Costa Rica, best tourist destination in 2011

The American company "Apple Vacations" granted to Costa Rica the award for best tourist destination in 2011. For 42 years, Apple Vacations has been involved with market tour operators.  The winner of the award, "Crystal Apple Award for Best Destination 2011", was announced during Apple Vacations' 24th Annual Trade Show in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.  This selection was based on the results of surveys measuring hundreds of customers' satisfaction and likelihood to recommend Costa Rica as a destination to friends and family.  This award also recognizes the sustainability of Costa Rica that seeks a balance between environment and society, which distinguishes it from other destinations.

Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country to enjoy, either on vacations or to live permanently. Its beaches, its vegetation, everything is a spectacular setting that you cannot help but to enjoy. In this amazing country, there are many protected areas, wildlife refuges, marine parks, volcanoes, etc. that makes you not want to leave.

Marine Parks Care

There is a multi-national effort to professionalize staff that work in marine areas, which in the case of Costa Rica, includes 14,282 square kilometers.

There are twenty-one students in total enrolled in the program; 14 Costa Ricans, 5 Colombians and 2 Panamanian who are trained in navigation, boat maintenance, surveillance, rescue and environmental crimes, by the National Academy Coast Guard. The course consists of eight modules covering marine sciences, control and surveillance strategies, maintenance of outboard motors, environmental law, marine biology, loading, first aid, rescue and water safety, and tourism management in protected marine areas.  Participants begin their day at 5 a.m. with physical training.  They then combine their theoretical classroom knowledge with practice.  In the evening, they receive keynote addresses on drug trafficking, trawling, marine management, global warming and even participate in film forums that promote exchanges of experience amongst the staff.

At the end of the course, participants will receive two certificates: one by the University for International Cooperation (UCI) and one delivered by the International Red Cross training in marine rescue and first aid.

"In a formal sense, this is the first generation of Marine Park Rangers," said Jose Rodriguez, coordinator of the course, adding that the idea is to make the course a year. Thus, in five years, these three countries will have 50 professionals trained in the management of marine areas helping preserve our beautiful marine area.

Study of the WHO and FAO

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables would prevent 1.7 million deaths a year.

According to the document, the minimum intake of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables (five servings) per day helps prevent chronic diseases, diabetes, hypertension and consequent heart disease, including stroke, one of the leading causes of death in the world.

The report said that inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables worldwide causes approximately 19% of gastrointestinal tumors, 31% of more serious heart disease and 11% of cerebrovascular accidents (stroke).

However, potato and cassava, by excess carbohydrates should not be considered in the list for daily consumption.

Costa Ricans do not have this good habit. A study by the Social Security Fund (CCSS) reported that only 20% of people consume fruits, and usually eats only 3.5 servings three times a week.

A Costa Rican Film will participate in Festival Film in New York

The movie, "El Regreso", was selected for the International Latino Film Festival in New York, which will take place from August 15^th thru the 21^st. "El Regreso" will be displayed in the main feature film category, alongside films from several countries in the region, whose names have not yet been announced.

This festival is considered one of the most important Latin cinema activities in the U.S. The festival will include the participation of more than 100 productions in English and Spanish, including feature films, shorts and documentaries.

The festival is an attractive showcase for potential distribution contracts abroad and to catch a production partner.

The New York event is the first event for this new movie to participate in. This event is faster than expected for Hernán Jiménez (director and lead actor of the new film), as the news came before their official release.

There will be many guests at the event, including representatives of several large distributors such as Columbia, Focus, Universal and other independent film. In the past, films that have participated in this event have achieved good contracts.

"El Regreso" will be released on September in Costa Rica.

Eco Event in Costa Rica

On March 3, the British Embassy, the Green Pages of Costa Rica and the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE) will host Eco-Expo 2011, an event that will provide entrepreneurs with tools to reduce the carbon footprint of their products through a supply chain that operates in a sustainable manner.

Participants will learn dynamics to expand their networks and will be browsing booths filled with eco-friendly products and services. In addition, exhibitors will be conducting presentations: British Ambassador Tom Kennedy will present “Carbon Footprint;” environmental engineer José Ramón Domenech will present “Green Procurement in Public Institutions in Costa Rica;” and general manager of Coopedota Roberto Mata will present “Certification Process of the First Carbon Neutral Coffee in the World.”

This great event will teach participants how to make their production process, organization and home more efficient and sustainable.

The event will be held at the Hotel Ramada in Plaza Herradura. There is no charge for admission, but it is recommended to reserve a space by contacting: sabel.Solis@incae.edu or by calling 2437-2176.

Costa Rica: Safest Country in Central America

The Director of the OIJ (Costa Rica’s FBI equivalent), Jorge Rojas just spoke about the crime rate in Costa Rica, stating that, "There are significant downward trends. It is important that citizens know this even though there is a widespread belief that crime is rising,"

The statistics vary minimally, depending upon the source, however across the reports Costa Rica remains the safest country in all of Central America.

Below are the statistics for the Central American Countries with regard to homicide:

1. El Salvador has a homicide rate in 2009 of 76 per 100,000 inhabitants
2. Honduras has a homicide rate in 2009 of 66.8 per 100,000
3. Guatemala has a homicide rate in 2009 of 48 per 100,000
4. Panama has a homicide rate in 2009 of 24 per 100,000
5. Nicaragua has a homicide rate in 2009 of 13 per 100,000
6. Costa Rica had a total of 494 homicides for a homicide rate in 2009 of 11 per 100,000 and only 10.65 in 2010

Purchasing Costa Rica Real Estate in your IRA

Buying Real Estate with your IRA is actually a very simple process, just follow the easy steps below:

· Determine what your down payment will be and the available funds you have.

· Evaluate cash flow. Take into account additional reserve funds in case of vacancies or other operating costs.

· Make an offer to buy a property in Costa Rica under the name of your IRA.

· Fill out and send a "Buy Direction For Real Estate" document to your IRA administrator.

· Use your Costa Rican Lawyer to complete your Title Search and open Escrow.

· Close on the property in name of your IRA.

· All income from your investment property in Costa Rica needs to be directed towards the IRA.

· Acting on behalf of your IRA, your administrator will handle the Mortgage, Utilities and other expenses for your Costa Rica Real Estate.

· With both Roth and Traditional IRA’s, your income from your real estate investment in Costa Rica will grow tax-free.

· As you accrue cash in your IRA, you can purchase more international properties and/or invest further in Costa Rican Real Estate.

**I would be happy to put you in contact with companies that specialize in helping you with all of the legal documentation required by the IRS so that you do not risk your tax-free status.

Why Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica?

Lately, many people have been asking me, “Why should I buy Real Estate in Costa Rica when I can get something cheaper somewhere else in Latin America?”

There are many answers for this seemingly difficult question, so I compiled my top 5 answers below:

1. Something for Everyone: Now I like to put this one first because it is so important when trying to find a place to live, vacation or retire. There really is something for everyone in Costa Rica. There are amazing beaches, tropical rainforests, exotic plants and animals, volcanoes and lakes; and then there are activities and events to emphasize each of these incredible aspects of this diverse country.

2. Stable Real Estate Market in Costa Rica: As we have all clearly seen, the Real Estate Market in the United States crashed dramatically and heavily affected many people. Fortunately, this has not been the case in the Costa Rica Real Estate Market; in spite of the economic recession occurring throughout the world, the market has remained relatively stable, and this is in part due to the lower holder costs of properties in Costa Rica, as well as Foreign Investment.

3. Costa Rica has some of the Lowest Property Taxes: The property taxes in Costa Rica are 0.25% (a quarter of 1 percent), which compared with Real Estate in The United States and many other countries, is extremely low, especially when compared to other Coastal Real Estate throughout the world.

4. Costa Rica is an International Real Estate Market: Costa Rica is the choice for many experienced International Buyers. During these instable times around the world, people want to invest in Foreign Real Estate Markets in order to expand their earnings. However, everyone wants and needs to be cautious at this point, and that is what makes Costa Rica in such high demand. Internationally, investors are aware that Real Estate in Costa Rica is a safe investment, has been for years, and is only getting better.

5. Great Infrastructure / Stable Government: Yes, Costa Rica is in Central America. Yes, Costa Rica is considered a 2^nd world country. However, what really separates Costa Rica from the rest of the Central American countries is the modern infrastructure and stable government. There is excellent medical care (bringing visitors from around the world), great educational system in Costa Rica (with a 95% literacy rate), stable economic conditions and a secure, democratic government (without a military since 1948).

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Vista Mar 4th Floor Ocean View Condo

YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK5vPKnptsg

Located in the center of Jaco Beach, this luxury condominium development offers some of the most Incredible Sunset and Ocean Views. The complex consists of 28 luxury units, with only 4 per floor, providing absolute privacy to its owners. This fully furnished 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Condo features spacious walk in closets, two Ocean View Balconies, high-end appliances, granite counter tops, 3 plasma TVs and panoramic views of Jaco Beach.

Fee Simple Ownership in Costa Rica

The most widespread and complete form of owning Real Estate in Costa Rica is called “Fee Simple” Ownership.

For this type of ownership the conditions and regulations are equal for residents and foreigners alike.

The concept is basically the same as in the United States, Canada and Europe; specifically, fee simple ownership provides the owner with the right to use, enjoy, sell, lease, improve upon and materially own the property in question. The only areas of discussion being details that are outlined in the Costa Rican Laws, for example, various zoning policies.

For example, in Mexico, real estate is not Fee Simple, Panama has problems with Title, in various other countries you can’t own real estate if you aren’t a resident or national; however here in Costa Rica anyone can own, enjoy and benefit from the beautiful property we have to offer.

The Rich and Famous Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

Actors, singers, models and more are busy buying Real Estate in various luxurious parts of Costa Rica.

Brian Austin Green from “Beverly Hills: 90210” just bought a mansion in the Gulf of Papagayo, where he and his fiancé Megan Fox have been spotted tanning on the spectacular Costa Rican beaches.

Mel Gibson bought a $25.8 million dollar beachfront property in Guanacaste (northwestern Costa Rica).

Gisele Bündchen has a home on the shores of Santa Teresa where she and husband Tom Brady held their intimate Costa Rica wedding.

Furthermore, Sting has a home in the south of Costa Rica, Harrison Ford has a mansion in Guanacaste, Singer Jamaroquia bought a home in Tambor Beach, and then there is the Four Seasons Resort.

Salma Hayek, David Hasselhoff, Donatella Versace, Shaquille O’Neal, Janet Jackson and Carolina Herrera all have real estate in this luxury resort on the Peninsula of Papagayo, Costa Rica.

Bejuco Beach Home Reduced Price!!

I now have this amazing home in Bejuco Beach that just reduced the price to $199,000!

It is a fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3 bath home set in the gated community of Costa Del Sol.

This luxury community features a large pool area, barbeque/club house, volleyball court, tennis court and only 200 meter access to the stunning Bejuco Beach. This home is brand new and ready to be rented, loved and lived in.

Check out my YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZhxVaAhR1Y

Scenic Country Home -Hermosa Beach- ONLY $165,000

This stylish country home is located a short five minute drive from Hermosa Beach and five minutes from Esterillos beach. It is built in a scenic country area in the traditional Costa Rica style with wrap-around balconies surrounding it.

The large property is already completely fenced in so it is perfect for someone with dogs. This home is priced EXTREMELY well. For the area of construction it would be hard to build for the asking price. There is a transferable mortgage of $60,000 with monthly payments of $450.

Please contact me for more information on this scenic country new construction home.

www.PropertiesJaco.com

New Rules for Tourism Drivers

The Consejo de Transporte Público (The Council of Public Transport) will take a week to come up with changes in regulations that cover what are being called “special transports” or servicio de porteo. Many are drivers who work in tourism.
A decree appeared in the La Gaceta official newspaper Oct. 15 tightening the controls of the central government over such workers. The drivers engaged in slow-moving protests Monday and eventually met with transport ministry officials.
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes said that the rule that each driver must have a contract with those who are being carried would not be waived.
In addition, the Council and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism must approve the vehicles involved. However now the drivers are arguing that under the rules set down Oct. 15 only big corporations would be able to do the work.

Costa Rica Exports Up 9%

The Foreign Trade Promotion Office announced Wednesday that Costa Rica’s exports have increased 9 percent this year when compared to the first nine months of 2009. From Jan. through Sept. the country has raked in over $7 billion in sales, compared to $6.5 billion at this point last year.

They reported that 75 percent of all exports are industrial products, 23 percent agricultural products and 2.4 percent fish and livestock. Industrial exports accounted for $205 million more in 2010 than last year, boosted primarily by a 96 percent increase in the export of electric cables and a 36 percent increase in both tires and electrical switches and breakers. Microprocessors and other electric components continue to bring in the largest amounts of revenue, accounting for over $1.4 billion in sales so far this year.

Regarding food and agricultural products, the export of bananas, pineapples and coffee - historically among Costa Rica’s leading exports – all improved, led by a 23 percent increase in the shipping of bananas. In addition to these principal exports, sugar sales abroad have increased a whopping 217 percent, jumping from $23 million in 2009 to $74 million this year.

The majority of Costa Rican exports (41 percent) in 2010 were shipped to the United States, while 12.4 percent have gone to the European Union. Since 2008, exports to the EU have increased 5.9 percent. So things are looking up for Costa Rica and we are all excited about what the optimistic future will bring for us!

Stadium in San Jose Nearing Completion

The $80 million stadium in San José’s La Sabana Park, a gift from the government of China, is nearing completion. The behemoth’s seats have been installed, the scoreboards mounted and the playing field lain with grass.

During President Laura Chinchilla’s first official tour of the stadium on Thursday, the Chinese ambassador told her the stadium would be ready for final inspection in November.

“We are in the final phase of construction of the national stadium,” he said. “After a few months of trials, we expect the inauguration to take place at the end of March.”

He anticipates a “great party” in celebration of a stadium that he said is a symbol of the friendship between the two countries. The 35,000-seat stadium was pledged to Costa Rica after the Central American country established relations with China, severing ties with longtime friend Taiwan, in 2007.

Chinchilla said she will look to guarantee that Costa Ricans “have true pride in the stadium” and that it will pave the way for a greater participation in sports.

“We want a stadium that is alive; that is always filled with people,” she said.

When asked about a name, she said it is still open for conversation, but that “there are many athletes who have made important imprints in our history.”

Patriotic Month Coming to an End

Government officials and students will mark the end of the patriotic month with a walk from the Mercado Central in San José to the Centro Nacional de Cultura Thursday. Once at the centro there will be a ceremony.
September is designated the patriotic month in Costa Rica because Sept. 15 is the Día de la Independencia.
The ministries of Cultura, Justicia and Educación are sponsoring the walk, called a Caminata por la Paz. President Laura Chinchilla and some of her ministers are expected to attend.
The walk organizes at 8 a.m. when students from many of the downtown schools gather. And walkers step off at 8:30 a.m.

I LOVE SUSHI

Today we had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at I LOVE SUSHI with Marc Hauser. We were pleasantly delighted with an amuse-bouche of house-smoked tuna served over slices of fresh cucumber, we continued with miso soup and then finished with a spicy tuna roll and crunch roll…both exceeding our expectations. After lunch we got to tour the property behind the restaurant and check out the new condominiums that are currently being finished up. On our walk from the restaurant to the condominiums we got to experience the exciting wildlife of colorful macaws, exotic cats and adorable monkeys all surrounded by great landscaping and a scenic waterfall. We can’t wait to return to the picturesque restaurant and indulge in more scrumptious sushi!