tourism sector led by the Costa Rican Institute of tourism were presented natural and cultural attractions that attempted to delight visitors.

The most important charter of Costa Rica has been the subject of sustainable tourism, which forms part of a strategic plan that was carried out by the Secretariat of Central American integration, which has sought to the achievement of international cooperation projects, for quality and sustainability initiatives.

The Minister of tourism, Allan Flores believes that it is important to promote Costa Rica as a model of responsible and sustainable tourism, which will improve their position in markets such as Europe and Asia.

While the majority of tourists visiting the country come from the United States and Canada, the European market is important for Costa Rica, as Spain for example generated revenue of up to $ 49 million in 2011.

In the same year also recorded an income of approximately 47.782 Spanish tourists, which spent on average $117 daily newspapers.

European tourists show a great interest in the subject of eco-tourism, one of the most innovative of performing factors tourism in Costa Rica, not only the country is has earned a reputation for its arduous environmental conservation, but also a valuable in a tourist population space increasingly demanding and aware.

In last year Costa Rica booth at the fair, received more than 20,000 tourists and it is expected that this year the number of potential visitors has increased, although numbers for this edition have not been revealed yet.

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Authorities will allocated 350 million colones for the strengthening of tourist police

Costa Rican Institute of tourism and the Ministry of public security join forces to strengthen the safety of the tourists.

The Ministry of public security and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism alliance seeks to create a safer environment for all tourists visiting the main touristic destinations in Costa Rica.

Over the next few years, the Government will allocate 350 million colones ($700K) to be distributed as part of the new cooperation agreement signed by both entities.

Allan Flores, Tourism Minister, said this partnership seeks to strengthen the image of the country as a safe tourist destination.

"This strategic alliance has been of vital importance for the country, since as part of these agreements, the Ministry of public security has increased the number of members of the tourist police to ensure that they are distributed in the most important of the country tourist areas, ensuring as well as an environment safe, specialized for domestic and foreign tourists care", said Flores.

At the same time, the Minister of public safety, Mario Zamora, said that there is a commitment of the police with people who visit Costa Rica, either national or foreigners, and this promotes further investment to the country. "A safe country is an attractive country that generates investment and development and from the Chinchilla Miranda administration we are seriously committed to the safety of Costa Ricans and foreigners," said Zamora.

Some of the elements that will be strengthened and/or contributed to the tourist police are: new Walkie-Takies, uniforms, four-wheel vehicles and mountain motorcycles, among others.

Police officers currently working in the tourism sector also will participate in training programs, which promises a transformation of the tourist police in a much more professional Guild, is also expected to receive the visit of foreign professionals who collaborate with the process of professionalization of the tourist police in the country for the coming months.

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Costa Rica in the top 10 of trade and tourism of Latin America and the Caribbean

Costa Rica within the top 10 of the countries at international level in the field of tourism and trade, according to the international consulting firm Bloom Consulting.

Currently the Central American country is located in post 72 with respect to tourism and ranked 84 in trade, internationally; Mexico is also located within the list at the top (16), Argentina (40) and Brazil (47).

The study argues that Costa Rica has been a country with very stable economy and that keeps it at the top, above competitors in the region such as Panama (74), Ecuador (83), but also it needs to improve to be able to compete with strong brands country like Colombia, which is ranked (69).

According to the signature consultant, the country should invest more in defining a strategy that optimizes their searches through the internet. Brand country of Costa Rica is currently focused on its natural beauty and its coasts, but Blooming suggests that also seeks attraction in the oceans, beach activities and "relaxation" mode are aspects that can strengthen its position.

On the issue of trade, the leaders of Latin America are Brazil in the post 11, Mexico, 25 and Chile in the number 33. Costa Rica ranked 84 worldwide and 10 in Latin America, it has demonstrated a very strong economy with competitive levels of growth in the region.

One of the factors that are taken into account in the ranking performed by Blooming, are the hospital industry and real estate, which encourages the Central American country to stand out and compete with others in the region such as Panama and Dominican Republic. The consultant mentioned that for Costa Rica the future is promising if it maintains its levels of growth.

The efforts of the authorities of tourism and foreign trade in the coming months with the brand country could make sure the country is located within the top five positions in Latin America and e Caribbean in the next study.

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Fishing licenses can now be obtained online

The fishing Costa Rica Institute opened an online site for the processing and payment of licenses for fishing in the country.

Sport fishing is one of the favorite of thousands of foreign and domestic tourist’s activities taking them into the deep waters of Costa Rica every year.

Currently licenses to practice this sport may be obtained and paid through a web page; you can use this service both, responsible for tourism companies as well as fans themselves.

Prior to this innovation, fishing licenses had to be obtained at the offices of the Costa Rican Institute of fishing, but this process will live a significant change that will improve procedures for those interested in visiting the country on a journey of fishing.

Roger Lopez of INCOPESCA mentioned users who register through of web page may add to other people, which mean that a person in charge, whether to be in Costa Rica and its other users abroad, may process licenses for each of them for their journey.

Fishing licenses have a value of $15 for valid for 8 days, $30 used a whole month and $50 for valid licenses for one year. These rates correspond to foreign as citizens.

Near Costa Developers projects is located the tourist complex Los Sueños Resort and Marina, one of the most ostentatious projects in Central America, where you can enjoy not only lots of amenities for your vacation, but very close to a marina for luxury, where thousands of tourists on board for high seas fishing tours during all the year.

Authorities and angling experts have dubbed the Central Pacific as one of the best areas for fishing, in regions like Quepos, and Herradura; also in the sector of tamarind in the North Pacific. In the country you can fish, Marlin, Mahi, Rooster and other fruits of the sea.

If you cannot access internet website, the documents are still available at the offices of INCOPESCA. To obtain these permissions via online go to http://www.incopesca.go.cr/carnets/tramites/solicitud.aspx

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$1.4 million in improvements for Manuel Antonio National Park

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Environment Minister René Castro announced that the Costa Rican government will invest $1.4 million in improving the popular tourist destination Manuel Antonio National Park, located in the Pacific province of Puntarenas.

The funds will be used to make improvements to the infrastructure of the park – one of the most visited in Costa Rica – to better serve visitors, starting next year.

In 2011, Manuel Antonio received some 318,000 tourists, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board.

During the announcement, officials from the Social Protection Council presented a lottery ticket for the Nov. 4 drawing, with a design made to commemorate the park’s 40th anniversary.

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President of Costa Rica seeks investments in China.

Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rican president, seeks to increase the country's exports and encourage foreign investment on her visit to China and South Korea.

The first day of tour, the President of Costa Rica met with Chinese businessmen to discuss the advantages of the country as a destination for investment and tourism.

In turn, oriental companies have agreed to start negotiations to invest in a photovoltaic plant in our country. Trade with China shows an increasing trend in the last 10 years, with an average annual growth rate of 37.7%.

Costa Rica is an important place in terms of quality of life of its population, and various analyzes is that mark Costa Rica as one of the happiest countries in the world. It is a country that has driven the development of its population and also the harmony with their environment. This also represents a competitive advantage as it has skilled labor.

The forum was also attended by ministers of Foreign Trade and Tourism, who presented details of the infrastructure, economy, education, geography, tourist attractions and even the climate of our country, all with the aim of expanding the knowledge that Asians have on Costa Rica.

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