COSTA RICA TOURISM STAYS STRONG Tourism Arrivals Increase Despite Global Uncertainties
Released on: July 10, 2008, 3:01 pm
Press Release Author: Costa Rica Tourist Board
Industry: Government
Press Release Summary: Costa Rica tourist arrivals by air grew 15.6%. The international tourism industry grew five percent in the first four months of 2008 according to latest edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer. Costa Rica among the fastest growth in region.
Press Release Body: SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, July 9, 2008 - According to the latest edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, in spite of uncertainties posed by the global economy, the international tourism industry grew five percent in the first four months of 2008, compared to the same period of 2007. Nevertheless, Costa Rica reported double-digit growth rates in international tourist arrivals according to the June 2008 edition of the report. The Costa Rica Tourist Board has stated that during the first five months of 2008, the country experienced a growth in tourism arrivals by air of 15.6%. Furthermore, Costa Rica has not experienced a reduction in international flight carriers, a situation that has occurred in other countries in the region. "We are pleased that Costa Rica is included in the most dynamic regions that reported a growth in the number of international tourist arrivals," said Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. "This encourages us to continue strengthening our promotional efforts in our main markets to lessen the repercussions of this global economic imbalance due to high oil prices," added Benavides.
The UNWTO announced that all sub-regions posted positive results in the first months of 2008, with a modest growth in Europe. The fastest growth was in Central and South America and in the Middle East. Among the destinations that reported doubled-digit growth rates are Chile, China, Costa Rica, Japan and Peru, among others.
Benavides attributes this increase in figures to a couple of factors-first, not only does the U.S. dollar still goes a long way in Costa Rica, but it provides travelers great value for their traveling dollar; secondly, Costa Rica's proximity to major hubs in the United States and the multitude of flight options makes it easy for travelers to vacation in Costa Rica; and thirdly, the heightened awareness of the environment and increase in travel to natural areas has positioned Costa Rica as a top destination for ecotourism and sustainable travel.
Costa Rica boasts thousands of kilometers of pristine beaches, lush rainforests and some of the world's most biologically intense and diverse places. Although the tiny country accounts for just 0.01% of the earth's surface, its rich land is home to an astounding 3% of the world's biodiversity, and its waters contains 3.5% of the world's marine life.
The UNWTO foresees a positive tourism growth for the rest of the year and has pointed that despite the low consumer confidence indices, international tourism has proved its resistances to similar circumstances in the past and able to cope with the future challenges.
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About Costa Rica Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, and bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. This small country represents only .01 % of the planet's surface and it shelters almost 4% of the existing world's biodiversity. It has given priority to the conservation of its natural resources, protecting 25% of its national territory through the creation of National Parks and other natural areas.
The country also offers world-class eco-tourism and adventure travel. The options are unlimited for any discriminating traveler: horseback riding on a secluded beach; hiking through the lush whispering greenery of a rainforest; having an exhilarating experience on a white-water rafting trip, observing the tropical forests from a canopy tour; surfing the blue waves of either coast; experiencing a quite, close encounter with different species of birds and wildlife; and enjoying the diverse culture and hospitality of the Ticos.
About the Costa Rica Tourist Board The Costa Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous institution of the State, responsible for regulating the tourism activity in Costa Rica and promoting Costa Rica's tourism attractions and destinations both at a national and international level. The Costa Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms, regulations, incentives and grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica's hotels, travel agencies, rental cars and other tourism organization and service provider.
For general travel or tourism information about Costa Rica, contact the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 1-866-267-8274 or visit their web site at www.visitcostarica.com.
FOR PRESS ONLY: For press inquiries, please contact 1-888-600-6806 or e-mail VisitCostaRicaPress@bm.com
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