WHAT: The Costa Rica Tourism Board welcomes everyone to experience the beauty of Costa Rica at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show in Rosemont, Illinois. The tourism board will host a booth (#1513) during the event, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about all that Costa Rica has to offer as a tourism destination. From sustainable initiatives to exciting adventure-filled activities, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for every type of traveler. The booth will also allow visitors to participate in “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness” campaign, where they can enter to win a trip to Costa Rica via Facebook.

A representative of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Mauricio Aymerich, will host two presentations about Costa Rica titled “Beauty and Adventure in Costa Rica.” The first presentation will be held on Saturday, January 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for travel agents and the second on Sunday, January 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the general public.

The Chicago Travel and Adventure Show allows attendees to discover authentic travel experiences, snap up deals, win trips and enter giveaways, among other entertaining activities. This year’s show will also feature travel tips from experts such as Samantha Brown, Travel Channel host of the Passport series; Patricia Schultz, best-selling author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die; and Ralph Velasco, travel photographer, author, founder and lead instructor of PhotoEnrichment Programs.

WHO: Companies and associations participating in the Costa Rica booth are:

• Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
• Central American Tours
• Rios Tropicales

WHERE: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center (formerly Rosemont Convention Center)5555 N. River Road Rosemont, IL 60018

WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2012 & Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show website.

The magazine Travel Weekly, in their November edition, highlighted Costa Rica and Panama as agro-tourism promoters. In Costa Rica’s case, it recognized that Costa Rica is not only a sun and beach paradise, but also an attractive industry tourism-wise based on macademia and coffee cultivation.

The marketing director and ICT assistant manager, María Amalia Revelo told Travel Weekly that “the ICT has invested more than 50 years in the rural tourism industry and has actively promoted agro-tourism since 1991.”

Revelo also commented that it is seen as a hybrid between two areas: “what we call “agro-tourism”, where tourists can visit rural communities and interact with the environment and everything that surrounds them, makes it a personal experience for tourists in the middle of peace and quiet, and located so close to a farm or estate far from the big city.”

For more information, go to the following link:

http://travelweekly.texterity.com/travelweekly/20111107#pg50

As part of the promotional efforts of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) cooperative campaigns, the ICT received this past December 100 of the best travel agents from the wholesale business Meier’s Weltreise, from Germany, who took a Fam Trip called “Welcome to Costa Rica 2011.”

As part of their visit, they participated in a workshop where they were given information about our country and, in addition, took the opportunity to learn about Costa Rica and its destinations. After this event, they traveled to different areas of the country, to live out, learn about, and experience the tourism product that they promote in Germany, such as Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Guanacaste.

They also saw the National Theater, where they witnessed a special musical performance just for them.
The ICT is investing a total of $150,000 in this cooperative campaign, as well as other promotional efforts directly in Germany.

The digital publication of the New York Times Traveler, this past January 6th, recommended 45 of the best destinations to visit this year to its readers, and Nosara, in Costa Rica, made the list.

This acknowledgment is based on the features and qualities that make up the community of Nosara: warm, sandy beaches, blue waters, and good waves for surfing. This place also stands out for its surf schools where experiencing this sport makes the place unforgettable.

Likewise, therocky formations of Guiones Beach in the same area, is ideal for cliff diving and climbing. It is recommended to visit the sea turtle refuge and experience the nightlife with live local music, all of which make this area of Nosara on eof the best destinations for 2012.

For more information, go to one of the following links:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?scp=3&sq=&st=tcse

http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=4&sq&st=tcse&scp=3

• Prestigious media communications like Travelzoo, Travel Weekly, Agent @ Home, Vacation Agent, and Travel Pulse, granted awards to Costa Rica.

• Costa Rica was recognized as the “Wow destination for 2012,” the best destination for Central and South America in 2011, and the luxury destination leader. The ICT was also recognized as the best tourism organization and institution.

The position and popularity of Costa Rica at the international level as a sustainable destination, the quality of tourism services, numerous adventure options, and tourist preference, led to Costa Rica being recently recognized simultaneously by internationally renowned media outlets like Travelzoo, Travel Weekly, Agent @ Home, Vacation Agent and TravelPulse.

For the Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, these awards granted to Costa Rica for tourism destination quality represent great news for the beginning of the year, which encourages all those involved in the national tourism sector to continue promoting sustainable tourism development, quality service, and conservation of natural resources.

“It is a great honor that not just one or two, but five renowned media outlets recognized various aspects of the tourism industry that, together, makes our tourism destination and products that we offer in Costa Rica stand out. This further encourages us to continue working toward strengthening the tourism industry that generates so many benefits for our country,” Flores pointed out.

After various rounds of discussions and research, the online travel magazine Travelzoo, which has more than 24 million subscribers throughout the world, ranked Costa Rica as the “Wow destination for 2012.” The media outlet highlighted that the country offers an impressive value for travelers, which is due to the increase in airlines that fly to our destination, as well as the quality and variety of offers and accessibility.

Likewise, the readers of the prestigious magazine Travel Weekly named Costa Rica as the best destination in 2011 for being a pioneer in sustainable tourism, granting it the “Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Award.”

Travel Weekly is considered as the most influential business publication in the tourism industry that offers wide coverage of all the business sectors, including information on airlines, rental cars, cruise lines, destinations, hotels, and tour operators.

Costa Rica was also recognized as a luxury destination leader, according to readers of Agent @ Home, Vacation Agent, and TravelPulse. Agent @ Home, a magazine with around 19,000 subscribers, is the only written publication that targets home-based agents exclusively, which is a segment that is rapidly growing in the travel agent agency market. Vacation Agent, geared toward the luxury tourism sector, has more than 30,000 subscribers, and, TravelPulse, which is a world leading travel agent website, has some 73,000 subscribers and sees around 153,000 visits a month.

Flores was pleased because in addition to the acknowledgments received by Costa Rica from three media outlets, the Costa Rica Tourism Board was also granted an award for being the best tourism organization and institution.

“This is great news that helps us kick off the year with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to continue working hard to benefit the tourism industry and the country in general,” stated Flores.

The majestic cruise line Sea Cloud II, will dock for the first time in Puerto Caldera, Puntarenas, on the 16th of January, and will stay until at least the 30th of the same month, as part of its Caribbean destinations.

Passengers on Sea Cloud II will visit Playas del Coco, Herradura, Quepos, and Isla Tortuga. This vessel is rated 5 stars, and is considered a private yacht that combines traditional sailing with modern conveniences.

Sea Cloud II is coming from the Panama Canal

For more information, go to the following link:
http://www.seacloud.com/en/home.html?real_uid=157&real_alias

On December 10th, 2011 the third Christmas Bird count in the Veragua Rainforest, was held in the Central Caribbean of Costa Rica. Among the more important results were the identification of more than 408 bird species (45 new species that had never been seen before) and 13,450 individual birds.

They traveled 21 routes, walked 120 miles, covered 6 miles in boat and 45 miles in vehicle. With this new data, they have now accumulated 478 recorded bird species (2009, 2010, 2011).

The most numerous species with 741 individuals was the: Psarocolius wagleri (Chestnut-headed Oropendola) and the species observed in all 21 routes were the Ramphastos sulfuratus (Keel-billed Toucan) and Setophaga pensylvanica (Chestnut-sided Warbler).

The count lasted 24 hours with a diameter of 15 miles, an area of 250 squared miles (100,000 square miles) and a circumference of 40 miles. “The results from the count provide valuable information year to year with respect to bird populations in general and, specifically, those threatened or endangered bird species,” commented Jose Salazar, coordinator of the Veragua Rainforest research.
Sixty-nine experts participated in this activity, among them tour guides, ornithologists, university students, and bird watchers/enthusiasts in general.

Photo: Chestnut-headed Oropendola. Courtesy: Veragua Rainforest

DANIEL ODUBER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SERVES AS THE GATEWAY TO GUANACASTE, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST POPULAR VACATION AND ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS

The new terminal at Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica will officially begin operations on January 12, 2012, according to an announcement by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and the country’s vice president. The terminal has the capacity to service 1,500 passengers per hour and will feature 28 check-in counters, art and souvenir shops, restaurants, car rental counters, a VIP lounge, currency exchange counters and a convenience store, among other offerings. Tourism officials are confident that the new terminal will not only improve travel conditions and services, both for tourists and airline carriers that have chosen to fly into Costa Rica, but will encourage airlines to continue investing in the country.

“The construction of this new terminal will certainly boost national tourism development in Costa Rica, increasing the frequency of flights and attracting new airlines to the country, ensuring the competitiveness of the destination and its sustainability over time,” commented Minister of Tourism Allan Flores.

In November 2011, Daniel Oduber International Airport showed a considerable increase in arriving passengers over the same period last year, from 27,291 in November 2010 to 35,140 in November 2011, an increase of close to 29 percent. Several airlines, such as JetBlue and Frontier Airlines, have already invested in the terminal by offering new flight routes into Liberia. On November 17, 2011, JetBlue began offering four non-stop weekly flights from New York’s JFK Airport into Daniel Oduber, while Frontier Airlines began servicing Liberia on January 30, 2011 From Denver. Currently, numerous airlines fly into Liberia from major North American markets, including New York, Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Houston, Montreal, Dallas, Denver, Miami and Charlotte. With the opening of the new terminal, the Costa Rica Tourism Board hopes to increase the number of airlines and flights traveling into the country.

From January to November 2011, Daniel Oduber International Airport recorded an estimated arrival of 229,045 travelers, a 15.4 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The airport is one of the major points of entry for visitors traveling into Costa Rica, serving as a gateway to Guanacaste and the surrounding areas of Monteverde, La Fortuna, Tortugero and the Central Pacific. Named after the national tree of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is one of the country’s most popular vacation and ecotourism destinations thanks to nearly a dozen well-known biological reserves, national parks and wildlife refuges. Known as a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, stunning Pacific coastlines are plentiful in this northwestern province, as are the seemingly endless hours of summer sunlight.

TRAVELZOO, TRAVEL WEEKLY, AGENT @ HOME, VACATION AGENT AND TRAVELPULSE RECOGNIZE COSTA RICA AND THE TOURISM BOARD FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2011

The Costa Rica Tourism Board is thrilled to announce that 2011 is ending with a bang, thanks to a bevy of new awards and recognitions from Travelzoo, Travel Weekly, Agent @ Home, Vacation Agent and TravelPulse.

The country’s commitment to sustainability, numerous adventure options and leadership in leisure put it over the top in 2011, guaranteeing a prosperous 2012.

In early December, Travelzoo named Costa Rica one of its “Wow Deal Destinations for 2012,” highlighting the country for offering tremendous travel value for customers. Costa Rica stood out to Travelzoo due to an increase in airlines flying to Costa Rica, creating more deals and greater accessibility. In addition, the U.S. dollar still goes a long way in the country, compared to other Central American and Caribbean destinations.

Costa Rica was selected as a “Wow Deal Destination for 2012” after several rounds of discussion and vetting by Travelzoo publishers, editors and content directors. The largest online travel deals publisher, Travelzoo boasts more than 24 million subscribers around the globe.

“Costa Rica has long been a popular destination with our 24 million subscribers and with airlines offering new services, we anticipate more competitive deals this coming year. From volcanoes to the beach to the rainforest, there is something for every type of traveler, which is why the country was an easy pick for our 2012 Wow Deal Destinations list,” said Jaime Freedman, publisher of Travelzoo.

For being a pioneer in sustainable tourism, in addition to other recent accomplishments, Costa Rica was named the Best Central/South American destination by Travel Weekly’s 2011 Readers Choice Awards. The awards are presented to suppliers considered by Travel Weekly readers to have excelled in product and service during the past year. Travel Weekly is considered the most influential business publication in the travel industry, offering travel professionals in-depth coverage of every business sector, including information on airline, car rental, cruise, destination, hotel and tour operator issues.

“It is such an honor for Costa Rica and the tourism board to be recognized in not one, not two, but five esteemed travel industry publications. It’s the best holiday gift we could ask for, as it showcases our commitment to strengthening our tourism offerings and providing valuable one-of-a-kind travel experiences for our friends in North America,” commented Maria Amalia Revelo, deputy manager & director of marketing.

The destination wasn’t the only thing shining come year’s end, as The Costa Rica Tourism Board also enjoyed recognition as a “Leader in Leisure,” according to the readers of Agent @ Home, Vacation Agent and TravelPulse, who selected the Costa Rica Tourism Board as the winner in the “Best Tourism Board or Organization” category.

The ICT, along with the Spanish wholesale company El Corte Inglés Travels, put together a cooperation campaign in September valued at $100,000, in order to create the following efforts in various media and communication forums to strengthen this business agreement:

• 4,177 messages have been placed in commercial centers at specific sales points for El Corte Inglés in Spain (PA system).

• Around 200 billboards have been placed at various points throughout the metro Madrid area (Príncipe de Vergara, Núñez de Balboa, Artilleros, Plaza Castilla, Chamartin, Fuencarral, Santiago Bernabeu, Barajas, Gran Vía and Plaza España, among others).

• More than 200 lit posters and 500 banners have been placed in travel agency branches of this company throughout Spain promoting and providing offers on Costa Rica and creating great exposure for the country.

• 12 advertisements are scheduled in the major newspapers of Spain like El País, El Mundo, ABC and El Economista.

The objective of the campaign was to generate exposure of Costa Rica in the Spanish market with 500 sales points throughout Spain and with the help of some 1,800 Spaniards in 2011.

El Corte Inglés Travels is a Spanish wholesale business with more than 30 years of experience in international travel, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting and selling the Costa Rica product. The business is a world leader in department stores, mega-supermarkets, and travel agencies in Europe.

• The 2011 conference generated 1,000 appointments and opportunities for cases with aesthetics, orthopedic, and diabetes.

• Alliance with the insurance industry would generate revenue of $60 million annually.

• The third Medical Tourism Conference of Latin America will be held from the 23rd to the 25th, of April 2012.

San José, Costa Rica. More than 1,000 appointments were arranged between international purchasers and 75 Cost Rican providers, in addition to cooperation agreements with international businesses. These are just some of the results of the second annual Medical Travel International Business Summit held last May to promote the development of medical tourism in Costa Rica.

The Council for International Promotion of Medicine in Costa Rica, PROMED, along with the support of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, ICT, have already made preparations for the third edition of this conference, which will be held from the 23rd to the 25th of April, 2012 at the Hotel Real Intercontinental, in San José,. The goal is to generate business relations to reinforce the position of the country as a leader in medical tourism.

The 2011 conference made way for new opportunities for foreign patients to find treatment for cosmetic surgery, orthopedic, and diabetes. Nine countries participated: The United States, Canada, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Argentina.

Primary results from 2011

• Business with MedAfford Global, a leader in medical tourism benefits, would bring some 6,000 patients to Costa Rica in 2012, which would represent $60 million annually in revenue.

• Official invitation from Costa Rica to the International Congress of the Self Insurance Institute of America, SIIA, in Coral Gables, Florida, was made for June 2012. Businesses that belong to this organization are self-insured; therefore they have mechanisms and opportunities to include medical tourism packages in their health programs.

• Costa Rica’s candidature to be the site of the 2013 International Conference of Self Insurance Institute of America, which would generate $1 million in direct business and be attended by 300 self-insured businesses.

• A cooperation agreement with the US-Hispanic Commerce Board was established to promote medical tourism plans among its members, which make up more than 3 million small and medium business leaders of Hispanic descent.

“For the third time, Costa Rica will be the site of the most important event for medical tourism in Latin America. Notable figures and experts will participate on topics such as public health, quality and patient safety, and marketing services. We will welcome some 100 international purchasers that will meet with national providers to sign business agreements. We expect more than 500 participants and hope it reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a leader in health travel,” commented Dr. Jorge Cortés, president of PROMED.

According to the Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, these conferences drive the direction and position of the country with respect to Health Tourism.
“The Costa Rica Tourism Board will once again support this important initiative, which helps strengthen the tourism offer in the field of health matters and promotes competitive advantage that reinforces the country’s image as a preferred destination for this type of tourism,” stated Flores.

Those interested in participating in the 2012 Conference may go to the website www.themedicaltravelsummit.com or call 2201-5263.

• Married couple from Ottawa, Canada win trip through Facebook.

On December 9th, the first winners of the international marketing campaign “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness,” created by the Costa Rica Tourism Board for the US and Canada, arrived in Costa Rica to enjoy their “gift of happiness.”

The married couple, from Ottawa, Canada, participated in the promotion through Facebook, thanks to a family member who mentioned the contest to them. Both arrived at the Juan Santamaría International Airport after midnight and were very excited about the weather compared to their country (despite what Costa Ricans view as “cold”) and the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience.

Dianne McGaire. 56 years old, and Scott McGaire, 53, chose the “Authentic Happiness” package among the five available tourism packages that make up this promotion (Romantic Happiness, Wildlife Happiness, Adventure Happiness, Adrenaline Happiness), because they were excited to learn more about the culture and interact with the local communities, and take in the surrounding natural beauty.

The package chosen by the couple includes excursions to areas like the Central Valley, the Southern Caribbean, Manuel Antonio National Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, and the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

The couple had visited the country previously during a cruise ship vacation, however, they were only here for a days. Therefore they were very eager to be able to spend more time in Costa Rica. Diane and Scott have been married for more than 20 years. They have three children and both work for an insurance company in the finance department.

“Well, we are extremely excited. I think this is a great opportunity. I have spoken with people who have been here before and they asked us where we were going and I told them we were going to spend time on the Caribbean side as well as the Pacific side, and they said, “Wow! You’re going to do both in the same trip?” So our family members and friends are also very excited, and they asked us to show them how to participate in the contest like we did,” commented Scott McGuire.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, pointed out that the ICT as well as the tourism sector are very excited about the arrival of the first winning couple, so they may enjoy the beauty of the country’s natural resources, the warmth of the local people, and the quality tourism services that Costa Rica has to offer.

The “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness” campaign was launched on October 6th; 40 people have won the “Gift of Happiness” by visiting Costa Rica’s Facebook page.

The Assistant Manager and Marketing Director, María Amalia Revelo, explained that for the first phase of the campaign, a promotion would be held for five months (from October of this year until February, 2012).

During this phase, the campaign will focus on social networks, due to the fact that the best prospects from both countries are big into technology, so it is easier to reach them this way. During the promotion, Internet users can participate in raffles for trips to the country.

Trips will be awarded through various media. Through Facebook, one trip a day will be awarded (Monday thru Friday), until 80 trips are awarded for one person and a companion, meaning, 160 tourist will be the beneficiaries. Other individuals will also be selected who need happiness in their lives, by constant monitoring of social networks and news sources, while at the same time key people will also be chosen who deserve to be awarded because of their efforts to bring happiness to others through different causes and hold the same values as Costa Rica. Therefore, another 95 people will be chosen.

“Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness”, is using Costa Rica’s image as one of the happiest countries in the world, based on the survey by Happy Planet, that measures aspects such as well-being, life expectancy, and ecological footprint. Also, an investigation carried out by Gallup World Poll, published by Forbes magazine, reported that Costa Rica is the happiest country in the Americas and sixth overall in the world behind Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Holland (www.forbes.com).

Fans of Costa Rica can see videos of each of the five theme packages on Facebook/VisitCostaRica, the official page of Costa Rica. This campaign seeks to create chatter about Costa Rica and interchange experiences through social networks, leading to recommendations of the destination and return visits.

• Facebook ‘Friends” went from 8 thousand to 51 thousand in a month and a half after launching “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness.”

• This has led to coverage on popular programs like “Anderson Cooper”.

After a month and a half after launching the campiagn “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness,” carreid out by the Costa Rica Tourism Board and the publicity agency 22 Squared, as part of the international publicity strategy for the US and Canadian market, the results have come up positive, with Facebook “Friends” jumping from 8 thousand to 51,844 and 1,160 Twitter fans and the numbers are growing.

This campaign was launched this past October 6th and to date, 60 thousand have gone to the ICT Facebook account to participate in the promotion.

Currently, almost 20 people have accepted the “Gift of Happiness” through the “VisitCostaRica” page in Facebook. There are also various popular blogs in the United States and Canada, as well as people with wide media coverage that share the same values as Costa Rica, and have also accepted the “Gift of Happiness.” They have begun to spread the news among followers, sharing their enthusiasm through Facebook and Twitter.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, added that with the support of the private sector, the Costa Rica Tourism Board, this new kind of campaign is aimed at not only generating talk about Costa Rica in the media and popular programs, but also exchanging experiences through different social networks, in order to raise awareness of the destination and recommendations for return visits.

“The ideal mix of traditional media and social networks has allowed us to broaden the media impact with a limited budget, in a market as big as the US and Canada, reaching a greater audience than we could with just traditional media. This has allowed us to go beyond traditional proposals and make us stand out by increasing our traffic in Facebook, and educating participants and encouraging them to share their experiences, almost in real time,” stated Flores.

Media Presence

The Assistant Manager and Director of Marketing, María Amalia Revelo, indicated that the gamble made by the ICT in traditional media, has generated very positive results in media publications like the New Yorker, USA Today, and Budget Travel. The mention of Costa Rica on interview programs like Anderson Cooper, this past November 10th, was seen by more than 4 million people.

Anderson Cooper awarded the “Gift of Happiness” to the couple Brittany Hillard and Cameron Humfleet, after Cameron proposed to Brittany, which became an overnight sensation on YouTube.

This television appearance began on September, 2011, and in just a few weeks has built up a huge television following such as that on social networks. Anderson Cooper currently has 1.7 million followers on Twitter and its program has reported more than 90 thousand fans on Facebook.

According to Revelo, the involvement in this program is just the first of many achievements that are hoped to be gained in terms of media coverage, according to the objectives set forward by the campaign.

“Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness”, takes advantage of Costa Rica as the happiest place in the world. From now until February 5th, 2012, the campaign will invite 225 people from the US and Canada to enjoy a vacation in Costa Rica. These vacation packages will give visitors a taste of what the country has to offer and will offer various experiences, from adventure activities to visits to national parks and mountains, as well as interactions with indigenous communities. Fans of Costa Rica may see videos of each one of the five travel themes in the Costa Rica’s official Facebook/VisitCostaRica page.

About Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper has had a very successful career in reporting the news, working as a contributor and anchor on programs such as The Mole on ABC, American Morning on CNN, 60 Minutes on CBS, and Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN. He has covered national and international events such as the Tsunami damage in Sri Lanka, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker, among others. In 2007, Cooper was the host of The Planet in Danger, a documentary about global warming and deforestation.

Results of the “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness” campaign

• Before the campaign, 545 of the fans were Costa Rican, 32% from the US, 7% from Canada, and 7% from other countries. Thanks to the campaign, 69% are fans from the US, which is our number one tourist market, 7% from Canada and 14% from other countries.
• The increase in “Likes” as of October 6th is 428%.
• Answers to comments, posts, and photos has seen a growth of 414%.
• To date, there have been reported 19 winners.
• More than 100 million people are exposed to campaign messages through print media.
• Costa Rica has exposure in more than 1,000 web sites such as Trip Advisor, Expedia, Orbitz, Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, NBC, and others.

• Thanks to this newly scheduled route, tourists landing in Liberia will not only benefit Guanacaste, but also places like Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Tortuguero, as well as the Central Pacific area.

• Nueva York makes up the best prospects for Costa Rica with tourists that earn on average more than $100,000 per year and have a college education.

For the first time, the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, welcomed on November 17th, the US airline, Jet Blue, who decided to begin operations in Costa Rica.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, pointed out that the arrival of this flight is good news for the country and the Costa Rica Tourism Board in attracting new airlines, which brings tourist from its main target markets.

“The arrival of Jet Blue to the Liberian airport is reason for celebration for Costa Rica. Today our efforts have become reality in attracting new airlines to our country. This is the result of 2 and a half years of arduous negotiation driven by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, along with the support of the President of Costa Rica,” stated Flores.

Jet Blue will make 4 non-stop flights between John F. Kennedy in New York and the airport in Liberia. The airline uses an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 150 passengers. This new route will bring Costa Rica closer to new prospects in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, and will provide an 11% increase in available seats from the United States to the Daniel Oduber International Airport.

Flores stated that thanks to this new scheduled route, tourists that land in Liberia will not only get to know Guanacaste, but also Monteverde, La Fortuna, Tortuguero, as well as the Central Pacific.

For Chad Meyerson, International Sales Director of Jet Blue, Costa Rica is a destination with great potential. “Costa Rica has a lot to offer and has been a fundamental partner since we began flying there two years ago. We are pleased to continue building this relationship and continue expanding our connections in Central America,” said Meyerson.

The United States is the primary market for Costa Rica. In 2010 alone, more than 830,000 tourists arrived to Costa Rica, which represents almost 40% of the total visitors for the whole year.

New York is also one of the main cities in the United States with a high concentration of best prospects for Costa Rica, where citizens earn on average over $100,000 per year and have college degrees.

According to the program, “Americans as International Travelers research program,” New Yorkers are adventure enthusiasts who prefer contact with nature and 40% are committed to the environment and visit counties that practice sustainable tourism, therefore Costa Rica offers what these tourists demand, which is why they are the most visited country in the region (half of the United States tourists that visited Central America over the last three years went to Costa Rica).

This flight also represents an opportunity for Costa Rica enthusiasts from the Big Apple to fly non-stop to New York, since Jet Blue offers special rates that have been made public on their website www.jetblue.com/new.

In March 2009, Jet Blue began operations in Costa Rica with an Orlando-Costa Rica-Orlando route using an Embraer type aircraft with 100 passenger seating capacity. Since February 11th, 2010, they have used an Airbus A320 which seats 150. This change is due to the operation reaching sustainable capacity levels (close to 80% on average).

New York (JFK) to Liberia (LIR):
Departure – Arrival
9:32 a.m. – 1:48 p.m.

Liberia (LIR) to New York (JFK):
Departure – Arrival
2:43 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

- Flights will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays starting November 17th, 2011 –
- Hours based on local time -

• The Costa Rica Tourism Board will organize the Wa-apin Fest for locals in the Limon area to welcome competitors of the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre.

• The event will be held November 18th and 19th along the boulevard in Parque Vargas.

With sustainability as the theme, Costa Rica will welcome the competitors of the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre race for the first time with a cultural festival.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board, along with the support of social and tourism business representatives in the area, will hold the Wa-apin Fest, a cultural and family event that will offer a window into the Afro-Caribbean culture for national and foreign tourists, such as their music, food, arts and crafts, as well as the warmth of the people from Limon and the Caribbean area.

“The phrase ‘Wa-apin,’ is a traditional greeting expression in the Mekatelyu language, and we want to show Costa Ricans and the world all that is good in the Limon province. Therefore, for two days (November 18th and 19th), Limon will host this cultural festival, to draw attention to the city and the region, highlighting its best features and town values that make up the Limon people, as well as its nature and tourism attractions. This event will also strengthen promotional and commercial efforts to increase tourism visitors in this area during the low season,” said Chief Promotional representative of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Ireth Rodríguez.

The event will begin with a parade Caribbean style, inaugurating the Wa’apin Fest. There will be concerts displaying traditional Limon music, with groups like Kawe Calypso, Masterkey, Cantoamérica, and an exhibition of the fusion between French and Limon music. There will also be arts and crafts on display and for sale, as well as traditional dishes like a giant rice and beans display, enough to feed 2,000 people. The Transat award presentation will also be held during the event.

For the second occasion, Costa Rica will be the finish line of the Transat Jacques Vabre race, in which participants from countries like France, England, Italy, Norway, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Slovenia, and Belgium compete.

The Transat is the third most important race of this kind in the world, and the fifth most watched sport in France. “This event shares the same values as our country for being an eco-friendly activity, which is in line with our tradition of sustainability, which organizers had in mind when selecting Costa Rica as the host of the finish line of this important race,” said Rodríguez.

He also indicated that the Transat represents a platform to show the world Costa Rica’s sustainability development, which seeks to protect their tourism products and promote them unlike any other tourism destination.

We invite all Costa Ricans to take part in this great event. The Transat, along with the Wa’apin Fest, will mark an important event in the history of the Limon province, promoting tourism attractions, sustainability, and celebrating the Afro-Caribbean culture.

For 18 years, this sailing competition crossing the Atlantic has taken place every two years. The competition was created by Kraft Food, and is organized by Penduick, Transat Costa Rica, and is backed by the ICT, Japdeva, and the City of Limón.

Activity agenda for Wa’apin Fest 2011
November 18th:

5 pm: Parade.
7 pm: Open presentation at the Wa’apin Fest stage and a performance by Kawe Calypso.
8 pm: Transcontinental group performance (Fusion of French and Limon music, headed by Yann Gael Poncet).

November 19th:

10 am: Traditional Arts and Crafts Fair.
12 pm: Rice and Beans presentation for 2,000 people.
1 pm: Stage performance by Masterkey.
2 pm: Stage performance by Cantoamérica and 3 calypsonians (Reinaldo Kenton, Cyril Sylvan, Junior Emilio Álvarez).
5 pm: TRANSAT Award Presentation.

For more information on Transat, go to the following link www.transat-jacques-vabre.com

After eight days into the competition, the crew members of the Transat Jacques Vabre have traveled half of the distance (some 2,796 miles) from the Le Harve Port in France to the Port of Limon.

Currently, they are in the center of the Atlantic Ocean with favorable conditions, after eight days (as of Wednesday) of strong weather conditions, there has been very little wind since the last storm depression.

Twenty-one yachts are competing in the race, after the English boat, Concise 2, pulled out in the Class 40 category due to a structural problem in the ship’s hull that was leaking.

“Now, weather conditions are great. We are finding very favorable winds for our type of craft. The temperature is warmer. We can eat and sleep well and we are optimistic for the next stage,” said Yves Le Blevec, who is in first place with the multi-hull boat Actual.

Two years ago, Yves Le Blevec pulled out of the race on the second day after the multihull boat capsized in a wind squall.

In the Imoca category, the yachts Virbac-Paprec and Hugo Boss, have been very close since they took off from Le Harve, and are leading this category, taking a more northerly route than the other yachts.

Good wind conditions are predicted for the following three days.
We recommend checking out the web site www.transat-jacques-vabre.com and clicking on “Espace Presse” to access all news related to the race with photos, videos, and audio clips.

For more information, contact Jacques Lanusse-Cazalé, Transat coordinator for Costa Rica at: (506) 2253-3874 / (506) 8871-4762

Costa Rica was named “The most attractive destination for romance and honeymoons” in Latin America and for the third consecutive year, “The highest sold destination in Latin America” by Recommend Magazine’s 15th annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Costa Rica was acknowledged by readers of Recommend for its exceptional products and services, as well as loyalty in the travel agency market.

The voting was done electronically from September 7th to the 30th and received 1,500 responses from travel agencies who were asked to vote in 13 categories. This recognition will be published in the December edition.

Recommend is a monthly publication for the travel industry with the highest circulation in its market and is a tool that helps travel agencies to sell destination packages through advertising.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board is proud to announce that Costa Rica won best booth design at the 2011 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the largest fair in the English market. The WTM judges praised the Costa Rican booth for its use of rainforest sound effects, music and its general design, allowing visitors to feel like they were transported to Costa Rica and serving as the perfect introduction for those who wanted to learn more about the destination.

Held from November 7 - 10, 2011 in the London ExCel Convention Center, Costa Rica’s stand at the WTM measured 2,690 square feet and highlighted the country’s natural abundance and commitment to sustainability, two of its most distinguishing features.

Costa Rica Tourism Minister Allan Flores stressed the importance of Costa Rica’s participation during the World Travel Market due to the travel event’s focus on sustainable tourism, which is aligned with the country’s sustainable tourism model.

"We are thrilled to receive this honor and look forward to promoting Costa Rica in the Europe, one of our most important markets,” commented Minister Flores.

Of the 35 yachts that left Le Harve Port, France last Wednesday, 11 have withdrawn from the competition while 24 continue on toward the finish line at Puerto Lim�n.

The most recent to withdraw was the Imoca Chemin�es Poujourlat team that became aware of a serious water leak in the hull. The boat was sinking and a rescue team in helicopter from the Azores Islands came to rescue them.

With the exception of these two crew members, Luis Lecoq in Class 40 (back pain) and the winner of the last race two years ago Frank Yves Escoffier (Crepes Wahou), victim of a strong blow to the spinal column, the yachts suffered various sea related injuries.

The competitors that are continuing on will face harsh conditions over the next few days due to 60 mph (100 km/h) winds.

�The sea is very strong, wind changes are constant, we don�t sleep, our arms are tired from changing the sails every two hours, but what drives us on is the adventure,� said one of the favorites from the Imoca category, the Frenchman Jeremie Beyrou of the Virbac-Paprec 3 sailboat.

The Hugo Boss yacht belonging to the Brit Alex Thompson and the experienced Spaniard Guillermo Altadill, are in first place as of last Saturday. Some of their challengers have chosen a route more to the south in order to protect themselves against the more complicated weather conditions.

Remember to go to www.transat-jacques-vabre.com and sign into �Espace Presse� for all materials related to the event such as photos, videos, and audios.

Four sailboats ran into difficulties during the first 48 hours of the transatlantic Transat Jacques Vabre competition, and its navigators had to abandon their dreams of reaching Puerto Limon.

In the Imoca monohull, the boat Akena Verandas lost its mast and its sails after they came across an area of very strong winds.

“We were in the boat, trying to eat something. It was at night and suddenly we hear a very strong noise. The boat moved from side to side and when we stepped outside, the mast and the sails had disappeared. Various parts of the boat had been hit, but luckily we are all alright. We are looking for a solution to slowly return to the port of Brest (west end of France),” explained Arnaud Boissières, one of the Akena Verandas’ crewmember.

In the multihull category, the boat Monopiticien.com had problems with its mast and is heading the nearest French port.

In the Class-40 monohull category, two sailboats have also had to return to France: Comiris Pôle Santé Elior and Lecoq Cuisine

Uno de sus navegantes sufrió una fractura en un dedo de la mano. In the case of the Comiris Pôle Santé Elior, a separation between the two areas of the central hull broke when it crashed against the sea at the start of a wave.

As for the sailboat Lecoq Cuisine, after being 24 hours in a heavy seas, one of its crewmembers, Eric Lecoq, presented severe back pain and could not move.

31 barcos continúan en la competencia hacia Limón. Thirty-one sailboats continue their race toward Limon.
We remind you to enter the site www.transat-jacques-vabre.com and sign in at “Espace Presse” to obtain all the high definition journalistic material such as pictures, videos and audios.

• The WTM Fair will be held in London from November 7th to the 10th.

Costa Rica continues its tourism representation in international fairs, as part of its strategy to attract a diverse number of markets. That’s why the Costa Rica Tourism Board and 25 Costa Rican tourism companies will participate in the WTM Fair in London, geared toward professionals in tourism.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, highlighted the importance of this fair, which, in addition to being the most important one in the UK market, it will focus on sustainable tourism in line with the tourism development model followed by Costa Rica.

“At the ICT, we continue working hard toward promoting our country in markets that are very profitable for our country. That’s why we are joining forces to assure a positive image of our country in the European market,” stated Flores.

The Costa Rica stand at the London Excel Convention Center will be some 800 sq. ft and will highlight the abundance of nature and sustainability of Costa Rica, which makes it stand out from other markets.

During this fair, promotional efforts and scheduled events by the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA in Spanish) will also be supported.

The United Kingdom ranks fourth in European countries that visit Costa Rica, after Spain, Germany, and France (countries which Costa Rica also participates in international fairs).

In 2010, 34,745 British tourists arrived (80% by air). Almost half visited Costa Rica based on recommendations from friends and family.

During the 2005-2009 period, the average stay was 14 nights with daily expenditures averaging $93 per day per person. The main tourism activities are canopy, snorkeling, surfing, excucrsions on hanging bridges, as well as traditional activities (sunbathing on the beach, bird watching, and others).

Showing our country at its best in 480 pages of the prestigious French tour guide, since November 3rd, is the: Petit Futé Country-Guides. This guide presented its 10th Edition of Costa Rica 2012-2013, at the Days Hotel San Jose and has the support of the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

The guide has information on hotels, places of tourist interest in our country, historical, geographical, political and social characteristics; whilst highlighting the natural and picturesque beauties of the flora and fauna that can be found in Costa Rica.

The Petit Futé Country-Guides presents this time 11 new destinations and more than 180 titles, of which 90 are exclusives. The Petit Futé Country-Guides are the most important collection in the French market. Other countries that have the 2012-2013 guide are: Canada, Madagascar, Panama, Colombia, Jordan, Senegal, among others.

More information at www.petitfute.com

In 24 hours, the quickest sailboats of the Transat Jacques Vabre have travelled 435 miles (700 kilometers), i.e. an average speed of 19 miles/hour (30km/h). After departing from Manche, the sailboats sailed westward in the Atlantic, facing a very strong sea south of Ireland.

“The first night was very intense; a rollercoaster of a night with a sea that did not allow us to sleep for one minute,” said Marc Guillemot, monohull winner two years ago with the boat Safran; and who is part of a group of six sailboats of the same Imoca that are leading the flotilla.

Franck Yves Escoffier, on his part, with the multihull Crepes Wahou, winner in Limon two years ago, said that the first night was like being under a waterfall for 10 hours.

In the Class-40 category, the navigators of the French frigate Comiris Pôle Santé Elior, informed the Transat authorities about a problem in the hull of the sailboat. A separation between the two compartments of the hull broke and they were returning towards the French coasts because the accident affected the equilibrium of the sailboat. It is very difficult that Thierry Bouchard and Gilles Bérenger could repair it to stay in the competition.

At noon, Costa Rica time, the sailboats will find a less wavy area and regular winds. After travelling 24 hours westward, the strategic game among the favorites will start to take a south, southeast direction towards the Azores Islands.

Similarly, we remind you to enter the website www.transat-jacques-vabre.com and sign into the “Espace Presse”, to access all the high definition journalistic material such as pictures, videos and audios.

For more details, please contact Jacques Lanusse-Cazalé, Transat Coordinator in Costa Rica, telephones: (506) 2253-3874 / (506) 8871-4762

The 72 navigators are coordinating the last details for the departure of the tenth edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. from Le Havre Port in France (6:00 a.m. Costa Rica local time).

At the departure, this event will unite more than 200,000 spectators on the coast of the most important French container port.

This Friday, the 36 sailboats will be supplied with food and water. The navigators will only take a few gas bottles to heat the prepared food (similar to that eaten by the astronauts). These boats lack refrigerators, freezers, stoves or microwaves.

Also, they will be supplied with large quantities of water to avoid dehydration, one of the major physical problems that the navigators face after two weeks at sea.

Another difficulty will be to adapt sleep to the necessities of the competition and steering the boat that can never stop. During the Transat, each crew member takes turns; the navigators will sleep for 20 minutes periods, every 4 hours, for a total of only 2 hours during a 24 hour period.

The forecast, regarding the weather has improved for the first few days of the competition. The intense tropical depression announced for Monday has veered to the Northeast of the Atlantic Ocean. The weather conditions will be very harsh, with winds that exceed 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour and a very strong sea. However, they will not face the most acute part of the depression where the winds will exceed 81 miles (130 km/h) per hour.

We remind you to enter the website www.transat-jacques-vabre.com and sign into the “Espace Presse”, to get access to all the journalistic material such as photos, videos and audios.

If you wish to receive information this Sunday on the departure of the Transat, you can request it at the following address: essunal@mail.com
For more details, contact Jacques Lanusse-Cazalé, Coordinator of the Transat in Costa Rica, at the following telephones: (506) 2253-3874 / (506) 8871-4762

• The Transat Jacques Vabre Yacht Race 2011 to finish at the Port of Limon for the second time.

• ICT to organize cultural festival for residents of Limon to welcome Transat competitors.

For the second time, Costa Rica will be the finish line of the Transat Jacques Vabre 2011 Yacht Race, in which 72 crew members will compete from countries like France, England, Spain, Italy, Norway, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Belgium.

The Transat Jacques Vabre is the third most important race in the world, after the Vendeé Globe, and the Rum Route, and the fifth most important sporting event in France after the World Cup, Roland Garros, the Tour de France, and the Rugby World Cup.

The head of promotions at the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Ireth Rodríguez,assured that hosting this high profile international competition is paramount for the country because it presents the opportunity to showcase the Costa Rican tourism product, the Caribbean zone in general, and the sustainability model which makes Costa Rica stand out.

On October 30th, 36 yachts with two crews each will depart from the Le Havre Port in France and, with normal conditions, will arrive in Limon, Costa Rica, on November 14th. More than 300,000 are expected to come to the pre-departure activities the week before to be held in Le Havre before October 30th.

Jacques Lanusse, Transat Coordinator in Costa Rica, pointed out that there will be three types of categories in the Transat: Imoca (single hull, 60ft. long, with 95ft. high masts), multi-50 (multiple hull, 50ft. long with 75ft. high masts), and the Class-40 (single hull 40ft. long with 60ft. high masts).

The route for the single hull will be 4,730 nautical miles, meaning 5,442 miles (8,759.96 km)from the Le Havre Port located in the Northern France, to Limon. The multi-hull yachts will travel 53,323 nautical miles, or 6,125 miles (9,858 km).

The winners from the last event, in the single hull category, were: Safan (France), with a time of 15 days, 19 hours, and 22 minutes; second place GroupeBel (France) with a time of 16 days, 4 hours, and 2 minutes, and in third place Mike Golding Yacht Racing (England) with a time of 17 days, 1 hour, and 29 minutes. The winners of the multi-hull category were: Crêpes Whaou!(France), 15 days, 15 hours, and 31 minutes; second place Guyader (France), 22 days, 4 hours, 19 minutes, and third place Région Aquitaine Port Médoc (France) 22 days, 8 hours, 22 minutes.

TheTransat Jacques Vabreroute is the opposite of the coffee trade route between Latin America and Europe. There have been 4 events in Colombia (Cartegena 1993/95/97/99), 4 in Salvador de Bahia (Brazil 2011/03/05/07), and for the second time in Costa Rica.

This cross-Atlantic yacht race has taken place every two years for 18 years. The competition was established by Kraft Foods, and is organized by Penduick, the Costa Rica Transat company and with the support of the ICT, Japdeva, and the City of Limon.

International donations for theTransat Jacques Vabre prize is around 150,000 Euros.

Costa Ricans may participate in the Transat virtually and create their own race, in addition to visiting Limon where the yacht crew members will stay for a few weeks after November 13th. JAPDEVA has made available port 70 to Transat to welcome the yacht teams.

The first edition of Transat 2009 in Costa Rica and the ninth event overall was a huge success. Promotion and marketing efforts brought in more than 6 million Euros to showcase the country primarily in the European market.

Go to this link to follow the eventwww.transat-jacques-vabre.com

Promoting sustainable tourism development and the culture of Limon

TheTransat Jacques Vabreis an eco-sustainable event that compensates for its C02 production through different deforestation programs, in addition to recycling or using recyclable materials in their promotional efforts and operations. The last event in 2009 produced 2,200 tons of C02, which was 65% less than the event in 2007. This philosophy, along with the country’s image and commitment, encouraged organizers to choose Costa Rica for this event over other destinations like Panama and Mexico.

“Without a doubt the Transat is a great stepping stone to showcase our sustainable development model and encourages us to safeguard our tourism products and promote them as unique features of the country,”stated Rodríguez.

Under this theme of sustainability, Costa Rica will welcome Transat participants with a cultural festival. Therefore, the Costa Rica Tourism Board, along with support from members and business owners in the tourism industry, developed Wa’apin Fest, an event that provides a portal into the culture of Limon for nationals as well as foreigners with respect to its cuisine, music, and all that Limon has to offer.

Using this traditional greeting in the local Metatelyu language, demonstrates to Costa Ricans and the whole world all that is good in the province of Limon. Therefore, for two days (November 18th and 19th) Limon will host the tourism and cultural festival whose goal is to become a symbol of the area and the country, highlighting some of its best attributes, like the local town values that are emblematic of the people of Limon and the natural and tourists attractions found in this province. In addition, this event will help strengthen various promotional and commercial efforts that tend to increase tourist visits during the low season in this part of the country.

“We invite all Costa Ricans to take part of this great event. Transat, along with the Wa’apin Fest, will mark an important event in the history of the city of Limon, promoting tourism attractions, sustainable tourism development, and celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture,” stated Rodríguez.

Travel + Leisure Magazine will publish in its November issue a special report on the Osa Peninsula. Because of the experiences that this issue’s group of reporters lived during their visit, they described it as the wild side of Costa Rica…where the magic is.

The pages of the magazine tell of the locations and experiences in the different places, such as Corcovado National Park, La Sirena Biological Reserve, along with their adventures in the Tigre, and Claro rivers and even in a community pulpería (local store), among other places; they narrate their stories about how marveled they were with the nature and wildlife observation. Also, they explained how to get there and their recommendations on ecological lodgings and tour operators in Osa.

They note, among other descriptions, that the Osa Peninsula stands out on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast, where there is still a paradise of primitive rainforest, water pools, and secluded beaches.

More information on the following link: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/exploring-costa-ricas-osa-peninsula

The promotion of our country, its culture and tourism destinations is the objective of the IV EXPO Manuel Antonio 2011 (ExpoMA), II International Edition that will be carried out in Manuel Antonio from October 8th to the 16th.

At this fair, the local businesses will have the opportunity of offering their tourism products to international travel agencies. Also, a Fam Trip called “The Best of Costa Rica” will be carried out, where they will visit San Jose, Manuel Antonio and Arenal.

This event is organized by the Manuel Antonio Tourism Board with the support of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). In 2010, the ExpoMA entered for the first time in the US market and achieved an attendance of 47 US and Canadian agencies. For this year, it is expected to have 70 travel agencies visiting from the United States, Canada and Central America.

For more information: with Susan Rodríguez of the Manuel Antonio Group, telephones: (506)27773822 / (506)88904598 or email: director@manuelantoniotoday.com

Or the following link: www.expomanuelantonio.com

• Strategy promotes tourism sustainability and an authentic connection with the communities.

• The campaign will extend from October of this year until February 2013 with a total investment of $6.4 million.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board has officially committed to setting its tourism destination apart by launching an international campaign for the United States and Canada market.

In order to look for an innovative concept that is different from the publicity campaigns currently being used by other destinations, the ICT publicity agency in the United States, 22 Squared, developed the campaign “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness,” which is based on sharing Costa Ricans’ happiness.

Tourism Minister Allan Flores assured that Costa Rica’s campaign goes beyond traditional publicity; it aims to break standards and transcend time, thereby leaving its mark on history and on how life is perceived.

“Today we have undertaken the challenge of betting on creativity and innovation. It is time for us to show the world who we are: a country with a definite commitment to sustainability, a destination praised for our quality of life and mainly for our human warmth, and a place that captivates, surprises and enchants,” pointed out Flores.

He furthermore highlighted that “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness” marks a milestone in the country’s international marketing as it has become a creative way of using tourists’ experiences to multiply recommendations for visiting the destination.

According to the Happy Planet Index (www.happyplanetindex.org) that measures aspects such as well-being, life expectancy, and ecological footprint, Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world. This index establishes the country as enjoying the highest human well-being measured worldwide, the second longest average life expectancy in the New World, and having attained an admirable ecological footprint, all elements that combined allow Costa Ricans to be satisfied with their lives. Moreover, the investigation conducted by Gallup World Poll and published by Forbes magazine reported that Costa Rica is the happiest country on the American continent and the sixth happiest worldwide after Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Holland (www.forbes.com).

Sharing the happiness

The high satisfaction that tourists express when visiting our country, together with hospitality and the “Tico” way, inspired the international campaign to focus on sharing this happiness; therefore, instead of investing solely in advertising spots in traditional media as was done in the past, they decided to allocate part of the country’s advertising budget towards generating unique experiences that benefit the national tourism industry and encourage tourists to recommend the destination.

In the first phase of this campaign, a five-month promotion has been started (from October of this year to February of 2012). In this stage, the campaign will focus on social networks given that the greatest potential of tourists from both countries are highly technologically savvy and will be able to effectively receive the message. Internet users will participate in raffles to travel to the country.

Trips will be given through various channels: via Facebook, a trip will be given daily (from Monday to Friday) to one winner and a companion, until 80 trips have been given; in other words, 160 tourists will win a trip. Likewise, individuals who need happiness in their lives will also be selected via a constant monitoring of social networks and the news. Additionally, key people will also be chosen who deserve to be awarded for defending different causes related to promoting happiness in others or sharing Costa Rican values. This aspect will benefit 95 more people.

The perceived value of these prizes is a million dollars although the real value is less given the special rates offered by the private sector for this promotion. Winners will have six months to take their trip.

The first stage of the campaign (from October 2011 to February 2012) represents an investment of $2.9 million and includes the costs of the advertising, trip packages, and the advertising spots in the media. For the second stage (from March 2012 to February 2013), the campaign will focus on positioning Costa Rica and the investment will total $3.5 million. The total investment for this campaign will be $6.4 million.

Promoting sustainable tourism

Assistant Manager and Director María Amalia Revelo explained that the campaign will promote tourism sustainability as only those tourism businesses with the highest levels of the Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (four and five stars) were chosen. The CST is a standard promoted by our country through which businesses prove their explicit commitment to sustainably managing their activity.

“A great opportunity lies within this campaign to connect with and educate potential tourists about the diversity and richness of the Costa Rican experience. Our work with the private sector and the intense planning required by this campaign will not only allow tourism attractions to be enjoyed, but it will also promote an ecological and environmental conscience, respect for local culture, and participation in the communities, which is what most captivates the tourist: the manner and way of life of the Costa Rican,” highlighted Revelo.

“Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness” aims to encourage dialogue about Costa Rica, have people exchange experiences via social networks, and recommend the destination and a repeat visit, thereby taking full advantage of the advertising budget that is considered limited in the target market.

“The advertising campaigns in other destinations resemble one another, which is why we want to break the norm and set ourselves apart. We have a clearly defined mission which is sharing Costa Ricans’ happiness. With this campaign, we will amplify the voice of people who recommend Costa Rica as a tourism destination, thereby achieving the multiplying effect that creates revenue for our tourism industry and unforgettable experiences for those who visit us,” asserted Revelo.

• The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, will be present at opening ceremony on October 6th, in Turrialba.

A few hours from the start of the World Rafting Competition the national and international teams are ready to compete and to row the highest level in the turbulent waters of the Pacuare River; considered one of the best rivers in the world to practice this sport.

The opening ceremony will begin on Thursday, October 6th, in the morning and attending will be the Minister of Tourism, Allan Flores, the canton delegate of Turrialba, Alfonso Pérez, the president of the International Rafting Federation, Rafael Gallo, as well as other representatives of the Mollejones community of Turrialba.

The following day, October 7th, a large group of Australian, Canadian, Mexican, Italian, Argentinean, Brazilian, Croatian, Danes, New Zealanders, French, British, Hungarian, Japanese, Norwegian, Russian, Serbs, Slovaks, Slovenes, Venezuelan and local Costa Rican athletes will compete against the Pacuare to score the highest amount of points. The tournament hosts approximately 370 athletes from the 48 participating teams.

The competition will begin with a time trial and then the teams will compete in the head to head category. Then the slalom (obstacles) competition will follow and finally the down river competition.

The national teams expressed that they feel very happy to be a few days away form the competition, since they have worked very hard to meet the goal of being among the 10 best on the planet. “We are full of adrenaline knowing that we are just a few days away from the beginning of the competition. We know this will be a tournament where the level will be very high, but we are confident that everything will be all right,” stated Karol Vargas, captain of the national women’s team.

Vargas will share her strength and enthusiasm in the same raft in which she will compete with Marcela Rojas, Andrea Fallas, Zumara Chavarría, Catalina Elizondo, Lil Castro, Gabriela Rodríguez and Omara Fuks, all members of the Costa Rican Women’s Team.

The men’s team is composed of Álvaro Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Jiménez, Otto Mora, Davis Montenegro, Marlon Bustos, Manuel Segura, Diego and Walter Centeno.

• The 32 countries that will compete on the Pacuare River will get to know the Mollejones community.

The Mollejones community in Turrialba is on the eve and expectation of the 2011 World Rafting Championship that will officially start Thursday, October 6th. Beyond the surprise and novelty of sharing with all the competitors that show their strength on the Pacuare River, the community takes it as a challenge and they want to share their town’s feelings and cultural activities with the visiting athletes.

Elías Calderón, Mollejones tourism group coordinator, explained that the event brings more benefits than expected, since it has not only increased tourism in the area, but it has generated job options for the locals.

As part of the preparations before the start of the finals, the community will have food services, horseback riding tours, hiking, camping areas, rural lodging, and there will be dances in the afternoons, which will take place at the Mollejones school gym.

In addition, the locals expressed feeling very grateful and identified with all the present delegations, therefore giving each one a present. This edition of the main world competition in the adventure rafting sport will count on the participation of representatives from New Zealand, Austria, Canada, Mexico, Italy, United States, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungry, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Serbia, the Republic of Slovakia, Slovenia and Venezuela, among others.

The event has the official sponsorship of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) and is organized by the IRF, the Rowing and Adventure Association and the Turrialba Tourism Board.

CNN's Destination Adventure news series chooses weekly a place for explorers and world travelers and out country was the chosen destination for the week of September 19th through 25th.

The CNN reporters, in this publication, tell of their adventures in vertical descents in the waterfalls, canopy in the forest, surfing; also they were impressed by the volcanoes and the biodiversity which Costa Rica has.

“Costa Rica has something for each persona that is an adventurer at heart,” “Costa Rica has everything, from the Atlantic to the Pacific…” these were some of the impressions from the group of CNN reporters that visited our country and classified it as a teeming opportunity for adventure and relaxation, despite it being a small country.

The group visited various locations such as: Monteverde’s cloud forest, Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Rio Celeste and Corcovado National Park, among other.


More information in the following link:
http://us.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/09/17/destination.adventure.costa.rica/index.html

Since September 20th, Sarapiqui has 129 hectares in protected area which now are part of the Tapira National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge’s creation was made official by Executive Decree No. 36681- Minaet, which was published in El Diario La Gaceta this past 20th of September.

The Tapira National Wildlife Refuge, located in Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui, in Heredia, is now part of the conservation area that belongs to the Poas and Irazu Volcanoes and Braulio Carrillo National Parks. It is also part of the biological corridor known as San Juan – La Selva, which extends from the Nicaraguan boarder to Sarapiqui.

These new protected areas fall under this condition to contribute with the conservation and protection of plants and animals indigenous to the tropical rainforest. In these 129 hectares of land, approximately 142 species of trees and 22 types of mammals can be found.

More information in the following link:
http://historico.gaceta.go.cr/pub/2011/09/20/COMP_20_09_2011.html#_Toc304207173

This October 3rd and 4th important issues will be discussed in the country surrounding sustainability in the tourism sector, covering topics related to sustainable marketing strategies, climate change challenges, the culture in a globalized world, agro-tourism and carbon neutrality, among others. This will take place at the III Planet, People, Peace International Conference 2011 (P3 - 2011), organized by the National Chamber of Eco-tourism (CANAECO for its acronym in Spanish) and with the support of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).

The Minister of Tourism, Allan Flores, pointed out that for the Costa Rican Tourism Board to support such an initiative as the P3 represents a key element in the positioning of our destination brand.

The main topic of this edition is “Culture in Sustainable Tourism,” for its importance in the strengthening and development of this tourism model. Costa Rica has been a country that has grown socially, economically and culturally linked to agriculture. Those roots gave us a solid foundation to evolve a new production system based on the culture of service, pointed out Mr. Glenn Jampol, President of CANAECO, who also adds that for sustainable tourism, the culture is a basis of inspiration and reference to create unique experiences and to maintain a people with their authenticity; the principal ingredient for sustainable tourism.

Among the speakers that will be participating are, the Director of the Artes de México Magazine, Ph.D in History, Margarita de Orellana Iglesias, who will give the inaugural speech for this event, “Cultivos y culturas de Mesoamérica de hoy” (Crops and cultures of today’s Mesoamerica). Another important speaker will be Mr. Álvaro Umaña, former minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (1986-1990), and present advisor for the UNPD. He is an expert on climate change issues and will be giving the speech on “Desafíos sobre Cambio Climático: perspectiva global y avances en Costa Rica” (Challenges on Climate Change: A Global Perspective and Advances in Costa Rica). Other renown speakers that will participate are Deidre Campbell, Director of the Tartan Group; Katie Widdowson, Marketing Manage of Travelocity; Mina T. Gabor, President of the Sustainable Tourism School in the Philippines, Alexi Khajavi, Director of Global Strategy for MercuryCSC; Alberto López, ICT’s Director of Sustainability and Sergio Musmanni, principal advisor of environment and climate change of the German Cooperation for Development (GIZ for its acronym in German), as well as various other professionals on the issues associated with this conference.

This year the conference will be carried out at the EARTH University campus in Guacimo, Limon; study center that is both, nationally and internationally recognized for its sustainable policies and practices, converting it into the ideal scenario for the P3 - 2011 Conference.

The Conference’s inauguration will take place on Monday, October 3rd, with the presence of the ICT’s General Manager, Mr. Juan Carlos Borbón and the President of CANAECO, Mr. Glenn Jampol. For more details we have attached the summary of the program’s general activities.

To attend the event and to obtain information, you can visit the website www.planetapersonaspaz.com. You can also write to info@planetpeoplepeace.com or call (506) 2222-2022.

• 32 countries will compete on the Pacuare River October 4th to the 11th.

Costa Rica will be the host country for the World Rafting Championship 2011 that will take place from October 4th to the 11th on the Pacuare River in Turrialba. The International Rafting Federation (IRF) selected Costa Rica over Italy and Australia for this extreme sport where 32 men’s and women’s team from 32 different countries will compete.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, assured that, for the Costa Rica Tourism Board, sponsoring this high-profile international competition will be a key draw for tourists, opening new markets, and developing adventure tourism.

In 2010 alone, 7 of every 10 tourists that flew into the country, participated in adventure tourism sports, among them being rafting, canopy, and bungee jumping.

“This activity promotes our commitment that tourism be the vehicle for excellence for sustainable development of the country, well-being, and promoting direct opportunities for local involvement. It also places Costa Rica and Turrialba as a prime destination spot for developing extreme sports,” said Flores.

According to Rafael Gallo, President of the International Rafting Federation (IRF), and co-founder of Riós Tropicales, he explained that they are developing different strategies to guarantee that for the first time in the history of these international events, it will be a carbon neutral championship, which is in line with the vision outlined by the National Sustainable Tourism Plan 2010-2016 recently presented by the ICT.

Countries such as the United States, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have hosted the World Championship, which is held every two years. For the second time in a row, the IRF has designated Costa Rica as the host of the event. The first one was in 1998.

The World Rafting Championship will be held in the Mollejones area, in Turrialba from October 4th to the 11th. The President of the Turrialba Tourism Board, Massi Devoto highlighted the importance of showing the world the characteristics of this area and its main attractions that combines adventure with a thriving nature.

“Turrialba is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts; therefore, we are proud that such a well-known event is being held in our country. We have worked hard to make this event a success, adding that it is the best traveling experience,” pointed out Devoto.

A high profile competition
The World Rafting Event is held in two parts; one some 11 miles long from Siquirres to Tres Equis, in which they will navigate the boats at different difficulty levels, and the other some 2,296 ft. long in Cabeza de Güey, in San Joaquin.

The athletes will compete in 4 events: time trial, head to head, slalom, and down river that will be evaluated by a panel of local and foreign judges, certified by the International Rating Federation.

Each team, both male and female, will be made up of 6 people with the rafts placed at strategic positions and a guide, directions, and speed. Those behind and in front are in charge of steering the raft and those in the center are for power.

In order to qualify for the World Rafting Championship, the teams must pass through the qualifying process in their respective country. The competition will be represented by New Zealand, , Austria, Canada, Mexico, Italy, the United States, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungry, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Venezuela, among others.

The event is sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and is organized by IRF, The Rowing and Adventure Company, as well as the Turrialba Board of Tourism.

• Costa Rica to be represented in 19 tourism fairs throughout the world.

More than 80 Costa Rican companies will put forward their best tourism product, thanks to the beginning of the international tourism fair season. Beginning tomorrow and running until March 2012, Costa Rica will be represented in countries such as the United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and growing markets like Brazil, Argentina, Holland, Belgium, and Russia.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, explained that participation in these fairs represents a great opportunity to reach our best prospects and spark interest in retailers, airlines, travel agencies, and the public in general, about Costa Rica as a tourism destination.

Costa Rica will participate in 8 fairs in Europe, 9 in the United States and Canada, and 2 in South America this year. Flores pointed out that the international fairs is an advantageous promotional opportunity for Costa Rica and its world class private sector, therefore Costa Rica’s participation will generate more opportunities like it has in the past.

One of the main objectives will be to promote hotels , tour operators, and rental car agencies that carry the Sustainable Tourism Certification (CST in Spanish), which is a standard recognized by the World Tourism Organization as a pioneer program that has changed the way of doing tourism.

“A CST business offers much more than just quality standards. It seeks to raise ecological and environmental awareness, training in sustainable efforts, and participation with the local communities, which makes for a unique and invaluable experience. This will be our calling card in the events that we participate in throughout the world,” stated Flores.

The assistant manager and marketing director, María Amalia Revelo, said that the year before, more than 80 tourism businesses participated in different international fairs throughout the world, totaling 254 participants, which translates into an increase of 26.8% percent with respect to the previous year, mainly in the United States. It is estimated that 65% of the business proposals led to first time contacts during these fairs.

Costa Rica also received awards for the most innovative stands during the Expo & Los Angeles Times Travel Show and sixth place in the Latin America and Caribbean category in ITB in Germany. In addition, it participated for the first time in the Wedding Salon Fair, specializing in wedding related products.

Top Resa kicks off the season

France will be the site of the first event to kick off the international fair season. The 23rd annual Top Resa will be held from September 20th to the 23rd, where nine tourism businesses (3 hotels and 6 tour operators) will participate, headed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

The event will be held in Port of Versailles, Pairs, France. The ICT stand will cover some 273 sq. ft. and will show the attractions and natural riches of Costa Rica, with sustainability as the key element.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, assured that this fair will open avenues into the French market, which ranks third in European countries that visit Costa Rica, behind Spain and Germany. Just the year before, 35,266 French people visited Costa Rica. Their average stay was 13 nights and an average daily spending of $98.

Top Resa is one of the most important fairs in the world, which will bring together some 30,000 people, as well as reporters and journalists.

Studies and communication outlets interested in bats met on September 20th, in the Costa Rica Tourism Board auditorium.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that in Costa Rica, there are 112 species of this mammal. Also, the book “Clarita, mi casa en el bosque” (Clarita, my house in the forest) was presented. This publication was based on scientific research on bats and is presented in an instructional manner in the book (in English and Spanish) to grade school children in order to change the negative reputation that bats have, serving as a fundamental contribution to their conservation.

The author of the book is Laura Navarro, and the scientific consultant, Bernal Rodríguez, from the Tirimbina Biological Reserve.
Likewise, an activities brochure has been published for school children on bats and their habitat.

This activity is organized by the La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, The Association for the Conservation of Bats and the Latin American Network for the Conservation of Bats, which precisely this year was declared The Year of the Bats.

It was also made known that Costa Rica will be the organizer of the 2013, No.17 edition of the International Assembly on Bat Research and the 43rd edition of the Annual North American Symposium on Bat Research.

For more information: Viviana Cordero, Reserva Biológica Tirimbina, Tel: 2761 -0333, www.tirimbina.org

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is proud to announce it is the recipient of the 2011 Crystal Apple Award for Best Destination. The award winners were announced during Apple Vacations’ 24th Annual Trade Show in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Apple Vacations has been a leading vacation company for more than four decades, and this is the first time Costa Rica has won this esteemed award. Each year, hundreds of thousands of customers complete a Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaire measuring customer satisfaction and likelihood to recommend the destination to family and friends, and it is this selection process that makes the Crystal Apple Award one of the most coveted awards in the industry.

Apple Vacations recognized the potential of Costa Rica as a destination that could reach a wider audience of travelers, and the Costa Rica programs launched earlier this year have proven to be very successful. Apple Vacations launched weekly nonstop flights on USA3000 Airlines from Chicago O’Hare to Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest region with immediate access to some of the country’s most celebrated beaches, national parks and more. This program has been so popular that flights have been added from St. Louis, from Denver on Frontier Airlines, and starting this winter from Minneapolis on Sun Country Airlines. Apple also offers a variety of travel packages from departure cities nationwide into San Jose.

This award recognizes Costa Rica as a world-class destination that succeeds in providing travelers with a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression. The country’s commitment to sustainability – both in the environmental and society – infuses every aspect of the country and what has and remains to distinguish it from other destinations.

After three years of experimentation and investigation the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and its associates, have presented an online tool to help the hotels evaluate their energy consumption, better their energy management and reduce costs.

The electronic guide known as “Hotel Energy Solutions”, (HES), provides the hoteliers with a report of their present energy use and recommends technology and appropriate measures of effective and renewable energy. Likewise, it establishes what type of savings for operational costs the hotels can expect on their ecological investments by calculating the performance of their investments. Also through promotional material, the hoteliers inform their clients on energy saving.

“Hotel Energy Solutions” is an initiative undertaken by the UNWTO and supported by the European Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) and its “Intelligent Energy - Europe” Program (IEE). The project has been put into practice with the collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).

The Project will benefit hotels worldwide, contributing to the mitigation of climate change, while helping the hotels increase their commercial benefits.

The testing of the guide ended in August in more than 100 European properties.

More information in the following link: http://www.hotelenergysolutions.net/

The Association of Tour Operators of Ballena Bay, the Ballena Coast Tourism Board with the support of the ICT’s Regional Office in the South Pacific, are organizing the III Whale and Dolphin Festival. The event will be taking place September 9th through 11th and 16th through 18th in the Ballena Marine Park, Uvita Sector.

This festival’s objective is to wake the interest of the locals regarding the threat to whales and dolphins, as well as to attract visitors so that the town can benefit from tourism.

Various activities will be carried out such as live music concerts, parades, children workshops, art exhibitions, child face painters, food sales and affordable tours.

September 9th at 8 a.m., the festival’s inauguration will take place at the Bay’s community hall.

Everyday, starting at 7:30 a.m. whale watching tours will be scheduled. The closure of the III Whale and Dolphin Festival will take place on Sunday, September 18th, starting at 7:30 a.m., at the area’s community hall.

For more information: 2787-00-87, Ballena Coast Tourism Board.

• Multiple Emmy award winner filmed documentary on Costa Rica

Exploring that which, in his opinion, is exceptional about Costa Rica and the Costa Ricans is what led the multiple Emmy award winner and renowned adventurer Richard Bangs to film the documentary “Costa Rica: Quest for Pura Vida.”

This investigation, which Bangs considers the ecological nexus of Central and South America, took him on a 16 day journey, filming different natural areas, ranging from the Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula to the Cloud Forests in Monteverde, to Palo Verde close to the mouth of the Tempisque River, through Punta Islita and Pacuare River, including Tortuguero National Park, in the Caribbean.

The official airing of the hour-long documentary on the country, its essence, and its people will be on September 13th, in New York, at the prestigious Manhattan Explorers Club.

However, there will be a small pre-screening in Costa Rica at the Sala Garbo Theater.

Juan Carlos Borbón, the General Manager of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), pointed out that they are convinced that “the incredible work that Richard Bangs presented will leave a permanent impression on the country as a tourist destination and an ideal place to experience the adventure of a sustainable destination.”

The premiere in New York, the largest journalism market in the world, will make for a large audience and reach very influential US media outlets. The documentary will be aired on over 650 television stations, reaching millions of homes in the United States and Canada.

“We want people to have a better idea of the beauty and biodiversity in Costa Rica, a consolidated country of beautiful protected areas and national parks, as well as social and political stability,” stated Rocío Echeverri, executive director of ProParques, who is in charge of organizing both presentations.

The production had the support of and help from Proparques, the ICT, Grano de Oro, Ríos Tropicales, the Lapa Ríos Rainforest Ecolodge, the National Conservation Area System, theNectandra Institute, the Monteverde Lodge, the Tropical Science Center, Hotel Punta Islita, Tortuga Lodge, and AeroTours, which strive for a long-term vision and commitment to the ecological and tourist development of the country.

The father of modern adventure
Richard Bangs, an adventure enthusiast who travels the world in search of challenges and ecological solutions, has been to Costa Rica nine times.

He’s written more than 1,000 articles, 16 books, and done 21 documentaries, and various CD-ROMS, as well as held multiple conferences.

• Documentary series “Adventures with Purpose”, which is part of this production, are aired by the Public Broadcasting System in the United States.
• In a New York Times article in February 2006, Bangs stated that “Costa Rica is the only country that I always come back to.”
• Created the web page www.terra-quest.com
• Was part of the executive team of Expedia.com Foundation.
• Creator and editor of Expedia Travels Magazine.

• Beaches, rivers, communities, and urban centers will look cleaner and coastal marine eco-systems will be at less risk thanks to the efforts of 5,500 volunteers.

• There will also be an electronic equipment waste drop off at 31 areas throughout the country.

In order to reflect and respond to the urgency of appropriately handling the waste, the Asociación Terra Nostra (ATN) will carry out throughout the month of September the Third Annual National Cleaning Day at some 80 sites throughout the country, within the International Cleaning of Coasts and Rivers Program by the Ocean Conservancy.

This day consists of cleaning up waste from beaches, rivers, parks, and communities, as well as the First Annual National Electronics Waste Collection at 31 collection centers located throughout the country.

The job will be done by volunteers, who will work within the methodology of counting and classifying waste in order that the results will be included in the only international report published by Ocean Conservancy on solid waste that makes its way to the ocean and water source.

For Giovanna Longhi, Director of the National Cleaning Day and representative of the ATN in Ocean Conservancy, cleaning is an essential part of the activity. The most important thing is to follow through with it. “This is the moment to raise awareness among people about the urgency of promoting the appropriate handling of waste, by getting communities and organizational groups involved throughout the country. They not only will clean, but they will also train and help out with creating a virtual talk group providing advice on good and consistent practices for responsible management waste, and trying to reduce the amount that is produced, he declared.

Ireth Rodríguez, Promotion Process Leader of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, expressed that the Costa Rican tourism sector is committed to sustainability as a model for development. So, for the second consecutive year, the Costa Rica Tourism Board will sponsor the National Cleaning Day, in order to set the example of working together, withstanding, and being careful, in order to build a destination based on sustainability.

“As part of the Sardimar Social Responsibility programs, we are 200% committed to the Terra Nostra mission of raising awareness in our community about the proper handling of waste in order to protect the marine life,” said Shirley Romero, Responsibility Manager for Sardimar Social Responsibility.

She added “Our volunteer programs are a proper way to ensure social responsibility. This is the second year that that we have participated in the National Cleaning Day, where we clean a beach from Puntarenas along with 500 other volunteers. We are convinced of the importance of building a culture of environment and to keep working toward it.”

Every year, thousands of mammals and marine birds get sick, wounded, or die, by getting trapped or asphyxiated by some type of ocean waste, because of the improper handling of solid waste that we as human beings produce.

Also, incorrectly disposing of electronic waste can have serious effects on the environment and health. That’s why this year companies like the Metales Selmet company joined the ranks of other businesses that support Cleaning Day and process the waste that they produce.

For more information and interviews, contact Natalia Rodríguez Mata at 8845 1753 or at nrodriguez@redcultura.com

Terra Nostra is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asociaci%C3%B3n-Terra-Nostra/108364152525312

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is proud to announce that Manuel Antonio was named one of the world’s most beautiful national parks by Forbes Magazine. The ranking was developed with the input of Matt Villaro, Outdoors Expert for DiscoverAmerica.com, and Jack Ezon, a national parks expert and president of Ovation Vacations, a luxury travel company.

Of the 12 parks that make up this prestigious list, Manuel Antonio was the only national park featured from Central America. Nestled on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, just south of the city of Quepos, this small biological peninsula is part of the Central Pacific Conservation Area and the perfect place to encounter white-faced and squirrel monkeys, a variety of birds and two and three-toed sloths, including a variety of other creatures and critters.

The timing of this recognition is particularly significant as last week marked the annual celebration of National Parks Day. Since 1984, National Parks Day has been observed on August 24 and reinforces the country’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Costa Rica is home to five percent of the world’s biodiversity and 26 percent of its territory is protected land, which includes 28 national parks.

Surpassing the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Panama, Costa Rica is now ranked first as the best country of the future for foreign investment in Central America and the Caribbean as ranked by FDI Intelligence, which specializes in direct foreign investment and activities, associated with the Financial Times.

Costa Rica also ranks first in the category of best human capital and second in economic potential, a welcoming business environment, and best strategy for attracting investment.

“This publication recognizes the efforts that we have been making to generate more and more opportunities for Costa Ricans through direct foreign investment,” assured the president of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla Miranda.

This indicator is used as a reference for investors that analyze different destinations to set up facilities. “Costa Rica has performed very well in this field, which has earned the trust of more than 227 businesses that have been set up here from 2003 to 2010,” explained the Foreign Trade Minister, Anabel González.

The study done by FDI Intelligence analyzed information from more than 31 countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Six specific categories were studied: economic potential, human capital, cost effectiveness, quality of life, infrastructure, and welcoming business environment. A new category was added this year, which was “investment attraction strategy.”

Source: Presidential Office

Seven teams have been competing since June for a place in the 2011 World Rafting Finals, which is to be held in Costa Rica. Over the last two qualifying cups, each participating team has had the opportunity to move on to the world championship by earning points and the team with the most points will represent Costa Rica in the World Finals.

The competing teams are: Agri Center, Costa Rica Extreme, Pacuare Team, Piratas del Pacuare, Piratas del Pacuare (men’s) and Contra Corriente, Ticas Rafting Team (women’s). The teams are competing in four areas: time trial, head to head, slalom, and down river, and are evaluated by a panel of foreign and local judges that are certified by the International Rafting Federation.

The first event, held in June in Sarapiquí, the Pacuare Team won the men’s, and Contra Corriente won the women’s. During the second event held on the Naranjo River in Quepos this past July 16th and 17th, Costa Rica Extreme won the men’s event, and Contra Corriente once again won the women’s with a total of 1000 points.

This event is sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), and is organized by the International Rafting Federation (IRF), the Rafting and Adventure Association, and the Turrialba Tourism Board.

The third and last event will be held on August 27th and 28th, on the Pacuare River, located in Mollejones, Turrialba, where the Costa Rican representatives of the 2011 World Rafting Finals, held on October 4-11th, will be determined.

For more information, email: lcambronero@aventurayremo.org

The Air Canada magazine publication “enRoute” published a report on Quetzal sightings in the San Gerardo de Dota area in its June edition.

A reporter from the prestigious periodical mentioned that besides the majestic Quetzal, Costa Rica is a paradise for bird watching with over 850 species of birds.

The reporter’s team traveled 2,500 miles from Toronto in search of the Quetzal, which is considered the most beautiful bird in Central America. The enRoute reporter said he found an amazing variety of other birds as well.

The enRoute reporting team stayed at the Dantica Lodge as well as the Savegre Lodge, where they enjoyed services such as spa, cabins, and the jacuzzi, all in the middle of the San Gerardo Valley.

For more information, go to the following link:

http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/articles/geek-odysseys-birdwatching-in-costa-rica

First half of the year shows 6.5% increase, surpassing WTO forecast

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has
announced that during the first six months of 2011, Costa Rica had 1,197,199 international tourists arrive through various ports of entry.

This corresponds to a 6.5
percent increase, compared to the first half of the last four years and the forecasted
growth of the World Tourism Organization, which is between 4 and 5 percent. This was revealed by data from the Department of Immigration and Foreign Services (DGME) and analyzed by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).

Of all tourists who entered Costa Rica during the first half of the year, 806,651 arrived by air (646,886 through the Juan Santamaria Airport and 157,820 through the Daniel Oduber International Airport). In June, 176,360 tourists entered through all the ports, 86 thousand of which were Americans, the main source market for Costa Rica. This figure represents half of all visitors entering the country during that month. Of these,
81,578 arrived by air.

Tourism Minister Allan Flores said that this data reflects the tireless efforts of the tourism sector to highlight the destinationfs unique innovation and sustainability offerings. gThese figures are encouraging and urge us to continue to work hard to increase the possible stay time and average spending of visitors in Costa Rica and
committed to further promotional and marketing strategies, along with attracting new airlines,h said Flores.

Plans were recently unveiled for Costa Ricafs first, world]class national convention and exhibition center, which is set to open in 2014 and will benefit the influx of business
travelers to Costa Rica. In addition, the ICT presented a national plan for sustainable tourism through 2016 which aims to maintain an annual 5 percent increase in the number of international tourists, ensure a minimum of 500 tourism businesses obtain Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), and a secure 10 percent increase in hotel occupancy in properties with CST.

• Costa Rica has already signed this type of agreement with the United Stated and Brazil.

The Costa Rican government and representatives from the Canadian government, presided over by the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, signed an open sky agreement today which establishes an accord to take full advantage of airline services between the two countries.

This signing seeks to encourage and develop air traffic by assisting airline operations regarding the frequency and capacity required, with the approval and auspice of immigration and aeronautics law of each country.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, affirmed that this agreement will allow airlines coming from Canada to operate routes in Costa Rican territory and to let flights carrying passengers make stopovers that are coming from third-party countries. The same rights that Costa Rican air travelers enjoys.

“This agreement reflects the commitment of this administration to strengthen the tourism industry by attracting new airlines. Canada is one of our principal markets and today we open the doors in order to increase the number of tourists coming from this country,” asserted Flores.

Canada represents one of the main markets for Costa Rica. Just last year alone, Costa Rica received around 120,000 Canadian tourists (90% by air), which is 18,000 more than in 2009. Between 23% and 25% of those Canadians that have traveled to Costa Rica, have done so on more than one occasion.

In addition, 80% of Canadian tourists have a university education and earn annually on average close to $100,000 per family and $60,000 per individual. The average stay is 16 nights and expenditures are around $83 daily. Thirty-seven percent prefer to travel with their partner and 21% with their family. Among the activities they like to enjoy are: canopy, snorkeling, surfing, hanging bridges, beach time and bird watching, among others.

For more than 30 years, Costa Rica has had an open sky agreement with the United States, its primary market for tourists to Costa Rica. Likewise, a similar agreement was signed with Brazil in February of this year, whose economy is seen as the strongest in Latin America.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the Maryland and Washington National Aquarium and the Los Angeles Zoo already have its two winning families of the “Get Going Costa Rica Family Adventure Sweepstakes”, which had been promoted earlier this year. Of the 25,000 US people that participated in this promotion, the following families will be enjoying the tourist attractions of the South Pacific of Costa Rica for 6 night and 7 days, from August 14th through 20th.

Winning family of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens:

• Robert Andrew Allgaier , Theresa Marie Allgaier , Morgan Lisa Allgaier, Rachel Michelle Allgaier.

Winning family of the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington National Aquarium:

• Amanda K. Pérez, Milvia Pérez, Francesca Beatriz Malkum, Richard Joseph Noguiera.

The winners will be accompanied by experts from the Los Angeles Zoo and the National Aquarium to learn more about the biodiversity of Costa Rica and its flora and fauna.

• In three months, famous airlines such as Jet Blue, Air Berlin, and Delta, have announced new routes to Liberia.

The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport has quintupled its operations over the course of 7 years. In the first half of 2011 alone 157,820 tourists passed through this airport, which translates to a 20.2% increase and is very encouraging for the tourism industry that will benefit from the arrival of the new airlines.

Delta Airlines has recently announced the new flight route, which will start in January 2012, between Liberia, Guanacaste, and Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. The non-stop flight will be weekly and fly with a Boeing 737-800, which has a capacity of 160 passengers.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, declared that this new route represents an important step for the tourism sector, which will generate competition within the industry as part of the strategy put forward by the National Sustainable Tourism Plan. This plan has outlined important steps in attracting new airlines, which is essential for the development and diversification of the tourism destination.

“One of the Plan’s goals is to increase annually by 5% the number of international tourists compared to the number of tourists that came in 2010. Therefore, this is positive news, and encourages us to continue attracting new airlines from Europe, North and South America without ignoring the relationship and support that other airlines offer that are already set up in Costa Rica,” affirmed the Minister.

Flores indicated that the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is one of the main entry points of the country for tourism and its position has grown overtime, attracting important airlines to Liberia.

Likewise, he highlighted that the growth observed in the arrival of airlines to this airport (Jet Blue, Air Berlin, and recently Delta), will continue to do so even more with the construction of the new terminal, which will provide the necessary facilities for passengers. As of today, construction on the terminal is 80% complete.

The women’s rafting team, “Against the Current,” won the first three qualifying rounds to select the national teams that will compete in the World Rafting Finals 2011. The women from this team earned 976 points and the men’s team, “Pacuare Team”, earned 888 points.

The first round was held this past 11th and 12th of June on the Sarapiquí River in Heredia with seven male teams, two female teams, and one youth team.

Costa Rica Extreme (men’s) y Ticas Rafting Team (women’s) earned second place. The teams competed for: time trial (speed), head to head (one to one), slalom (obstacles) and down river.

The men’s and women’s teams that earn a spot in the World Finals will be those that accumulate the most number of points in the three qualifying rounds. The World Rafting Championship will be held in Mollejones in Turrialbe, October 4th thru the 11th.

This event is sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and is organized by the IRF, the Rafting and Adventure Association, and the Turrialba Tourism Board.

Upcoming dates:

• July 16th and 17th at Río Naranjo, Quepos.

• August 20th and 21st at Río Pacuare, Turrialba

Weekly nonstop flights between New York’s JFK and Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast take off in November 2011

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is pleased to announce JetBlue Airways’ plans to add four weekly nonstop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Liberia, Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) starting November 17, 2011*.

The President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, the nation’s Presidential Minister, Carlos Benavides, and the Minister of Tourism, Allan Flores, joined JetBlue officials in making this announcement earlier today at the presidential palace in San Jose.

“We are overjoyed that JetBlue has added Liberia to its list of destinations giving US travelers even greater access to Costa Rica,” said Allan Flores. “This new route will allow US travelers to have unprecedented access to Costa Rica’s Northwest region rich with so many tourist offerings, particularly during the high season months.”

The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport is centrally located near a bounty of attractions to satisfy travelers’ needs for sun, adventure, nature, national parks and much more. The airport is a 30-minute car ride from Guanacaste’s Papagayo beach and Santa Rosa National Park; a one-hour car ride from the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, featuring natural hot mud and sulfur springs, an active volcano, bubbling clay pots and numerous waterfalls and rivers, and less than two hours away from the Tenorio Volcano National Park, home of the breathtaking Rio Celeste, and the Miravalles Volcano. The proximity to some of the country’s most celebrated beaches is also a big draw for all travelers, and among the most popular are Tamarindo, Ocotal, Hermosa, Carillo, Ostional and Cocos. Liberia is also rich with its own culture, and a stroll through the town’s center will introduce you to that history as seen with visits to the Ermita La Agonia, a historical church and museum. Las Baulas Marina National Park is another nearby attraction for the giant leatherback sea turtle, and there are plenty of activities are also available in Monteverde, La Fortuna and the surrounding areas of the country’s Pacific Northwest.

This new service on JetBlue’s Airbus A320 fleet will commemorate the debut of the new airport in Liberia which serves as the hub for Costa Rica’s Northwest region. Flights will operate Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, effective November 17, 2011.

JetBlue’s new terminal in Liberia will be the airline’s second destination in the country, in addition to San Jose’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is served daily from Orlando International (MCO).

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline™ with other focus cities in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline* as well as super-spacious Even More Space seats. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 66 cities with 700 daily flights and later this year plans to introduce service to St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as La Romana in the Dominican Republic, subject to government approval. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required.

For information or reservations call 1-800-JET-BLUE (1-800-538-2583), TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530, 0800-012-1666 from Costa Rica, or visit www.jetblue.com.

Condé Nast Traveler Magazine

Crocodiles, jaguars, snakes, poisonous frogs, and adventure set off the adrenaline of reporters from the prestigious Condé Nest Traveler magazine who visited our country recently.

In the June edition, on the front cover as well as ten inside pages, recounts their adventures and excitement during their trip through San José, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, in places such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio in Quepos, and Playa Blanca in Punta Leona, among other destinations within the country.

Amazed by the flora and fauna that Costa Rica has to offer tourists as well as extreme sports such as kayaking and hiking through the jungle, Condé Nest concluded that there is no other place like Costa Rica for these types of activities.

The magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, is read by and has a monthly circulation of more than 818,000 people. Concierge.com, its digital media form, provides online information on more than 200 important destinations, lodging recommendations, and places to visit for travelers from all over the world.

For more information, go to the following link:
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/503692

• Competition to be promoted throughout the Caribbean June 24th thru July 2nd

The Costa Rican Caribbean will be the stage where 19 international teams will compete in the premier international adventure sport race.

For the second consecutive year, Costa Rica will host one of the ten qualifying dates that make up the Adventure Race World Series, with all eyes on the 2011 world championship to be held in Australia.

María Amalia Revelo, Assistant Manager and Director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board stated that this event is due to the hard work of the ICT to position the country as an adventure sport destination, preferred by thousands of tourists for its exuberant nature.

“As the main sponsor of this event that brings together the best adventure sport athletes, this event has become a tool in positioning our country as an adventure sport destination and has promoted the natural and cultural strengths that Costa Rica has to offer,” stated Revelo.

The assistant manager and director of the ICT also pointed out that the institute has invested $60,000 to make this international competition a reality and is a great opportunity to promote tourism in the province of Limon.

In this event, athletes must complete a 335 mile non-stop race, meaning, each team (made up of four members) must complete different segments like mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, climbing, hiking, and ziplining, only using sport tracking devices (map and compass).

Johana Arguello, member of the organizational committee for the race in Costa Rica, pointed out that Costa Rica has all the weather, natural, and challenging conditions to make adventure sport here competitive. Therefore, the hope is that organizing this event well will encourage them to select Costa Rica as the host of the Adventure Race World Championship finals in 2013.

Also, one of the unique aspects of this event is that a series of strategies will be developed to reduce the impact on the environment with the goal of making the event carbon neutral.

The previous year, the Adventure Race broke the record with 18 teams participating, which has been surpassed by this year’s turnout. Media outlets like ESPN Latin America and La Sexta from Spain have covered the event, which will increase Costa Rica’s exposure internationally.

This event is made possible by support and sponsorship from the ICT, Toyota, Toyota Rent a Car, Zoom Radio, Cinépolis, AeroDiva Helicópteros, The North Face, Aventuras del Sarapiquí, Horizontes Travel Agency and SPOT.

• Cooperative campaign to bring in 50,000 tourists to the country.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board and the virtual travel agency Expedia Inc., a leader in online tourism, set up a cooperative campaign to promote Costa Rica in the United States and increase the number of reservations from this market to Costa Rica during the 2011-2012 season.

This alliance is expected to bring in revenues of more than $36 million and some 50,000 tourists to Costa Rica between this year and 2012.

María Amalia Revelo, the assistant manager and director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board stated that this alliance will become an efficient tool to promote Costa Rica as a tourism destination within the United States, which is its primary market.

“The project will include banner packets and promotional spots at www.expedia.com. The total investment of this campaign will amount to $240,000, of which the ICT will contribute half of the funding,” stated Revelo.

Expedia Inc., first participated in the ICT cooperative campaign in 2007, which brought in 14,850 tourists to Costa Rica with the ICT investing $50,000.

Expedia Inc., is a leader in tourism and one of the most recognized online travel agencies (OTA) in the world. This corporation is associated with other brands like Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Expedia Corporate Travel y Trip Advisor, and others.

According to a study carried out by ComScore Media Metrix in 2010, Expedia is number one in OTA’s in the United States with a total of 28.4 million hits annually.

According to the Global Peace Index, released in May by the Institute for Economics and Peace, Costa Rica ranks second place in the list of Latin America’s most peaceful countries, after Uruguay and before Chile.

In the overall index, Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, followed by New Zealand in second place and Japan in third place. In the last two placing were Iraq and Somalia. Costa Rica ranks in the 31st position worldwide.

This report is testing 23 different indicators applied to obtain this ranking, such as: deaths in internal and external conflicts, security and social protection, prison population, level of crime and violence, homicides, violence demonstrations, access to firearms and military, among other variables.

More information on Costa Rica’s rating available on the following link:
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/#/2011/scor/CR/detail

World Ranking:
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/#/2011/scor/

• Route Düsseldorf-Liberia with layover in Cancun, Mexico.

Air Berlin decided to include, for the first time, Costa Rica on their list of destinations for 2011-2012. The first flight from Daniel Obuber International Airport in Liberia, leaving from Düsseldorf, Germany, with a layover in Cancun, Mexico, will commence on November 12th, 2011. The airline will fly an Airbus 330-200 and will arrive in Costa Rica every other Saturdays.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, said that this great achievement is the result of negotiations carried out this past March at the ITB Tourism Fair in Berlin.

“We are very excited about this new European connection, which is one of the most important target markets for Costa Rica. It helps us strengthen our relationship with this destination, open new markets, and promote our country’s tourism activity,” highlighted Flores.

With respect to order of importance, Germany is the second largest market in Europe, surpassed only by Spain. In 2010, 44,539 German tourists came to Costa Rica.

“This is the first Germany-Liberia route and will generate important growth of German tourist arrivals with 18 night stays in the country,” said the Tourism Minister. “Benefits will not only be seen in Guanacaste, but also internally throughout the country.”

Air Berlin is the second largest airline in Germany. It has a fleet of 150 aircrafts that are 5 years old on average, which makes it one of the newest fleets in Europe. The airline flies to 163 destinations in 39 countries, and in 2010 alone, it had 33.6 million passengers.

The renown web site, TripAdvisor, ranked Costa in the Top Ten Secret Destinations for Travelers.” Costa Rica ranked fifth for two specific spots that travelers consider “secret destinations:” Arenal Naraya Hotel & Gardens and the Exótica restaurant.

The Arenal Nayara Hotel, located in La Fortuna in San Carlos, was chosen by visitors as the perfect get-away place for couples, for its quality customer service, spa, rooms and food, the nature that surrounds it and the view of the Arenal volcano, which make it a magical and romantic destination.

The Exótica restaurant, located in southern Dominical in Ojochal, specializes in European and French cuisine, and received many praises for the quality of its dishes, attention, décor, the environment, and service.

First and second place on the list were the Caribbean and Belize, respectively.

TripAdvisor continually provides recommendations for hotels, tourism plans, hostals, vacations, travel packages, travel guides, and much more.

For more information: http://www.tripadvisor.es/InfoCenter-a_ctr.TCD1LA

• The Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia grew 26.9%
Costa Rica saw 49,595 international tourists in the first three months of the year, which is more than for the same period in 2010. This statistic represents a growth in visitors of 7.8% as reported by the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Department (DGME in Spanish) and analyzed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).

“This has been a good start to the year,” said the Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, “We surpassed the world average that, according to the World Tourism Organization was 5% in the first three months of 2011.”

“We are excited about the recovery of the tourism sector; however, we shouldn’t let our guard down. Our goal at this moment is to increase stays and average daily spending of those that visit. Our goal is also to take concrete action to diversify our target markets and tourism areas,” added Minister Flores.

Of the 685,959 international tourists that came in January, February, and March of this year, 68% came by air (363,898 through Juan Santamaría Airport and 100,864 through Daniel Oduber). The United States was the main market for Costa Rica, representing 54.2% of arrivals by air in the first three months, meaning 252,468 US citizens.

In 2010, 2,099,829 tourists came through all entry points, which was an increase of 9.2% with respect to 2009. Likewise, the Daniel Oduber International airport reported a record growth of 26.9% in the first three months of the year. This is very good news for the national tourism industry.

The Tourism Minister stated that based on this data, recovery in tourism activity can be expected in the medium term, which is reflected in the increase of tourists traffic to Costa Rica. This scenario encourages the local tourism boards and the Costa Rica Tourism Board to work together.

• BNCR and BCR to invest 20 million dollars and the ICT to allocate 10 million from their budget.

• Project will generate 175,000 hotel stay days each year.

After 20 years of anticipation, the first large National Convention and Fair Center will become a reality thanks to an initiative headed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) with the support of the Republic’s President, Laura Chinchilla.

Under the EXPOTUR framework, two key agreements were signed to make this project a reality. One of these documents, the agreement between the ICT and the Comprehensive Agricultural Marketing Program (PIMA in Spanish), grants the ICT possession of and full administration of 25 acres of the land reserved by PIMA to build the National Convention and Fair Center that will be used, among other things, for conventions, fairs, meeting, concerts, and expositions. There will also be potable water available, as well as a residual water treatment plant, parks, and parking. This agreement was signed by the Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, the Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Gloria Abraham, and the Minister to the Presidency, Carlos Ricardo Benavides.

The second agreement that was endorsed on Wednesday, May 11th, was the commitment letter between the National Bank (BNCR), Bank of Costa Rica (BCR), and the ICT, which guarantees land financing through a credit line for 20 million dollars over 15 years. BNCR and BCR will contribute 10 million dollars each year. Additionally, the ICT will invest 10 million from their budget to begin the project. This agreement was signed by the Tourism Minister, the BNCR General Manager, Fernando Naranjo, the BCR General Manager, Mario Rivera, as well as the Minister to the Presidency, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, and the Republic’s President, Laura Chinchilla, as honorary witness.

The Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, assured that the construction of the new convention center will provide the country with the drive necessary to boost national tourism growth and compete for a profitable share of the international conferences, conventions, and fairs.

“This is the start of building first world infrastructure. Costa Rican tourism will compete internationally for adventure and ecological tourism markets, among others, and we hope to develop a new market to attract more and new tourists, thereby generating employment and economic benefits in the country throughout the year because conferences and conventions will continue through the low season,” said Flores.

Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minster to the Presidency, stated that the creation of the National Convention and Fair Center, in addition to generating more employment, will also bring other benefits such as an increase in hotel stays, increase revenues, and re-visits to the country by those who participate in the conferences and/or conventions. “The Presidential House will continue to encourage and support ICT efforts, so that this great project can be carried out correctly and within the required timeframe,” stated Benavides.

In addition to land and financing, feasibility and marketing situations studies have already been completed in order to help draw up contract plans this month. The construction bid will begin in the beginning of 2012 with the hope of inaugurating the building by the beginning of 2014.

Because of its conservation and sustainable management efforts of its ocean resources, the Republic’s President, Laura Chinchilla, will receive the “Excellence in National Management of Oceans” award next Thursday, May 21st, which is the fourth annual award given by Peter Benchley Ocean Awards de Blue Frontier Campaign.

“This award encourages us to continue forward. I am well aware of the wide and complex challenges that Costa Rica faces with respect to marine conservation. We have taken an enormous step in establishing Submarine Ridge Management in Marine Areas, which, along with the Cocos Island National Park, represents a total of some 7,200 sq. miles of protected areas,” stated President Chinchilla.

The award event will be held in the United States capital, Washington D.C., at the Inter-American Development Bank building. The ceremony will be held during the Blue Vision Summit 3, a bi-annual conference on marine conservation led by the Blue Frontier Campaign.

The Peter Benchley Award recognizes individuals that work toward protecting the world’s oceans.

For more information, go to the following link:

http://www.bluefront.org/wordpress/?p=1625

• For the first time ever, the ICT will participate in The Wedding Salon Fair to be held on April 27th in New York.

The strong demand that the wedding market has had for our country, persuaded the Costa Rica Tourism Board to participate, for the first time, in The Wedding Salon, an international fair specializing in weddings and honeymoons.

María Amalia Revelo, assistant manager and director of the ICT, explained that over the last two years there has been a notable increase in inquiries regarding weddings and honeymoons in Costa Rica since the country offers many accessible facilities by air from the United States for these types of occasions. Costa Rica also has dedicated professionals to these types of events. That’s why the ICT committed to participate for the first time in a fair of this kind.

“Costa Rica also has an adequate hotel industry to hold weddings on the beach, in the mountains, or the city. Likewise, its capacity has also been re-enforced by TV programs such as “The Bachelor,” which filmed an exclusive edition in Costa Rica and the activities that can be held for couples in the La Fortuna area,” pointed out Revelo.

During The Wedding Salon, the latest trends will be on display in many different areas like photography, floristry, wedding gowns, ceremony locations, weddings abroad, honeymoons, catering services, beauty services, and others.

According to Revelo, this fair seeks to facilitate business between those planning to get married and wedding organizers as well as a means of communication from the best suppliers in the industry.

There will be around 100 displays from around the world at this international fair with Costa Rica being represented by the ICT. The fair will be covered by the most recognized communication media in the United States.

White sand, crystal clear waters, surrounded by natural beauty along with recreational and relaxing activities, are just some of the reasons that Trip Advisor, the largest international travel web site, considered when ranking the Costa Rican beach, Santa Teresa, located in Cóbano, Puntarenas, as one of the 25 best places in the world.

According to Trip Advisor, Santa Teresa is a growing tourist destination in Costa Rica that especially attracts surfers. Many who came for vacation end up staying which gives it a cosmopolitan touch, helping it grow from a small town into a lively small city.

In Trip Advisor, tourists commented that you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy a vacation at Santa Teresa. You can also enjoy the beach while fishing, snorkeling, kite flying, horseback riding, or visiting the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve. Tourists also pointed out that hotels and resorts in the area are very focused on health by offering a variety of activities, such as: yoga, massages, spa treatments, as well as Capoeira classes, fire dancing, and acrobatics, among other recreational activities.

Santa Teresa beach ranked 10th on the list of top 25 places in the world. First and second place were held by the Providenciales Island (the main island in the archipelagos of the Turks and Caicos Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean) and Boracay, Philippines, respectively.


For more information, go to: http://www.tripadvisor.es/tcbeaches

From April 29th to May 1st, Guápiles will display art from Limón thanks to the second Northern Caribbean Arts Tourism Festival 2011.

Jorge Duarte, from the Northern Caribbean Regional Office, explained that the main purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the artisans of Limón in order to support and promote the cultural interchange by displaying and selling their works of art. During the Second Annual Arts Tourism Fair, there will be entertaining activities for children, young people, and adults, like concerts, dishes from Limón that can be savor, artistic presentations, parades, and masquerade performances, and others.

María Eugenia Murillo, from the Costa Rica Tourism Board Expo-Fair Executive Program, said these types of activities are essential to stimulate growth opportunities and even give rise to small businesses.

For more information on the Second Annual Northern Caribbean Arts Tourism Festival 2011, contact the Northern Caribbean Regional Office at 2711-0098.

According to the digital magazine, Eroski Consumer, Costa Rica ranks third as one of the most ecological countries in the world. This release is based on the results of the Environmental Performance Index 2010 from the Colombia and Yale universities in the United States.

Costa Rica was ranked third for its natural wealth, which allows it to survive, in large part, off of eco-tourism. It has also avoided deforestation, which has devastated other Latin American countries and, therefore, scored well in foresting agriculture and fishing categories.

Iceland topped the list by receiving the highest score in many categories, like access to clean water or Green House Effect emissions per capita.

Nevertheless, the study revealed that its weak points are air contamination and its effect on the eco-system.

This is the top-ten list and respective scores:
1- Iceland: 93.5
2- Switzerland: 89.1
3- Costa Rica: 86.4
4- Sweden: 86
5- Norway: 81,1
6- Mauritius: 80.6
7- France: 78.2
8- Austria: 78.1
9- Cuba: 78.1
10- Colombia: 76.8

The study also reflects an overall drop in environmental quality among the 163 countries studied, with respect to the previous year, 2008, such as the case with the United States.

For more information, go to:
http://www.consumer.es/web/es/medio_ambiente/naturaleza/2011/04/04/199686.php

If you’ve never been to the summit of Los Crestones (ridges) in Chirripó National Park, now is the time to see them and stand next to the new national symbol that as of April 6th of this year represents Costa Rica.

This rock formation was declared a heritage symbol by the II Legal Authority Commission, according to the Bill No. 17.437.

This is the first time that a natural tourism site has been chosen as the Costa Rican symbol. It will be used by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) as part of its brand image. Officials noted Los Crestones´s contributions to science and tourism, whose importance has attracted thousands of national and foreign tourists and boosted the economy of the country.

Los Crestones belong to the La Amistad - Pacific Conservation Area. They were formed by a fold process of the earth’s crust and are located in the Talamanca hills, some 12,200 ft. above sea level.

Photo Roberto Ramos

The prestigious publishing house for travel guides, Fodor’s, dedicated a section on their website www.fodors.com to highlight 10 hotels that are considered the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica for their commitment to the environment and sustainable tourism practices.

The first on the list is the Lapa Ríos Hotel, located in Cabo Matapalo, Puntarenas. Fodor’s noted the sustainable hospitality and their mission to protect 1000 acres of forest in their private reserve around the Corcovado National Park, as well as free sustainable tourism tours. The publishing house also highlighted the Lapa Ríos investment in programs for local schools and the community, where some 45 families are directly employed.

The following hotels are also included in the Top 10 Eco-Lodges: Hotel Arenas del Mar (CST certified, five leaves, located in the Central Pacific), Almendras y Corales (CST certified, five leaves, located in Gandoca, Manzanillo), Hotel Harmony (CST certified five leaves, located in Playa Guiones, Nosara), Finca Rosa Blanca (CST certified, five leaves, located in Central Valley), Casa Corcovado (close to the Corcovado National Park), Lagarta Lodge (CST certified, three leaves, located in Nosara), Rancho Naturalista (Turrialba), La Selva (Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí), Si Como No (CST certified, five leaves, located in Manuel Antonio, Quepos)

According to Fodor’s, facts such as our country possessing 5% of the world’s biodiversity is reason enough to visit Costa Rica to see what it has to offer and contribute to sustainable tourism.

For a complete list, go to the following link:

http://www.fodors.com/travel-photography/top-10-costa-rica-eco-lodges-229.html

Starting in September 2011, the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) will air Adventures with a purpose – Costa Rica: Quest for Pura Vida, as part of their innovation and marketing strategies. This makes Costa Rica the first country in Central America to promote their product on this prestigious television station.

Destination spots like Morocco, Egypt, Switzerland, and Argentina have seen benefits in tourism from exposure in high standard documentaries, thanks to the incomparable work of Richard Bangs, who has been the recipient of valuable awards like the Emmy from the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Lowel Thomas award for his work in journalism.

This initiative was developed thanks to the efforts of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the ProParks Association, and other strategic member alliances in the tourism field.

You can view a clip of the documentary at:
http://www.smarttravels.tv/AdventuresWithPurpose/site/shows_costarica.html

Kitchen secrets of the native Boruca people in Costa Rica were internationally recognized with the cookbook “Saberes y Sabores de Boruca” (Flavors and Knowledge of Boruca) by Leila Garro Valverde. The cookbook placed first in the “Best Cookbook in the World” contest in the culinary research book category. The acknowledgement took place during the prestigious Gourmand Awards, World Cook Book Awards 2011, on March 3rd in the renowned Folies Bergeres Theater in Paris, France.

This past December, “Saberes y Sabores de Boruca” made it to the final round along with other cookbooks from Chile, South Africa, and the United States, all which placed in second, third, and fourth, respectively.

According to Edouard Cointreau, the event president, the judging panel considers the cookbook to be the result of almost 4 decades of research, which had been awarded in 2009 by the Ford Motor Company, in the Cultural Heritage Recovery category.

“The information gathered for this book is the heritage of the local people. I simply focused on this valuable part of their culture for the benefit of all. This publication gives the native people, who have been overlooked and underappreciated, the recognition they deserve. I wanted to provide our society with this rich aspect of our heritage,” said Leila Garro.

The cookbook is 188 pages long with photos in color and in black and white. The different ingredients and dish names are provided in the native Borucan tongue, as well as in Spanish and their scientific names.

Since 1995, the Gourmand Awards have organized the World Cookbook Fair where the best work is presented for the year, and the best cookbooks in the world are chosen. During the 16th edition of this event, some 800 cook books from 154 different countries were received.

The cookbook can be purchased at: Universal Bookstore, Lehman, the University of Costa Rica bookstore, and Tienda Tips. For more information, call 2225-6397, Leila Garro.

“Sembrar agua y sombra” (Planting water and shade). With this slogan, the inhabitants of San José de la Montaña will plant 500 trees in their community, which provides a buffer zone from the Juan Castro Blanco National Park in Ciudad Quesada. It is an initiative of the Northern Plains Regional Office of the ICT that encourages reforestation in national parks and protected areas in the Northern Zone.

The “Sembrar agua y sombra” will be carried out Saturday, March 19th during a hike to San José de la Montaña. In the plaza the ICT will provide mixed tree species to be planted in the community and in the Parque del Agua. Volunteers for the hike will leave their mark by planting a tree and contribute to reducing the effects of climate change.

“We are working together with the National Park’s administration as well as the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, to carry out this reforestation campaign in each of the protected areas in order to raise awareness of the importance of reforestation. It’s worth mentioning that during this campaign, we are working together with groups of young people that will help with the planting of the trees, digging the holes and guiding people that want to plant a tree,” said Diana Murillo, Regional Coordinator of the Northern Plain Office.

At the end of 2011, it is expected to have more than 2,000 native tree species planted in this National Park, the Arenal Volcano National Park, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, the Tenorio National Park, as well as some important river basins in the communities of the Northern Zone.
For more information, contact Diana Murillo of the Northern Plains ICT Regional Office at 2461-9102.

Costa Rica ranked first in the top 10 most popular destinations for adventure tourism according to the US magazine International Business Times. A survey was given to travel guides from the well-known agency, Virtuoso, a television network promoting luxury vacation spots in the Americas, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Australia.

The waterfalls and the blue waters of the Celeste River in Tenorio Volcano National Park, surrounded by 31,676 acres of tropical rainforest, is one of the reasons that helped place Costa Rica among the top ten in the world, as well as the variety of adventure sport options like rafting, hiking, climbing, cycling, and others.

South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, occupy the five positions, respectively, following Costa Rica in this Top 10 list.

Tuna boats must no longer exploit the marine life resources that surround the Cocos Island National Park, due to an executive decree signed by the President of the Republic, Laura Chinchilla, on Thursday, March 3rd.

With this regulation, use of marine life will be controlled in a sustainable way within the sector adjacent to the 12miles surrounding the island in order to protect this area, thereby avoiding depletion of the marine ecosystems. This will provide protection for ocean fish species, whales, marine turtles, mantas, sharks, tuna, Mahi-Mahi, as well as species that are threatened or in danger of extinction.

This protected area is called, “Underwater Ridge Management Marine Area” and encourages the conservation of the marine life ecosystem of Cocos Island’s underwater ocean ridges.

Fishermen in the surrounding Pacific area will be allowed to carry out medium and high volume fishing, sport fishing, tourism, research and training as long as the protected area is respected.

Because of this decree, the Costa Rican President authorized the National System for Conservation Areas to have access to resources to tend to the needs, management, and development of the Underwater Ridge Management Marine Area.

Meanwhile, the Costa Rica Institute for Fishing and Agriculture (INCOPESCA in Spanish) was authorized to grant sport fishing and commercial licenses to extract fishing resources from the area based on the fisheries management plan within the overall management plan approved by the National System for Conservation Areas.

Representatives from Costa Rica and Brazil signed on Tuesday, a Letter of Understanding, agreeing to establish and take advantage of airline services between the two countries. This is just one of the positive outcomes of the bilateral meeting that was held this week between government representatives.

Negotiations were headed by representatives from the Civil Aviation Technical Advisory Group (CETAC, in Spanish) and the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). This agreement will allow Brazilian airlines to operate in Costa Rican skies, and allow for layovers coming from other countries. The same will apply to Costa Rican airlines in Brazil.

“This is a great opportunity for Costa Rica. Brazil is a market that has continued to show growth throughout the world economic crisis. Its middle class comprises some 50 million people who like to travel. It is also the site of the next World Cup in 2014 as well as the 2016 Olympics, which will generate billions of dollars in business in and out of the country,” confirmed the Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides.

Likewise, the Minster of Transportation, Francisco Jiménez, added “The Open Skies Agreement signed with Brazil is very important because it provides us access to the most important market in Latin America, with an open-ended number and frequency of flights, and open-ended number of routes and passengers. It is part of the efforts of the Civil Aviation Management Department to focus on strengthening development tourism, generate sources of employment, reinforce the business market, and create similar agreements already signed with the United States and Chile.”

This policy, commonly known as “Open Skies,” seeks to encourage and develop air traffic among airlines to operate with the frequency and capacity they need. The immigration and aeronautical laws of each country will remain in force. In spite of the fact that this Letter of Understanding must be ratified by the Congress of each country, the agreements are put into effect immediately.

Costa Rica has had a similar agreement with the United States for more than 3 decades which at the time, was considered a growing market. Since its implementation, the number of flights has increased to the point of making North America the main source of tourists to our country.

Brazil has the strongest economy in Latin America and stands out as one of the strongest growing markets in the world. Of its 191.9 million citizens, some 4.4 million traveled abroad last year. In 2009, 11,617 Brazilian tourists visited Costa Rica, 12,340 in 2008, and 10,726 in 2007. The average stay of Brazilians traveling in Costa Rica was 12 nights with average daily expenditures ranging from $100-$143 from 2005 to 2009. Surfing, diving, and canopy were the most sought after activities in Costa Rica among travelers.

Our country´s natural beauty and exotic scenery have ranked us among the “Top 10” preferred destinations where newlyweds have chosen to spend their honeymoon.

According to the results from a survey in Brides Magazine, published in USA Today, on the “Top 10” most sought-out destinations for honeymoons, the following were the favorites:

1. Hawaii
2. French Polynesia
3. Fiji
4. Italy
5. Bali
6. Bermuda
7. Costa Rica
8. Greece
9. The Bahamas
10. France

More than 200 travel agents took the survey and coincided with the list of favorite destinations recently surveyed by USA Today´s readers where the destinations that stood out for honeymoon vacations were the beaches.

The complete result of this survey will be revealed in Brides Magazine´s March edition.

Costa Rica will be the site of the second annual Medical Travel International Business Summit where 500 people will gather together, among them being experts and specialists in medicine and tourism, from more than 10 countries. This is the second time that Costa Rica has hosted the event, the first being in 2009, in order to encourage and explore development opportunities in medical tourism.

The summit will be held from May 2nd to the 4th, 2011. The agenda includes discussions at the Hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura on topics such as: quality service and patient safety, risk reduction, and benefit plan management.

Participants will also travel to national clinics and hospitals to assess the quality of the facilities, equipment, and medical services. They will also travel to Guanacaste where besides enjoying the natural beauty of the region, they will participate in workshops at the Hotel Hilton Papagayo.

The idea is to portray Costa Rica, and Latin America, as a leader in medical tourism destinations. It will also serve as an opportunity to set up new business for providers to the healthcare industry and the tourism industry among corporate buyers, like insurance companies, medical associations, and public organizations.

This summit is supported by the Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine, PROMED, the Costa Rica Tourism Board, the Health Ministry, and organizations in the medical and tourism industries.

“For the second time, Costa Rica will be an international showcase for the growing medical tourism industry. Thanks to the first-class hospital infrastructure, highly trained professionals, personal care, post-operative attention in specialized facilities and within a natural and world renowned tourism environment, the country presents a solution to the ever-increasing problems of high costs and waiting lists that healthcare systems face in developed countries,” commented Dr. Jorge Cortés, president of PROMED.

The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, stated, “The ICT, after seeing medical tourism gaining public interest, is stimulating growth in this new sector by strengthening resources and skills that Costa Rica has developed over years of investment in the healthcare and tourism industry. This summit will allow insurance companies, healthcare facilities and tourism businesses, as well as foreign consumers to see first-hand that which this field has to offer.´¨

It is estimated that some 30,000 foreigners visited Costa Rica in 2009 to have some kind of dental, esthetic, or non-elective medical procedure done like cardiac, orthopedic, urological, and preventative medicine.

The quality and cost of these national health services attract foreign businesses to treat the health of their employees, the majority being North American businesses, due to the fact that healthcare costs in the United States are very high.

For registration or other information, visit info@themedicaltravelsummit.com or write to info@themedicaltravelsummit.com.

Medical Tourism: a new niche

• This industry will see US$60 million in annual sales in 2010 and it is expected to reach US$100,000 million in 2011.

• In 2009, Costa Rica welcomed 30,000 medical tourists, which brought in revenue equal to 200,000 traditional tourists. On average, they spend six times more than pure vacationing tourists.

• Most sought after procedures in Cost Rica: odontology (36%), plastic-esthetic(12%), orthopedic-bariatric-cardiovascular (22%), medical treatments (14%).

The Daniel Oduber International Airport saw the highest number of tourist in the first month of the year in its history. Data gathered from the Immigration Services Department and processed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) reported 31,637 tourists in the first month of the year for 2011, which is a 28.2% increase from the same period in 2010 when there were 24,677 tourists.

These January results for 2011 are the highest in its history. The previous record was 29,206 visitors in 2008. The majority of the visitors were from the United States (17,278), followed by Canada (11,013), and England (1,211).

The number of commercial flights to Liberia has also increased this year. Data gathered from the Civil Aviation Technical Council (CETAC in Spanish) reported that there were 42 weekly flights in January of this year, which is six more than in 2010 and represents an increase of 14%. In February, the trend is continuing with the terminal authorizing 53 weekly flights, 13 more than the same period last year and representing a 25% increase.

The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, celebrated the news and added, “This is the result of great promotional strategy geared toward attracting international airlines to the Daniel Oduber International Airport, and the development of a first-class hotel industry in Guanacaste and the northern part of the country.

In 2010, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) announced nine new flights to Liberia, partnerships with airlines and international wholesalers, among them are: TUI (from Düsseldorf, Germany), Apple Vacations (Chicago), First Choice (London), Air Canada (Montreal), TACA (El Salvador).

“This trend of the second most important airport in the country gives us hope that 2011 will be a good year for national tourism,” said Minister Benavides.

The Liberia airport began operations in 1995 when it ceased being called Tomás Guardia and was changed to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. The first commercial flight from abroad was by Delta Airlines in January of 2002. Since then, other airlines have come on board like American Airlines, Continental, and others.

Costa Rica placed second in the list of preferred destination spots around the world and was therefore awarded the WanderlustTravel 2011 award from the British magazine Wanderlust.

Namibia came in first place and New Zealand third. The announcement was made this past Thursday, February 3rd, in London, England.

Wanderlust has a circulation of about 30,000 subscriptions. Its readers, travelers from the United Kingdom, voted for the destinations they wanted to visit on their next vacation. Costa Rica and New Zealand were chosen because of their nature and adventure aspects. In other categories, Myanmar, Burma, was recognized as an emerging destination spot, Luang Prabang, Loas, as the best city, and Singapore Airlines as the best airline.

For more information, go to the following link:

http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/awards/wanderlust-travel-awards/wanderlust-travel-awards-2011---winners-announced

Hotel Punta Islita was recognized by the National Geographic Traveler and HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association international) with the Gold Adrian Award, acknowledging this Costa Rican company as a Sustainability Leader. The award was announced for the first time on January 31st, in New York.

The Gold Adrian Award was created to acknowledge leadership from individuals, companies, or communities in providing an authentic experience in the place where their tourist operations are located through responsible campaigns. The nominees were graded on their efforts to conserve the environment, historical and cultural integrity of the destination spot that they are promoting.

Besides the Hotel Islita, there were also awards for tourism programs in Namibia and Alaska. According to organizers of the contest, each winner has demonstrated that it is possible to increase tourism in a sustainable way that respects and protects local communities and the environment.

For more information:

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4049931.search?query=hotel+punta+islita

With images, sounds, smells, and sensations of Costa Rica’s forests, oceans, canopy, flora and fauna, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is showing a video in 4D, which provides spectators the sensation of feeling the wind while going through the canopy, smelling the ocean breezes and hearing the birds as if they were actually in Costa Rica.

The video stimulates the senses of those who visit the National Aquarium and encourages them to participate in the promotion endorsed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board: Get-Going Costa Rica Family Eco-Adventure. The promotion is an opportunity for two-four member US families to win an all-expenses-paid vacation package to Costa Rica. Those chosen will be accompanied by expert guides in conservation and biodiversity. During their stay, the winners will be lodged in the Manuel Antonio area, they will participate in dolphin watching in the Ballena Coast, as well as visiting the Corcovado National Park.

The only pre-requisite to win the contest is to visit the National Aquarium sites, either in Washington D.C or in Baltimore, MD, or, visit the Los Angeles Zoo in California.

The video will be shown in the Aqua Theater in the Aquarium until April 8th, 2011, which is the last day of the promotion. You can watch it at the following sites:

http://www.visitcostrarica.com/ict/paginas/home.asp?ididioma=2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbO8Geu3y6g&feature=player_embedded

El Hotel Los Altos De Eros, located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, is one of the 25 best hotels in the world for 2011 according to fans of the TripAdvisor website. The hotel ranked 8th on the list among other renowned hotels in the Czech Republic, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, and among others.

Ninety-eight percent of the TripAdvisor travelers recommended this hotel, giving it five stars for its hospitality, facilities, quality and food variety, customer service, attention, cleanliness, sleep quality, and natural scenic views, among others. The majority of visitors to Hotel Los Altos de Eros were couples or as part of their honeymoon.

TripAdvisor recommends hotels, vacation packages, trips, tourist activities and travel guides from more than 400,000 destinations around the world.

The list is available at the following link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-g1-cTop2-World.html

The prestigious British newspaper, Daily Mail, recommended Costa Rica as the “perfect destination” for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

In the January 6th edition, the British said that even though our country is one of the smallest in the world, this doesn’t hinder enjoying the rich natural biodiversity and extreme sports.

The warmth of the Costa Ricans, felt in the popular expression “Pura Vida!” the welcoming summer climate, and the beautiful countryside, are the main attractions for tourists, according to the journalist, Catherine Eade.

The newspaper not only recommended Costa Rica as a destination spot in Central America, but also made mention of the direct flight to Guanacaste, managed by the ICT with the company First Choice, that connects London to Liberia.

You can read the article at the following link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1341888/Costa-Rica-holidays-The-perfect-destination-adventure-seekers-wildlife-fans.html#ixzz1AN091U8Q

For eleven years running, the Alajuelita Sports Athletics Association 2001 has organized five hiking excursions in February through the mountains of Alajuelita and Escazú. It is an opportunity to get in touch with nature and escape the noise and pollution. They are the closest mountains to San José. The goal of this family recreational activity is to bring together families through physical activity and to enjoy the beautiful surrounding mountain views of Escazú and Alajuelita.

First hike to the Alajuelita Waterfalls, Sunday, February 6th.
This is a great opportunity to take a refreshing dip and drink natural spring water. The departure time for this family and recreational excursion is at 8:30a.m. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups for the whole family.

Second hike to the Alajuelita Cross, Sunday, February 13th
Built on the San Miguel Mountain on July 8th, 1834 (it’s the 77th anniversary) to mark the celebration by the Catholic Church of the death of Jesus Christ some 1900 years ago. The trail measures some 18,700 ft., one way, and is 6,700 meters above sea level. The cross itself measures 85 ft. tall and a humbly tribute will be dedicated to Doña Lola Salazar, who brought lunch to those men who worked on the monument. Departure is at 8:30 a.m. and is for the whole family.

Third hike to Pico Blanco Mountain, Sunday, February 20th
This excursion is more for advanced level hikers in good physical condition. It is a beautiful trail with a cloud forest and tall forest vegetation. The mountain peak clearly visible south of San José with prominent rock faces and measures 7,500 ft. above sea level. Here you can find wildlife such as agouti paca, coyote, sloths, raccoons, and rabbits. Birds you may see are: the Clay-colored Thrush, the Golden-browed Chlorophonia, doves, turkeys, the Eurasian sparrow-hawk, owls, and the Common Pauraque. Timber yielding trees found here are: the chirraca (Myroxylon Balsamum), Gold tree, Costa Rican fig (Ficus Costaricana ), duraznillo (prunus annularis) oak, and cedar. Departure is at 8:00a.m.

Fourth hike to La Ventolera, Sunday, February 27th
This hiking excursion goes to Poas de Aserrí, located between Aserrí and Alajuelita with a beautiful view from this closed-off mountain and leads to the mouth of the Poas River. Departure is at 8:00a.m., and lasts about 8 hours. The hike is only for people in good physical condition.

Fifth hike to Bebedero, Sunday, March 6th
Here hikers will pass along Cipresal Mountain, near Pico Blanco, heading to Carmen de Escazú, where the Bebedero River begins. We will also pass through Matinilla Mountain near the end of the San Antonio de Escazú trail. Departure is at 8:00 a.m. Only recommended for hikers in good physical condition.
Hikers should bring comfortable clothes, tennis shoes or hiking boots, fruit, food, water, a rimmed hat or cap, and sunblock. Departures leave from San Felipe de Alajuela, at the Nora gym, one block south of the San Felipe School. Price for admission for those 13 years or older is 1,000 colones (proceeds go to different projects of the Association).

For more information contact the coordinators/husband & wife team of Jorge Astúa and Nora Bermúdez at 2214-1891 or Carlos Mora, the guide, at 2252-1762.

New Travelocity Website Features hotels that received the Certification for Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rica Tourism Board

Travelocity has bestowed its coveted eco-friendly leaf to Costa Rican hotels who achieved the highest levels of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program. The CST is a product of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and the program is designed to differentiate businesses of the tourism sector based on the degree to which they comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management.

Costa Rica prides itself on setting high sustainability and eco-friendly standards to so many hotels throughout the country. Unlike some travel sites, Travelocity does not accept “self-certified” hotels for the Green Hotel Directory. The company awards its eco-friendly hotel leaf to resorts that have been certified by second- or third-party green hotel certification programs whose standards closely align with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), and that have had an independent audit.

“Costa Rica is proud to offer these environmentally friendly hotels for the variety of different tourists that visit our beautiful country,” said Maria Amalia Revelo, Deputy Manager and Director of Marketing for the Costa Tourism Board. “We applaud Travelocity for creating this Green Hotel Directory that not only benefits travelers but also helps set a global example for sustainable tourism,” added Ms. Revelo.

“Costa Rica is widely known as one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the world,” says Alison Presley, manager of Travelocity’s Travel for Good program. “We are excited to expand our eco-friendly hotel options in Costa Rica, thanks to our new relationship with CST,” she adds.

On Travelocity, green hotels are marked within the normal shopping path with the easy-to-spot “eco-friendly hotel” leaf. This tag allows travelers to compare similar hotels by location and price and immediately see which provide an eco-friendly advantage. Plus, shoppers can now sort search results to show only the eco-friendly options in their destinations.

A trip to Costa Rica has an added benefit, according to subscribers of the renowned website TripAdvisor, naming Costa Rica one of the top ten resort countries in the world.

Costa Rica ranked fifth, ahead of La Patagonia (Argentina), Bali (India), Nassau, (Bahamas), Oranjestad (Aruba), and Sarasota (Florida). The other positions at the top of the list are Puerto Vallarta and Tulum, in Mexico, Kingston (Jamaica), and the Dominican Republic.

Some of the comments provided by tourists regarding Costa Rica were that, “there are endless possibilities to explore the wonders of nature, as well as offering great surfing, like the impressive beaches in Tamarindo, as well as the spectacular active volcano in Arenal.”

TripAdvisores is the largest vacation site in the world and offers options that visitors can use to plan their trip.

For more information: http://www.tripadvisor.es/InfoCenter-a_ctr.spadestinationsLA

Two four-member families will win a fabulous prize for the mid-year vacations: an all expenses paid trip to Costa Rica. Those interested in participating can go to the website of the National Aquarium, located in Washington D.C., and in Baltimore, Maryland, or the Los Angeles Zoo in California. Those interested may also enter the contest by going to the website, www.visitcostarica.com or to the Facebook page, Visitcostarica. The only requirement is to fill out the online form.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is organizing the contest, along with these renowned North American institutions, in order to promote Costa Rica as a tourist destination and home to 4% of the world’s biodiversity.

The winners will be accompanied by experts in biodiversity and conservation. During their stay, they will be lodged in the Manuel Antonio area, go dolphin watching in Costa Ballena, and visit the Corcovado National Park. The ICT’s promotional strategy is to form an educational and informative plan about Costa Rica’s biodiversity and sustainable tourism to encourage conservation. Therefore, informational pamphlets will be distributed around the animal observation areas. There will also be educational sections in both of their websites. For more information, go to the National Aquarium’s website, www.aqua.org or the Los Angeles Zoo’s website at www.lazoo.com.