Costa Rica's new minister of tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo, has a plan to increase sustainable tourism to the already popular Central American destination.
Over the next four years, the airline, tourism and hospitality industry veteran aims to not only encourage more companies in the sector to obtain sustainable tourism certification (CST) but place a greater emphasis on developing new local destinations and products focusing on culture and gastronomy.
She also hopes to improve the country's position as an ideal destination for the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions).
"We are a destination that is constantly evolving, able to offer unique experiences to visitors 365 days of the year. A small but large country not only in its natural richness but also because of our warm and hospitable people, who will certainly manage to sow in your hearts the desire to return," Revelo said in a statement.
Revelo's ambitious agenda also includes attracting new flight routes from North America, specifically the U.S.
"The North American market remains the main generator of tourists to the country with nearly 1.3 million annual visitors and a prospect market potential estimate of more than 20 million visitors," she added. "I will place special emphasis on the United States, as it is very important that we strengthen the relationship with the airlines that come from that region. Additional routes will strengthen the air operations of such an important market and open new opportunities at truly competitive prices."
As for sustainability, the tourism board has currently issued CST to more than 390 companies ranging from hotels and tour operators to car rental companies and restaurants.
"It is my belief that together, Costa Rica is on a great path to attract more tourists and achieve environmental sustainability," said Revelo.
In addition to one-of-a-kind natural attractions such as rainforests and volcanoes and unique wellness travel experiences, visitors to Costa Rica can look forward to new hotels and resorts like the all-inclusive Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica, which is set to open this October.
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