Costa Rican Tourism Looks Ahead To Growth

Costa Rica currently receives the majority of their tourist arrivals from the Americas, with the top three nationalities visiting the country being from the US, Nicaragua and Canada. Tourism arrivals, after increasing from 1.72mn in 2006 to 2.15mn in 2008, dipped to 1.93mn in 2009. Arrival numbers are forecast by BMI to pick up in 2010 and grow at an average rate of 8% until the end of our forecast period in 2014. 
Health tourism also brings visitors to the country and it is an area where Costa Rica can continue to develop its infrastructure to tap further into this growing market. Already known as a destination for medical tourists, Costa Rica is now competing with newer destinations, such as Puerto Rico, for the millions of Americans, and other nationalities, who travel abroad for medical care. 
In the same vein as health tourism, Costa Rica is making retirement communities a priority to keep visitor numbers up. The country is targeting North American pensioners and is doing away with the red tape of residence permits, especially for those in good health. Tax exemptions on real estate and vehicles are also being offered. The campaign is being run by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. Meanwhile, the competitiveness ministry has already identified eight locations for retirement communities, focussing on areas with natural beauty, tourist attractions and in proximity to hospitals
Another tourism draw to Costa Rica is spa and well-being vacations. Costa Rica has been recognised by TripAdvisor users as one of the best places in Central and South America to enjoy spa getaways. Some areas that well-being tourists are targeting are the hot springs near the Arenal Volcano, the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula (home of yoga retreats) and the back to nature setting of the Central Valley region. The planned regeneration of the province of Limon, on the less frequently visited Caribbean coast, has the potential to put upward pressure on inbound tourism numbers. Puerto Limon was once the town of the United Fruit Company and the province has two national parks. The parks have the potential to be a large tourism driver, with a tour by one company, Wildland Adventures, having recently been named one of the '25 Best New Trips for 2010' by National Geographic Adventure magazine. In our view, developing the tourism infrastructure in the region will likely unlock great potential. 
In early 2010, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved grants of US$1.1mn and US$1.5mn to support two parts of the Mesoamerica Pacific Corridor Project. The corridor runs through seven countries from Mexico to Panama. The Optimization of Border Crossings Pacific Corridor grant will be used to improve passage over borders and the Adjustment, Maintenance and Operation of the Pacific Corridor grant will improve road infrastructure over 2015-2030. The project aims to develop a quicker route between Mexico and Panama. BMI believes that as well as fostering trade in the region, the development of infrastructure has the potential to increase tourism as travel will be much more feasible

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A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. 

Costa Rica Is Among Latin Americas 3 Safest Countries

According to the FTI International Consulting Company, Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay are three safest countries in Latin America. On the other hand, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and Haiti are considered the most dangerous countries in the region. Venezuela is riddled with crime as things it spin out of control and progressively deteriorate. In 2009 alone over 15,000 Venezuelans died violently.

México, once considered a retirement haven for Americans, isn’t far behind because of the violence generated by the war on drugs.

Although the homicide rate has risen slightly, this should not keep you from moving to Costa Rica. Compared with the rest of the countries in the region Costa Rica is still paradise and Latin America’s #1 retirement haven.

                                                                                                              

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Costa Rica - Safe Haven for Gulf Fishermen

As the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history continues to impact residents who live along the gulf coast, some residents are fleeing the polluted waters of the Gulf of Mexico and heading to Central America, where the waters are pristine.
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) June 28, 2010 -- As the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history continues to impact residents who live along the gulf coast, some residents are fleeing the polluted waters of the Gulf of Mexico and heading to Central America, where the waters are pristine.
“The only oil you’ll find on the beaches of Costa Rica is suntan oil, “And that’s the type of oil you don’t mind seeing.”

“When the oil spill in the gulf began making news, we saw an increased interest in Costa Rica, As people have begun to realize that this environmental disaster will have more of a long term effect on the region, we’ve seen those inquiries become more pressing. Fishermen and boaters who make their living in the Gulf States are now looking at options to sustain their way of life.”

t’s no secret the gulf oil spill has affected the fishing and boating industries of the region and prompted one Louisiana native to look toward Costa Rica as a place where he could continue his trade.
“I simply can’t make a living here anymore,” wrote fisherman Thomas Michaels from Grand Isle, La. in an email to Matluck as part of his inquiry on Costa Rica. “They used to call this area ‘The Sportsman's Paradise’ – now it’s simply a nightmare for people like me. That’s why I’m looking at alternatives.”
In Costa Rica, Captain Bobby McGuiness, chosen as the world’s top captain by the authoritative IGFA in 2006 and among the top ten IGFA record setters in 2008, confirmed he too has seen a rise in the number of people who formerly fished the gulf looking at alternatives. “I have 15 to 20 anglers who are considering Costa Rica as an option,” he said, agreeing that the oil spill has had an impact on the number of fishermen heading to the area.
Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming all too commonplace. What’s even more disturbing, however, is that some captains are not even considering their alternatives and are taking extreme measures. On June 23 the gulf oil spill might have been directly responsible for one boat captain committing suicide.
According to Stan Vinson, coroner for Baldwin County Alabama, the 55-year-old captain from Foley, Ala. had been quite despondent about the oil crisis. “All the waters are closed. There’s no charter business anymore. You go out on some of the beaches now, with the oil, you can’t even get in the water,” Vinson was quoted by the Los Angeles Times. “It’s really crippled the tourism and fishing industries here.”
Matluck, a longtime boater and fisherman, is quite concerned by what he’s seeing happening in the area and is committed to doing what he can to help gulf fisherman establish a base of operations in Costa Rica if that’s what they desire.

“No captain should ever have to choose between his life and his livelihood,” Matluck said. “We understand the stress these people are under and we’ll do everything we can to work with any individual who wants to consider the viable alternatives we offer.”

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The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. 

International Living - Moving To Costa Rica, If I can Do It Anyone Can

I just had my first taste of living abroad in Costa Rica and have been given an opportunity to experience life in a hundred new ways. You can try exotic foods, discover new cultures, customs, and holidays. You can learn a different language, teach others some English, and find new and lasting friendships.

It started when my son Jeff told me he was moving to Costa Rica for a while. After the initial surprise, I started thinking "When can I go to Costa Rica, too?"

That began my investigation into, for me, a relatively unknown country. Plus, after four debilitating snowstorms and nor'easters, there were multitudes of grumpy people here in the Northeast, lamenting, "There's gotta be a better place to live."

I am newly retired and trying to decide where to spend a few cold months a year. Could I do this? Can't hurt to try, so I packed my bags and jumped on a plane to Costa Rica. Discoveries and surprises were in store as I traveled to Playa Grande, on the Pacific Northwest coast.

First, the language. You don't have to know a lot of Spanish. Un pequeno (a little) is enough to get by—with hand signals and a Guide to Costa Rican Spanish in your pocket. Jeff, who refreshed his high school Spanish with private lessons, was able to understand a lot and converse a little. Ticos are very patient in helping you learn their language and seemed to appreciate the effort. They are so friendly, helpful, and gracious. Jeff however became fluent in "mechanic Spanish" because he was forced to talk to lots of people about what went wrong with his truck—it broke down on a regular basis because of the crazy road conditions.

The Costa Rican roads in some parts of the country take some getting used to. Some are old two-lane winding, narrow, asphalt ribbons that meandered through small towns, past farms and ranches with skinny cattle and horses. Others were graveled dirt roads, "smoothed" over by a bulldozer leaving those bump-bump-bump teeth rattling ruts that make you pray to get out of the car soon. Tough on a car. Even tougher on this old body, but I only hit my head on the ceiling a few times.

But the slowed-down lifestyle and the "kick back, put your feet up, and smell the fuchsia flowers" way of living just seeped into my bones within a few hours. My trip brought me unexpected riches that changed my life. A Jersey Shore girl from birth, the Costa Rican beach break on the northern Pacific coastline made my heart pound in excitement. Panoramic views of lofty mountains, thick jungle vegetation, and peaceful sandy crescents extended as far as the eye could see.

There were mornings that I was the ONLY person on the beach for miles. Warm seawater still refreshed since the air temperature hovered in the mid 90's (much cooler, Jeff said, since some rain had started). Excellent surfing waves rushed in, one right after another. Deep blue-green water, azure sky, toasty sand....mmm—just plant me here and leave me to blossom.

"Hola" is on everyone's lips as they pass you strolling to catch some waves. Friendly "coconut men" slice open the ice-cold pods, stick a straw in, and offer this tasty, nutritious coconut "milk" to drink and its firm flesh to eat—for a dollar! Tiny "cafés" line the street, for a quick snack or hearty meal. This is my "try-out," my practice life abroad, and I am sucked wholeheartedly into its spell.

The time was way too short. I just started my Costa Rica life. I am finagling to get back soon, for a much longer stay among the nicest people I ever met.

International Living - The Greatest Name In Retirement Living

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Costa Rica Ranks Third As Cleanest Countries in The World

According to researchers at Yale and Columbia University, among 163 countries that were included in their 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Costa Rica ranks third in cleanliness, preceded only by Iceland in the first place and Switzerland in second. 

The countries were ranked based on 25 indicators, including water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact of the environment on its people’s health.

The index is influenced by metrics that track how the governments are doing in relation to environmental policy goals like access to good sanitation and water, habitat protection, and industrial emissions.

A country may achieve a top EPI position in two ways:

1. It could be gifted with a rich legacy of clean water and diverse biology that hasn’t been violated by uncontrolled industrialism.

2. It could have industrialized and polluted its environment but got rich enough to begin the clean up.

Costa Rica got to the third place the first way, while the countries that made the top of the list achieved it the second way. 

The perfect score is 100. Costa Rica scored 86.4, with a GDP per capita of $9,600 and a population of 4.5 million. 

According to the index,“That such a relatively poor and developing country ranks third in the EPI is testament to the natural endowments of Costa Rica, with dense forests, plentiful water and abundant wildlife. With smart development, Costa Rica can avoid the standard path that growing nations take of polluting their environment, only to clean it up again once they become wealthy. Costa Rica touts its EPI ranking in ads for its tourism sector.” 

In the past, Costa Rica was recognized as the best country regarding rainforest conservation efforts, and is one of the originators of REDD, Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation project. In this sense, it is not a surprise that this small country was able to achieve such a meaningful position worldwide.

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I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine, it gets better with age, The next day she locked me in the cellar

I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine; he gets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cellarI told my wife that a husband is like a fine          ets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cell

Liberias Daniel Oduber International Airport Expansion

Liberia Airport Expansion Will Offer Space for 600 More Passengers at a Time.

Just a few months ago, the Houston Airport System (HASDC) took over administration of San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport. The switch was made in the wake of many mistakes, delays and mismanagement, forcing Alterra Partners, the previous administrator, to step down from their managing position. Now, in light of HASDC’s successes at the San José airport, the company will take over administration of Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport expansions.

HASDC operates out of Houston International Airport, which saw more than 43 million passengers in 2007. In comparison, Juan Santamaria welcomed only four million, and Daniel Oduber only saw 400,000. Keeping these numbers in mind, the Alterra believed that HASDC could manage the country’s largest airport and therefore sold the Houston-based company their renovation contract. With only a few months’ track record, it seems that things are looking up – extra money has been generated, improvements have been made and renovation seems to be an achievable goal. With this success, the U.S. company earned its second Costa Rica airport contract, and they will soon start expansion management in Liberia.

According to Karla González, minister of Public Works and Transportation, Liberia airport’s expansions will receive an initial $35 million investment. A new terminal must be built, though the General Comptroller for the Republic must first approve the project and its allotted funds. González also added that the airport will receive a 20-year concession for almost 5.7 extra acres of Guanacaste land. After approval, the projected construction period will last approximately six months, though several requirements must first be met. Most importantly, HASDC must secure all municipal permits necessary for the construction, a process which should be completed by December 2009.

The new airport terminal will be two stories high. The first floor will measure almost 190,000 square feet, and will house immigration, customs, baggage claim services, passenger check-in and welcome areas for arriving passengers. Airline and airport administration offices will also be a part of the new building’s first floor. The second level will measure almost 60,000 square feet, and will house waiting areas, airport entertainment areas, four boarding gates and both governmental and airline offices.

Changes and improvements come at an opportune time, since Liberia and Guanacaste province have seen a significant rise in Flights to Costa Rica, and therefore passenger traffic and area tourism. In 2008’s first trimester, the airport welcomed 156,000 passengers, putting it on track to increase this year’s traffic by more than 50,000 passenger, a 12.5% increase. Larger, more modern facilities will help the airport to better serve its customers and handle any addition traffic flows, as regional tourism continues to increase.

It’s safe to say that no one is counting on fast renovations, however. The Costa Rican system is notorious for its inflated bureaucracy, and legal processes often take much longer than planned (or desired). If all goes well, Karla González believes that Liberia’s airport terminal should be completed by July of 2010. At that time, the airport will be capable of handling 1,500 passengers at a time, 600 more than is currently possible.

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The journey is the reward.

Paradise Adventures Costa Rica Votes Gingerbread Restaurant Best In Costa Rica

Paradise Adventures Costa Rica Gingerbread voted best food & entertainment by:
International Living, Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor and PACR

Gingerbread Restaurant is one of the have to’s when visiting Costa Rica.

Do yourself and your taste buds a favor and make your reservation at Costa Rica's number one dining experiences.

Gingerbread is located on the shores of Lake Arenal, neighboring Neuvo Arenal and 40 minutes from La Fortuna.

The setting is one of comfort; enjoy the lake view and tropical gardens from the patio, here one can take in the Pura Vida while enjoying the Pura Comida.

Inside you will find one of the most beautiful fully stocked bars in the country and behind it the best staff a restaurant and bar owner could ask for.

Bar is lined with comfortable bar stools and dining room is equipped with sofas and TV for folks wanting to catch the latest sports broadcast and news via satellite.

Fridges are full of ice cold national and international beers, great selections of wines to complement the food and spirits of your choice.

The local art hanging on the walls combined with comfortable booths and positive energy creates an ambiance one can describe as bliss.

Gingerbread Restaurant provides a comfortable sit down environment, where guest feel like family and not visitors.

The man responsible for this one of kind dining experiences is Eyal Ben-Menachem, his culinary expertise started at the age of 21, His love for food and the sport of Rugby landed him on the road where he acquired even more culinary skills.

He later refined his skills in Chicago at Kendall College where he obtained culinary degree.

Years later Eyal found himself wanting to use his skills somewhere he could work at his own pace, somewhere that allowed him to enjoy the creation of his masterpiece; International Fusion.

The international Fusion consists of a variety of showcases that are changed daily.

The changes are made based on the availability of the
freshest ingredients, Local beef, pork, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Jumbo Shrimp calamari and even Octopus.

Costa Rica ingredients, influenced by Mediterranean, French and Californian recipes make for a diverse menu, full of flavors and textures. Customers leave with a full belly and a smile on their face every time.

Thank you Eyal for making your dream a reality, it is a dream that gives so much to others, your food and energy is a great addition to the experience of Costa Rica.

To take part in this one of a kind experience Call 506-2694-0039 for reservation Restaurant
hours: 5pm till 9pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays

Gingerbread Fine Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years Of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

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