Tourism in Costa Rica

The tourism in Costa Rica is one of the main economic sectors and fastest growing in the country and since 1995 is the first source of foreign exchange economy. Since 1999, tourism generates more income for the country than the export of their traditional crops of banana, pineapple and coffee together. The tourism boom began in 1987. There were 329,000 visitors in 1988, increasing to one million in 1999 and reaching 2 million foreign tourists in 2008. This has generated and astounding USD $2.14 billion in foreign currency. In 2005, tourism was responsible for a 13.3% of direct and indirect jobs, and in 2008 contributed 7.2% of GDP of the country and 22.7% of foreign exchange generated by exports.

The main comparative advantage of traveling in Costa Rica is its system of national parks and protected areas; covering about 25% of the country, this is the highest percentage on the planet. It is also estimated to contain 5% of the biodiversity of the world in less than 0.1% of the world's land mass. In addition to the vast flora and fauna, Costa Rica has beaches on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea separated by only a few hundred kilometers. On one trip to Costa Rica, tourists can easily visit volcanoes in the north, multiple national parks, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In the early nineties, Costa Rica became known as the chief representative ("poster child ") of ecotourism; period in which foreign tourist arrivals reached an average annual growth of 14% between 1986 and 1994. Some well known sites in Costa Rica are:

· Heritage, the Isla del Coco is one of the most outstanding natural destinations of Costa Rica and was one of 77 finalists in the competition for the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

· Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination for its four beaches located within a natural environment, Quepos Puntarenas.

· Some of the most visited beaches are Hermosa Beach and Jaco Beach, also known for surfing.

Taxi Fares are on the Rise

The Regulation Authority of Public Service, announced this week that once again taxi fares are increasing, and not because of the increased price of petroleum.

Local taxi’s, the red (and yellow in Jaco) will go up about 3.35 percent. The initial kilometer will go from c530 to c550 $1.07 to $1.11) and the same rates and increases apply to additional kilometers.

The rural rates have the same base fare, but the additional k’s go from c690 to c710 ($1.40 to $1.44)

Airport taxi’s (Orange) will increase from c785 for the initial kilometer to c810. ($1.59 to $1.64)

Keep in mind that the passenger is also responsible for any tolls, which will be added at the end of the trip. The regulating authority says the new rates do not reflect the increase in gas inflation, so we should expect another rise in the not so distant future. Make sure when you get in any taxi in CR, that the meter is being used, this is the only way to insure you’re getting actual local prices, and not an undisclosed tourist rate.

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.