Playas del Coco

Two American Families Passionate About Costa Rica's Guanacaste Gold Coast are Creating an Innovative Residential Resort Community Overlooking the Pacific - Real Estate News from Send2Press Newswire Jul 31, 2008

Two American Families Passionate About Costa Rica's Guanacaste Gold Coast are Creating an Innovative Residential Resort Community Overlooking the Pacific

Published: Thu, 31 Jul 2008, 21:02:42 EDT
Edited by Carly Zander Email this article Print this news article Share Content


Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, July 31 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On 139 acres of lush, forested mountainside looking out on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica's spectacular Guanacaste Province, Jim and Gina Correll and their CR Development Group partners Julian and Karen Rembert are developing Coco Bay Estates. The resort-lifestyle community with its unique combination of Costa Rica vacation living and vibrant North American spirit is attracting American, Canadian and European buyers looking for smart investment alternatives outside the U.S. in this popular, beautiful and friendly country.

view from Coco Bay EstatesCRDG Development, the team's 4-year old company, is right on target to complete the first phase of the project - 100 home sites, 54 luxury condominiums and a tennis and aquatic center - in early 2009 when Coco Bay Estates homeowners will begin moving in to their new, hacienda-style digs with Pacific views and jungle panoramas.

To date, CRDG has sold more than 60 percent of the condominium homes and villa sites integral to the architect-designed master plan that guides the elegant coastal Spanish Colonial style of Coco Bay Estates (http://www.cocobayestates.com).

Coco Bay Estates sits near the center of the Guanacaste coast within a region frequently referred to as Costa Rica's gold coast. Along this forty mile stretch of impressive Pacific coastline is where luxury brand hotels like the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, Hilton and other boutique European and North American hoteliers are taking an increasing presence. The region is likely one of the hottest and fastest growing investment and resort destinations in Central America and touts world-class eco-tourism, fishing, diving and boating, and a variety of Costa Rica adventure activities like zip lining, white water rafting and volcano tours.

Over 60,000 visitors from the U.S., Canada and Europe fly in to nearby Daniel Oduber Airport (http://www.liberiacostarica.com/airport/liberia.html) each month, escalating both the economy and growth of the Gold Coast region. Daily, direct international connections make this once hard to reach area a 2 to 5-hour flight from airports in California, Florida, Texas and New York. Direct flights make it an uncomplicated trip for telecommuting professionals, visitors and the increasing number of individuals and families with second homes in the area.

According to Correll, people come to Costa Rica and fall in love with the area and the people. "Once they are here, the opportunity is easy to understand," says Correll. "They invest in vacation property or a second home; then they start spending more personal time here. They begin to realize they can work from here, bring their skills here and become part of the growth that is happening. Soon they start spending a majority of their time in Costa Rica and then look to moving here full time. They love it and so do we," he concludes. Correll estimates that more than thirty percent of Coco Bay Estates buyers are planning to live there part of the year; others will take up the Costa Rica lifestyle full time like the Correll and Rembert families do now.

Jim and Gina Correll and Julian and Karen RembertCorrell and his wife Gina searched seriously for real estate opportunities along the coast of Mexico and the Baja before heading to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast for a short vacation where the couple met real estate professional Julian Rembert and his wife Karen a tennis pro. The Remberts had also been scouting real estate sweet spots on the other side of the country, looking along the Atlantic Coast down to the Caribbean. The two couples quickly recognized they shared a common vision and the business skill set to make it happen. As they explored the region, their instincts and some hard-core research told them they had found what they had been looking for on Costa Rica's northwestern shore. They loved the area's tropical beauty, its exhilarating eco-lifestyle, people, expanse of beaches and friendly Pura Vida spirit.

And, they agreed that the region had inevitable potential to become a destination and value proposition on par with opportunities in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico years earlier. "I estimate we are in the first 20 percent of the cycle of growth here", says Correll, "if you take other coastal resort areas like Hawaii or Cancun as a model, you find development expands after major hotels are in operation. In this region more than a dozen hotel projects have been announced with key flagships like the Four Seasons in place already. With more visitors, more people fall in love with the area and want to come here and live."

The Corrells and Remberts are making that process easy for Coco Bay Estates buyers. CRDG offers a full-blown menu of professionals and services for buyers that can help them design, build, furnish and maintain their homes. "Our team consists of the people who developed the Four Seasons, the top service providers in Latin America, definitely in Costa Rica-it's a great Costa Rican team, not a foreign team. They know how to work here, they have the contacts and the track record, they've already done it."

CRDG offers a vacation rental program for owners who want their Costa Rica home to perform like an investment and make money when they aren't living in it. "We wanted to build a resort community that would allow our investors to live here year round and totally enjoy the day to day lifestyle. At the same time, if an owner plans only to vacation here and wants to rent his property out for the rest of the year, we wanted to make that easy for them, too. Our goal was to create a community and the amenity set that would inspire anyone who visits this area to want to stay at Coco Bay Estates because of all that it offers," says Rembert.

"There aren't too many places in the world where you can go to the beach, go to the rainforest, go surfing, visit a volcano, go ATVing, hiking or play in waterfalls all in the same day and then go home to a community that is comfortable, safe and in what we call affordable luxury," adds Rembert. "We love it, our families love it, our friends love it-and we're pretty sure lots of other folks are going to love it as well."

The CRDG team enjoys demonstrating the virtues of Coco Bay Estates and offers invitation only, VIP fly and buy trips for serious potential buyers. The trip includes gratis accommodations in a luxury villa, transportation, meals, tours and interactions with bank, building and tax experts, and a coastline tour on an 80-person catamaran.

More information: www.cocobayestates.com/costaricarealestate.

All trademarks acknowledged.

*(Photo Link 1: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0801-CRDG1_72dpi.jpg)

*(Caption 1: The spectacular beauty of Costa Rica's Pacific coast and the country's friendly, welcoming culture inspired Americans Jim and Gina Correll and Julian and Karen Rembert to move there and develop Coco Bay Estates.)

*(Photo Link 2: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0801-CRDG2_72dpi.jpg)

*(Caption 2: Gorgeous Golfo del Papagayo is the living room view from Coco Bay Estates, a residential resort community being built on Pacific coast by two American families.)

Ethical Traveler

Costa Rica, South Africa make list of top 10 'ethical destinations' - USATODAY.com

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — In an effort to get travelers off the beaten path and support destinations in developing countries, a group called Ethical Traveler has published a list of the "10 best ethical destinations."

The organization said in a statement that many countries "are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. By bringing our commerce to such places we encourage their efforts, and inspire neighboring countries to support these values as well."

To create the list, Ethical Traveler looked at environmental protection, social welfare and human rights in the world's developing nations. The honorees on the Ethical Traveler's list, in alphabetical order, are Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Namibia, Nicaragua, and South Africa.

The organization used various resources to make the determinations, including data collected by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network; progress made by countries in reducing infant mortality rates as measured by UNICEF; and reports on civil liberties and human rights from sources like Amnesty International and Freedom House.

For more details, visit www.ethicaltraveler.org.

Una voz socialista

Aunque este artículo no es específicamente relacionado a Costa Rica es de interés por su enfoque "socialista-ecologista". Lo presentamos aquí como una ventana a una visión un poco diferente a la nuestra. Nosotros creemos en una armoniosa articulación de lo público y privado en la actividad turística sin descuidar el impacto ecológico.




Socialist Standard@MySpace: Tourism: can it be green?

Tourism: can it be green?

For those ‘green consumers’ who have adopted the principles of a green lifestyle eco-tourism fits neatly with the now familiar slogan to ‘Think Globally – Act Locally’ as a counter to environmental destruction. The adoption of a green lifestyle can include: Buying only organic food; keeping a record of your carbon footprint; using bio-degradable products; ensuring your savings and pension fund is ‘ethically’ invested in bio-diversity products or sustainable projects; supporting ‘fair trading’; participating in recycling schemes; be sparing on the use of plastic bags; and even endorsing the Body Shop empire. The solution is presented as an individual act rather than the collective action of individuals struggling for social change to put a stop to environmental destruction. Of course you can do all of these, but you shouldn’t think that such activities will necessarily lessen the impact on the environment.

For instance, despite the claims of the eco-tourism operators that their priority is sustainability and biodiversity, the green consumer lifestyle facilitates the opening up of a new market where environmental concern is transformed into a commodity. When the market is presented as the saviour of the environment then green consumers, and eco-tourists in particular, need to be aware that they cannot disregard the logic of production for profit. Nevertheless, for socialists the idea of adopting a green lifestyle is not to be derided, because – despite these shortcomings - it is a tentative step towards working with nature, rather than against it.
By increasing our understanding of the interaction between the natural environment and the impact of human activity society will be in a better position to minimise the damage on natural resources, and be able to arrive at rational judgements on whether or not any interference in the natural environment is justified and warranted. But be warned that such environmental concerns are not on the capitalist agenda. For the priority under capitalism is to make a profit by exploiting the environment through market forces.

We travel for relaxation. We travel for adventure. We travel to escape the familiar and venture into the unknown. Tourism brings in money and creates employment: one in 16 jobs worldwide is directly or indirectly related to tourism. In Thailand, tourism is the leading source of foreign exchange. And although tourism can help to maintain a country's interest in its own cultural and artistic heritage and, at it its best, can foster genuine friendships between different members of the human family this all comes with a price attached.

Increasingly, 'alternative travel' as eco-tourism is known in the tourist trade, is being marketed as the only way to see the world these days. And as more and more people venture off the beaten track to experience unique cultures and unspoiled nature, ecotourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, with an annual growth rate of 5 percent worldwide. According to the World Tourism Organisation this represents 6 percent of the world gross domestic product and 11.4 percent of all consumer spending.

Whereas, previously, you enjoyed the values of the natural environment by joining the Ramblers or Youth Hostel Association, now its considered more adventurous (and expensive) to take part in white water rafting down remote rivers, or to go native in the Australian bush, stay with the indigenous people in the Amazonian rainforest, enjoy the delights of the local wildlife and the taste of organic food at an eco-lodge in India. These eco-travellers are setting out on foot safaris in Africa, camping in the Mexican rainforest, and trekking to hill tribe villages in Thailand. You can also have a holiday in a tree-house in Costa Rica and enjoy the delights of a ropeway through the jungle canopy. And if none of these at to your taste what about some whale watching in Victoria B.C. where you can disrupt the breeding habits of the grey whale and walrus?

There are many more such holidays on offer and they are increasing by the day. At the last count taken in 2007 ten percent of the global travel market is now eco-tourism. And though the 21st century is considered an era of environmental sensitivity and climate change remains firmly on the global conscience, with remote locations becoming more and more accessible many countries are beginning to promote their natural wonders to bring in the eco-minded tourist. But in doing so the market system is faced with a conundrum of trying to preserve natural resources and also try to accommodate the vast numbers of tourists they will attract.

The ideal of eco-tourism, as defined by Martha Honey, the executive director of the International Ecotourism Society, reads like a travel agents dream:

"Travel to fragile, pristine and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and usually small scale. It helps educate travelers; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and human rights."

However, this ideal in many instances fails miserably to achieve its aim and in fact contributes to environmental destruction. For the reality is that in terms of human impact eco-tourists are no different – other than in scale – to the everyday tourist on a package holiday to the Costa Bravo. This is what an official for the World Wildlife Fund told Leo Hickman about on the impact of tourism in Thailand:

“The tsunami was nothing compared to the impact of tourism. It is a much larger, long-term problem. . . . I was born in 1972 and when I was eight or nine it was still largely virgin rainforest here on the island. By the late 1980s, though, it was mostly developed. We have now lost so much of the biodiversity and primary forest and the soil is destabilising in many places. The construction of hotels upstream is creating a lot of sediment in the water and this causes damage to the coral reefs when it washes out to sea. It also affects the mangroves on the east coast. A lot of our waste water – about 40 per cent – is still being pumped out to sea on the west coast where all the resort areas are.

Land is now so expensive here due to tourism; the cost of living is even higher than Bangkok – it has meant that many local people have been forced to sell off their ancestral home and have now lost their only real asset. There is even competition for schools here for the first time. And there is a lot of overfishing here; this is for export rather than for the tourists per se, but lobsters are now being brought in from Burma to meet the tourists’ appetite for these vulnerable creatures. The corals are also damaged by tourism. Snorkellers actually cause more damage than divers because they touch the coral more often….”
(Leo Hickman, The Final Call – In Search of the True Cost of our Holidays, 2007).

In Costa Rica, whose parks are wildly popular with the millions of people who visit the country each year, the behaviour of some wild animals has been altered - some monkeys attack and bite tourists when not fed. Along the trail to the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal, deforestation is getting worse as locals cut down trees to heat meals and to provide hot showers for foreign eco-trekkers. And Mount Everest itself is becoming infamous for the amount of discarded rubbish left on the routes towards the summit. Some estimates put it at over 2000 tons which don’t include the remains of a helicopter. And in the lower regions of the Himalayan foothills the popularity of backpacking is not only causing serious soil erosion but water pollution.

And what has happened in Nepal is only one example where eco-tourism is becoming transformed into eco-vandalism through the insanity of the profit system. Another example is what is happening in Kerala in India which is marketed either as, ‘God’s own country’, or as, the ‘Gateway to Paradise’. Kerala is a unique water region famous for its lakes, rivers and back waters and distinct wildlife and fauna and is also an attractive stopover or base for the eco-tourists who visit the nearby National Reserve. However, what is not marketed by the Kerala Tourist Board is the lack of sewerage facilities and rubbish collection for its thousands upon thousands of houseboats and hotels and so called eco-lodges. Before Kerala became invaded by tourists the indigenous population ensured their impact on the natural environment was sustainable or recyclable. Now water courses are becoming heavily polluted with sewerage and the plastic debris of a throwaway society.

Besides environmental damage there can be profound social and cultural consequences to travel as well. For example, what is occurring in Northern Thailand, home to many different 'hill tribes,' is a case in point. Uniquely individual in language, customs and dress, these semi-nomadic peoples share a history of ancestor worship and a close relationship with the land. However, with the introduction of eco-tourism they also share the experience of being in something akin to a human zoo. Hill tribe trekking operations sell 'authentic visits’ to see 'primitive peoples`. But what the eco-tourists are not told is that much of the so called culture on show has a tenuous relationship with the actual culture of the people they are visiting, for in actual fact the ‘traditional’ culture has been transformed into a commodity to meet the demands of the tourist market. In short the eco-tourist is being sold an illusion that the culture on display is ‘authentic’.

The ravages of eco-tourism and tourism in general are becoming so self-evident it raises the question what can we do to lessen the impact of human activity but nevertheless still enjoy a holiday – both at home and overseas? Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge that when market forces literally encourage an irrational human impact on the environment and natural resources, how can you also realistically expect those self-same forces to solve the environmental problems they created in the first place? Therefore, in the search for solutions it’s become vital that we look outside of the capitalist box where the social relationships of private ownership of the means of living constrain and restrict our constructive abilities to remedy environmental destruction.

In socialism where the principle of free access underpins the common ownership of the means of living our options and choices on travel and holidays would be extended and influenced by what positive contribution we can make to the country we are visiting. And with package holidays and mass tourism a thing of the past it is most likely holidays in socialism would not be restricted within a timescale of 10 to 14 days of hectic hedonism but transformed into an unique opportunity to stay in a particular location for as long as it takes to understand the history and culture of that region. In effect the transformation in the social relationships from private property ownership to common ownership will radically alter our perception of travel.

Under such conditions eco-tourism will come into its own with visits to particular regions becoming combined with studies on the wildlife, fauna and local culture. On the other hand you may wish to take part in making housing improvements by demolishing shanty towns or transforming a former holiday hotel into flats for the local population. Alternatively you could help out in a health clinic, or even give a hand to clean up polluted waterways. In effect whatever your particular choice of holiday the aim will be to combine it with an understanding that the framework of socialism will assist everybody on the globe in meeting their needs for shelter, food, clothing, education and health. Indeed it’s time to start thinking of trashing capitalism not the planet.
Brian Johnson

Muestras de una intención conservacionista y ecologista en Costa Rica

Esto son signos promisorios de un aumento de la consciencia ecológica en diferentes ámbitos de la vida económica en Costa Rica.


Limoncito Punta Leona, Costa Rica, Opens for Reservations; Development to Continue Resort's History of Environmental and Social Responsibility - Science - redOrbit

Building a Sustainable Legacy

In keeping with its priority on environmental preservation, Limoncito placed an emphasis on locally sourced materials whenever possible, with teak floors are from a nearby family-owned teak farm, where the wood is harvested by ox cart. All doors will be made from Melina and also harvested from the family-owned plantation, as opposed to using lumber from the native forest. To preserve water, all suites will incorporate dual-flush commodes.

Transportation within the resort also is designed with an eye towards environmental responsibility. Limoncito will encourage the use of electric golf carts throughout the community, enabling owners to reduce dependence on their cars. An electric shuttle system throughout the resort will serve as another means of transportation.

Other environmentally sustainable actions undertaken by the resort include using gray water for landscape irrigation, using sustainable building practices, initiating a wetland management plan and onsite recycling program and participating in community-based initiatives including a reforestation program that has planted more than 30,000 trees.

Limoncito guests will find an extensive network of jungle hiking and mountain biking trails, a resident naturalist expert and guide, a zip line tour of the jungle canopy and butterfly farm among the many opportunities to explore and interact with the Costa Rican environment.

'Pure life' abounds in Costa Rica

Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Story: 'Pure life' abounds in Costa Rica

'Pure life' abounds in Costa Rica
Sunday, July 20, 2008
By John I. Carney

(Photo)
This is Marlon's church in San Josecito, a mission church of his father-in-law's much larger congregation in San Isidro.
(T-G Photo by John I. Carney)
[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
SAN JOSECITO, Costa Rica -- According to the Lonely Planet phrasebook Costa Rican Spanish, the phrase ¡Pura vida! "embodies Costa Rican life. Meaning literally 'pure life,' it is really a more profound concept encompassing well being, positivity and harmony. It can variously be translated as 'great,' 'cool,' 'right on,' etc."

"Pura vida" has become Costa Rica's informal motto, a sort of Latin American version of "hakuna matata" (which was a real Swahili phrase long before "The Lion King"). You see it in advertising, on souvenirs, and you hear it in casual conversation.

The relaxed atmosphere in Costa Rica was part of what made my LEAMIS International Ministries mission trip there such a delightful experience. There were times I felt a little guilty for being in what was a much more pleasant atmosphere than some of my previous mission trips. This particular trip turned out to be more about spiritual partnership than poverty relief, although we made a few contacts that might lead to future mission trips in more remote areas of the country.

Team leader Frank Schroer, Megan Siegrist and I left for Costa Rica early on the morning of July 5. Because our flight was so early in the morning, we'd spent the night of the Fourth at Megan's parents' home in Nashville. I met Megan (and her mother, Margaret) when they were part of our 2006 LEAMIS trip to Kenya. I've known Frank for years, through LEAMIS and before that through a domestic missions group with which I'm involved and for which Frank used to be a staff member.

LEAMIS is a small interdenominational missions group based in Marion County. I've been taking foreign mission trips through LEAMIS since 2003.

Our work was based in the communities of San Isidro and San Josecito, in Heredia province, in the hills overlooking Costa Rica's largest city, San José. Our hosts were a pastor named Eduardo from the Iglesia Cristiana Jesucristo Es El Señor (Jesus Christ is Lord Christian Church) in San Isidro, Heredia province, and his son-in-law, Marlon, from a smaller mission church which the large church sponsors in San Josecito.

As soon as we arrived in San José, we were taken to Eduardo's church for lunch -- rice, ham, salad, and peaches.

Marlon, 33, is young, enthusiastic, and has a great sense of humor -- but then, again, his father-in-law is also upbeat and congenial.

The Hoosier and the Tica

Each of the LEAMIS team members would stay in a different household. I stayed with Dan and Melissa Shockley. Dan is from Indianapolis; he was on his second visit to Costa Rica when he fell in love with native Costa Rican Melissa. He was at the end of his visa and had to return to the U.S., but he promised he would return for her as soon as he could. He returned, and they were married. Not surprisingly, there's been more of a need for him to learn Spanish, and so his Spanish is better than her English. But her English is a lot better than my Spanish. We managed to communicate fairly well, although my lack of Spanish turned out to be frustrating from time to time.

The Shockleys are happy in Costa Rica -- they talk about moving to the U.S. someday, but then again they're also looking at a couple of hilltop lots in the San Isidro area where they could build if Dan gets a hoped-for promotion at work. One night at church, they came forward and asked for prayer for the job situation. I couldn't tell what their prayer request was -- that particular part of the service wasn't being translated -- and I was panicked that there was some sort of health issue or other crisis which they hadn't told me about and which I'd been too dense to recognize. Melissa had told me earlier in the week that she was on a three-day fast -- why hadn't I asked her more about it? I rushed up to them after the service, only to have Dan tell me about the prayer.

Dan works from home some days -- he has a home Internet connection -- and goes into the office two days a week. San José has implemented a system where cars are only allowed into the city on certain days, depending on the last digit of their license tag. It's meant to reduce gas consumption and traffic. Sunday, the power was out in San Josecito and Dan had no choice but to work from the office. Melissa drove him into town, with me in the car, and then we returned home. On the way back to the house, she asked me if eggs and toast would be OK for breakfast. But the gate was locked, and Melissa realized she didn't have the key. So we had to turn around and head back into town to get the key from Dan.

By the time I got to the church, it was technically service time. But things don't always start "en punto" (on the dot) in Latin American culture the way the do in U.S. or Northern European cultures. When Marlon found out I hadn't eaten breakfast, he had Max, a church member, take me to a little cafe a few yards away. I ordered a ham sandwich and was delighted with it -- it had been heated in a sandwich press, just like the Cuban sandwiches I've been lucky enough to try a few times.

No hablo Español

It's funny how you have to catch yourself from being condescending towards someone who speaks a different language. I'd like to think I'm a relatively smart guy, but I'm sure I sound like a toddler in Spanish. And yet, when someone else tries to speak English, it sounds -- humorous. Max's attempts to cross the bridge and speak with me made me think of a mariachi sidekick character that Horatio Sanz used to play on "Saturday Night Live," and that's not at all fair to Max, who -- for all I know -- could be the most well-spoken man in San Isidro.

It's an ugly truth, and I'm sure it probably goes both ways. At least, that's what I tell myself.

(Photo)
On our last morning in San Isidro, Megan Siegrist chats with Eduardo, center, and Marlon (holding 9-month-old Nathaniel).
(T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
Megan, who came on the trip to function as our translator, speaks great Spanish. She learned in Spain and has also spent time in Chile. She was great translating for us in personal conversation, but she's a little hesitant about public speaking, and her in her first attempt at translating a sermon for Frank, she was soft-spoken and not very emotional. In mid-sermon, she yielded the job to Marlon, and I'm not sure that Marlon's grasp of English is as good as Megan's grasp of Spanish, so I hope that Marlon's translation matched Frank's intent. In any case, it was more enthusiastic than Megan's translation had been.

Frank and I, both of whom have been on several different trips to Spanish-speaking countries, both agreed we needed to get more serious about trying to learn the language.

Prior to Frank's sermon, a newborn baby was presented to the congregation. Marlon asked me to come up and pray for the baby. I'm not sure why; I suppose it was because he knew that Frank and Megan would have the morning's main spotlight and thought that this would give me a way to feel involved as well.

A real pizza Costa Rica

Lunch was served right after church -- but I had eaten right before church, and wasn't very hungry. However, when we left Pastor Marlon's church Melissa had to stop by Pastor Eduardo's church (which I think is where she and Dan actually attend) to look in on a sort of after-church bazaar raising money for a women's retreat. While we were there, I stopped by the booth that was selling a sort of gooey, snow-cone-like confection. Roughly crushed ice was topped with fruit-flavored syrup, but then sweetenened condensed milk and powdered milk were added as well. It was actually much better than it sounded, and really refreshing.

That night, Dan and Melissa offered to take me out for pizza and to the mall in Heredia. It was this night when it really hit me that Costa Rica is better off than some of the other countries I've visited. The mall had several of our traditional U.S. mall merchants.

The pizza really took me by surprise. It wasn't the pizza itself, which was fine. It was where we went to get the pizza. We went to PriceSmart, a Costa Rican chain which is, for all intents and purposes, a virtual copy of the Sam's Club stores here in the U.S. And, like Sam's Club, there's a snack bar selling pizza.

PriceSmart is owned by a U.S. company, but not the same one that owns Sam's Club.

Going to the mall and watching cable TV at Dan and Melissa's house made me feel like I wasn't really in the same kind of mission field as in my previous trips. But that's not to say there's not poverty in Costa Rica. On one morning, as we drove to a different church where I would speak to a meeting of pastors and their spouses, we passed through a slum every bit as bad as places I'd seen in Kenya and Nicaragua -- tin-roof sheds, vendors selling their wares from little booths made of branches and plastic tarp, and what have you.

The slum -- and I promise you I'm not making this up -- turned out to be on a hill with a great view of the shopping mall.

I hadn't noticed it up there during our shopping trip.

MONDAY: Corn starch plus water equals leadership

Comments
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I'd like to do more,too.

Somehow,I always seem to get more than I give when I try to be "altruistic".

But,maybe that's partly due to my becoming more aware of what all I have and how inadequate I'd be to try making things better all by myself.

It could have something to do with the fact that what those who have "nothing to offer" give freely is more valuable than silver or gold.

I've found it a bit easier to confine my do-gooding to a "lick and a promise" that lets me give myself a pat on the back and leave those I've helped (and more diligent servants) behind to take care of things 24/7.

I envy those of y'all who have taken up the challenge of learning real skills,doing real work and coming back to do it over and over again.

I'm grateful to those of you who give according to others' needs instead of according to what you can spare.

Some build cathedrals and set up t.v. networks and universities.

Some offer basic literacy,clean water and teach how to make soap.

Some don their Sunday best so they can fund neutering and feral colonies or Habitat homes at a party.

Some donate used clothing,furniture and books,put on roofs and build playgrounds,give blood,put out plants,clean kennels,play with the animals in the shelter,groom them and train them for new homes.

I think it's easier to give and accept help among strangers than the people you live and work with every day.

John,you do great work when you go on these mission trips but I hope it refreshes your spirit for what you do here.

I don't think we thank you enough for how you daily and consistently minister to your own home town.

When someone gives information,makes people think,gives people a voice and sets an example,it can make a world of difference.

Maybe,if the rest of us start where we are,do what we can and let ourselves grow into the challenges before us,we can make a difference,too.
-- Posted by quantumcat on Mon, Jul 21, 2008, at 6:39 AM

I really enjoyed this alot...You are a very lucky person to beable to go out and help others...God Bless you and keep it up....I would love to beable to help some of our people here...But right now the best I can do is give my time to the pets here that have no homes...I start wed. walking them and getting them out of their cages for a while....
-- Posted by rebelrose on Sun, Jul 20, 2008, at 9:23 AM

TABACÓN GRAND SPA THERMAL RESORT

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TABACÓN GRAND SPA THERMAL RESORT TAKES FIRST PLACE AS LUXURY RESORT WITH “BEST WATER FEATURE” IN INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT & HOTEL AWARDS
Jul 22, 08 | 10:48 am


La Fortuna, COSTA RICA (July 2008) – Known for its lush rainforest setting, volcano-heated thermal springs, and innovative open-air dining, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort in northern Costa Rica has garnered first place among luxury resorts in the category of “property with Best Water Feature” in the International Restaurant & Hotel Awards (IHRA). One of the world’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, the IRHA annually recognize the finest travel establishments in countries around the globe, based on unbiased reviews and opinions of industry heavyweights.


Tabacón Managing Director Uwe Wagner will receive the award at the IRHA Grand Awards Gala in Beverly Hills, CA in November 2008.

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort bested One & Only Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas, and The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida, to take first place in the category which acknowledges extraordinary water features (mineral springs, pool, beach or Jacuzzi) at a resort. In total, there are 11 categories at the luxury level, including Best Lobby, Best Suite and Best Design.

“In an age where more and more elaborate man-made water features are an industry building trend, it is gratifying to receive recognition for an ecologically friendly resort that is 100% natural,” said Wagner. Tabacón is located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna de San Carlos. Guests enjoy unlimited access to twelve natural hot spring pools, as well as to natural waterfalls, lagoons, thermal river pools and exotic gardens. Tabacón’s hot springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based, running at a soothing temperature range from 27º C to 42º C.

In addition to the IRHA award, Tabacón was selected the “Favorite Spa in Central America” and one of the world’s “Top 10 Best Mineral Spring Water Spas” in the 2007 Luxury SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards.

About Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Recently completing a three-year renovation of all guest rooms, swimming pool areas, and the addition of a new Spa set among the hot springs and gardens in the rainforest, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World, as well as the recipient of the Five-Star Four Diamond Award and the four-leaf designation for Sustainable Tourism. The only “Leading Spa of the World” in Central America and a repeat winner of Luxury SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Spa in Central America” and “Top Ten Mineral Spring Spas in the World,” The Grand Spa has 11 outdoor treatment bungalows, each with private Jacuzzi; a Yoga bungalow; and an extensive menu of indigenous treatments including Watsu and others in outdoor thermal river pools. A three-unit Temazcal surrounded by the energy of the nearby Arenal volcano is overseen by the resort’s own shaman. Individual bungalows; couples bungalows; and a special “all-day bungalow” for adults or families, including meals and treatments, are offered. The 114-room resort’s new Mexican chef shines with his signature Gala Dinner in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef and server. The award-winning Los Tucanes presents fine dining in an open-air setting. Ayurvedic spa cuisine is a new offering. Guest services can arrange adventure activities ranging from ziplining to nature tours, canyoning, caving, and hiking to the nearby Arenal volcano. www.tabacon.com, www.lhw.com, 011-506-2519-1900, 877-277-8291 (toll-free).

Industria hotelera busca eliminar impuesto de alojamiento(3%)

The Journal

BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Hotel industry lobbies to lift lodging tax, add charge to plane tickets

(Infocom) — The country’s hotel industry, through the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH), has expressed its support for a bill aimed at lifting the 3 percent lodging tax that currently exists.

“In the opinion of the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels, Bill No. 16.752 is of great importance for this sector of the tourism industry,” CCH President Carlos Lachner said.

The bill, known as “Law for Strengthening the Development of the National Tourism Industry,” calls for eliminating the 3 percent tax currently tack on customers’ hotel bills, which was created through Law No. 2.706 of Dec. 2, 1960. The bill would also create a $15 entry tax applied to each person entering the country by air (added to the total cost of each plane ticket) and would reform article 46 of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) Law, No. 1.917, of July 29, 1959.

The idea behind the bill is that $15 entry tax would substitute the 3 percent lodging tax.

“The (lodging) tax has not been easy to control or audit because it’s collected all throughout the country, and recovery of those monies has not been as good as expected,” Lachner explained. “Meanwhile, by charging the tax to airplane tickets, its collection would be simplified because of the reduced number of agents who would be collecting the tax. In this way, all tourists who visit the country from abroad via airports, whether or not they stay in hotels here, would pay the tax, thus generating an easy way to charge and better controls.”

Lachner said that CCH has been insisting for several years on the elimination of the 3 percent lodging tax because it has put the burden of collecting it on only one sector of the tourism economy. The new bill, he claimed, has the virtue or not just lifting the tax, but creating another way to substitute it.

Overall, the bill seeks to update the old sources of financing for ICT, adapting them to the tourism activity’s new needs and making sure that such funds are invested specifically in promoting Costa Rica’s No. 1 industry.

As the proposal indicates, the funds collected by the new $15 airplane ticket tax would be used for promotion, marketing and planning of the country’s tourism industry as well as the sustainable development of the country as a tourist destination. Only those who buy their tickets abroad will pay this tax.

Collection of the tax would be done at the moment a visitor buys his or her ticket, thus fulfilling the bill’s premise that the tax would be charged to all people who enter the country by air, regardless of where they will be staying. Moreover, the funds generated by this entry tax won’t be subjected to a budget cap or trimming by the government, as stipulated in articles 2 and 3 of the proposed bill.

The bill also includes a reform whose objective is to deal with the growing phenomenon of people acquiring plane tickets abroad, typically in other Central American countries, to avoid the current $5 local ticket issuing tax.

Standard & Poor’s says Costa Rica’s risk rating improved

The Journal

BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Standard & Poor’s says Costa Rica’s risk rating improved

(Infocom) — Risk-analysis firm Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has announced an improvement in Costa Rica’s risk rating, moving the country’s credit rating up from stable to positive. According to the global firm, this comes in recognition of Costa Rica’s good fiscal policy management and its overall economic policy in the past few months — which has led to reducing public debt and reaching positive fiscal results without affecting public investment and expenditures in social programs.

Standard & Poor’s indicated that the revised outlook is the result of a substantial reduction of Costa Rica’s public debt burden, which improved the country’s fiscal profile and its ability to handle its obligations. The firm pointed out that a strong growth of tax revenue, coupled with the growth of the economy, have contributed to slashing debt as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — and this is expected to go even lower in 2008. S&P also said that the country’s increased exchange flexibility could reduce its vulnerability to sudden external shocks.

Regarding Costa Rica’s future outlook, S&P indicated that the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) could boost attraction of investment into the country and specialization in the isthmus over the next few years. The firm also warned about the importance of the Central Bank’s capitalization project, which would help improve the effectiveness of the exchange policy, boosting liquidity in the country.

Treasury Minister Guillermo Zuñiga said he was very satisfied with the news, calling the rating a vote of confidence about the country’s fiscal policies to significantly increase tax revenue, decrease the need to obtain financing in the stock market, improve its long-term debt profile, and lower the pressure placed by such debt in the short term.

But Zuñiga also said it’s important to forge ahead with approval of the CAFTA implementation bills that are still pending so that the trade deal can fully go into effect, as well as pass the Central Bank’s capitalization bill — which he considers key to improving the country’s monetary policy and slash inflation, just like S&P indicated. Zuñiga added it’s important to be prudent in fiscal management, as this is Costa Rica’s main strength when dealing with adverse conditions in the international markets.

Standard & Poor’s is a leading provider of financial market intelligence. The world’s foremost source of credit ratings, indices, investment research, risk evaluation and data, Standard & Poor’s provides financial decision-makers with the intelligence they need to feel confident about their decisions.

Many investors know Standard & Poor’s for its respected role as an independent provider of credit ratings and as the home of the S&P 500 benchmark index. But Standard & Poor’s global organization also provides a wide array of financial data and information, Is the largest source of independent equity research and a leader in mutual fund information and analysis.

Seven Reasons to Buy a Holiday Home in Costa Rica

Classic Realty » Blog Archive » Seven Reasons to Buy a Holiday Home in Costa Rica

Seven Reasons to Buy a Holiday Home in Costa Rica

Costa Rica in Central America is an incredibly beautiful nation with well over 1,200 km of Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea coastline and it is a nation with a rapidly developing, environmentally aware tourism industry.

Such is the appeal of the country that more and more people are exploring it annually and as a result the demand for holiday property for sale in Costa Rica is increasing.

Here are seven top reasons for you to consider buying a holiday home in Costa Rica today.

1) Incredible real estate

The wealth of real estate for sale in Costa Rica is amazing — while much of the island is protected from development, where construction is allowed companies are designing and building sumptuous homes which make the most of the incredible rainforest and ocean views available throughout Costa Rica.

Homes for sale are well priced when compared like for like with property in America or Western Europe for example, and because so many more people are now annually travelling to Costa Rica, well located holiday homes can actually derive the owners a great income as well as being a stunning asset and an enjoyable investment commodity.

2) Beautiful climate

Costa Rica is tropical and subtropical and as a result it has an exciting and stunning climate. One of the best locations climate-wise is Dominical in the Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. There even in the rainy season which lasts from June to November it never gets cold with average highs of 30 degrees Celsius daily. The rain tends to fall in the afternoon and evening with nights and mornings often dry and fresh. The official dry season runs from December to May and then temperatures are similar to those enjoyed in the wet season but naturally precipitation is far lower. The climate is ideal for those hoping to escape the harsher winters that Northern American and European nations experience, and therefore a holiday property in Costa Rica that can be enjoyed especially between the months of December and May makes a great asset to have.

3) Political stability

Costa Rica is a politically stable nation, it has a mature government, it has no need for an active army and as such it is considered a safe country in which to invest money into real estate.

4) High standard of living

There is a growing middle class in Costa Rica that is becoming more affluent, furthermore there are more North American and Western European expatriates moving to the nation than ever before and all of these people are demanding, expecting and willing to pay for a good standard of living. As a result the standard of living has improved greatly and this makes holidaying in the nation a pleasure rather than a struggle!

5) Welcoming people

Costa Rican people are rightly proud of their perfect country and they are used to welcoming international visitors annually. Those who invest in real estate and give something back to the country are prized highly and made to feel very welcome indeed.

6) Biodiversity

The most incredible fact about Costa Rica is that in world landmass terms it only occupies 0.01% of the entire planet and yet it is home to 5% of the world’s animal and plant species! If that doesn’t make Costa Rica special and worth a visit I don’t know what does! In fact the biodiversity that Costa Rica is home to is an attraction for increasing numbers of tourists meaning the travel and tourism industry is strong in Costa Rica and means buying a holiday home in the country is a good investment choice.

7) Stunning landscape

Finally, the natural landscape in Costa Rica is incredible. You have cliffs framed with rain forests, wild ocean waves on the Pacific coast and gentle lapping waters on the Caribbean coast, you have dense lush plant life and lone palm trees, blue skies, white clouds and untouched sandy beaches — if paradise were to be found on earth, chances are it would be found in Costa Rica.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and showcases new property developments in Costa Rica and around the world on her site http://www.PropertyDevelopmentWorld.com

This entry was posted on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 3:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Puerto Viejo

Eaten alive.... - Puerto Viejo, Playa Negra, Punta Cocles, Caribbean, Costa Rica Travel Blog

Prince Charming and Senor Stinkydog...... - Next Entry
Eaten alive....
Puerto Viejo, Playa Negra, Punta Cocles, Caribbean, Costa Rica
Flag of Costa Rica
Saturday, Apr 16, 2005 18:32

Entry 9 of 43 | show all | print this entry

Hola, it's me again. I made it back safely if not a little bruised and battered after my weekend of funky fun in Puerto Viejo with Joy and another friend of hers named Donna (from her school). We departed on Friday from San Jose via bus to the Caribbean. It is a 4 or 5 hour drive on gut wrenchingly crowded, dilapidated and absolutely unsafe roads, so the ride itself was an adventure. We made it safely and enjoyed the view immensely along the way.
At one point there were these 2 rivers that were merging as we went over a bridge and it was crazy- One of the rivers was so clear that you could see the rocks on the riverbed. The converging water from the other side was bright, almost flourescent, orange. I don't know for sure but my guess is that there is some sort of clay or mineral further up the mountain on that side that is running off as the spring rains come in. Either that or maybe some sort of algae indigenous to this area? I don't know but it was pretty cool to see the bright orange and the crystal clear waters raging together.
There were many waterfalls and little villages along the way, all tucked Costa Rican style between a plethora of flora and fauna every color you could imagine. It is like Hawaii with many more colorful flowers on the trees and plants. There were these tinkerbell fairybook looking flowers that were huge-over a foot long- hanging like fuschia and white bells off of these trees by the beach. They were awesome. Tons of coconuts and palm trees but a taste of home in the pine trees we saw by our hotel.
Our hostel/motel was 30 bucks a night and it was air conditioned so worth each of the 10 bucks we spent per night. The first night we went to this outdoor cabana with live Reggae music and great oven fired pizza. I thought it was fantastic and so did the 4 inch cockroach that shared it with me. I made a friend- Senor Stinkydog- who had the rest of the piece that the cockroach tried. He was my loyal companion, my Samwise, for the duration of the weekend.
Joy and Donna decided to hit the hay and I journeyed solo to check out the scene. Don't worry, Mom, it was very crowded and is a small tourist town that is muy tranquilla, which means laid back. The culture there is very different than in anywhere else in Costa Rica, due to the non acceptance of the Creole population that call the Caribbean home. Generally, Costa Ricans are very proud of the lightness of their skin in comparison to their for Nicaraguan and Panamanian neighbors. I learned that this particular region of Costa Rica evolved separately from the rest of the country until it was developed by the Atlantic railroad and used as a major export location for coffee in the late 1800's. The need for laborers brought the influx of Jamaican people, who upon completion of the railroad stayed and farmed the crops of bananas that were planted at the turn of the century. The area remains about 50% populated by people of West Indian descent and is still not wholly accepted by the rest of the country. In fact, there are 8 indigenous tribes that weren't even allowed to vote until 1994!! One of these tribes is the BriBri, who have a reserve a couple of miles from where we were staying. They have tours but they were kind of pricey for us so we opted to beach it for free. Anyway, just a little history.
The town is very eclectic and funky and the locals love tourists and are very accommodating and friendly. The local dread heads are called Rastas, or Rent-a Rastas. They are very friendly and always want to talk to you. There are many vendors and for the most part things are fairly cheap. The muddy, unkempt roads are teeming with vultures, horses, dogs, frogs and I even saw a big iguana! It is very African feeling with the crafts and colors that adorn the mostly thatch covered outdoor cabanas/restaurants. Lots of luminarias and lights of all colors hanging from the surrounding trees.
Most of the town shows evidence of the hardwoods that grow here. Although 25% of the land here is protected from logging, it is obvious from the beautiful wood tables and little de-barked trunk chairs that it is still being used. They are everywhere. Some of the places here were VERY nicely built and with no detail overlooked. But for the most part they were modest holes in the wall run by locals. The food at the Restaurant Naturale was absolutely one of the best meals I have ever had. Sweet potato soup and vegetarian thai tacos. It was out of this world good.
On Friday night I explored and found a little bar that had an outdoor movie screen with Spanish subtitles on the movie. Senor Stinkydog and I sat and watched for awhile. They were playing Meet the Fockers, which was pretty funny, although I only caught the end. Then I went further down the main road and ended up at the Bambuu, where I danced with the locals to more Reggae and had a blast. Tried my best to communicate but it didn't really matter because dancing is dancing whatever language you speak. It was very fun. Made it home with no problem and caught a few winks before the sun came up.
At some point I got eaten alive by either sand fleas or mosquitos, so I look like I have some freak disease on my legs. Probably 200-300 bites from my knees down. No repellant- bad move- note to self for future reference.... It doesn't help that I am scratching as much as my loyal companion Senor Stinkydog.
Unfortunately, there was mucho LLUVIO, which is rain rain rain. We rented bikes and went to Punta Cocles and set up on the beach just in time for the rain. It was warm though and fun to watch the surfers try to conquer the legendary wave- Salsa Brava. I was only getting in up to my waist (so I could pee- haha!) because the waves were really big and scary and looked like a place I would hang out in if I was a shark so I really didn't spend too much time in the ocean.
There is a life guard on duty up the beach a ways due to the rip tide at the break in the coral reef offshore. Joy and I were laying there when we heard these two people yelling and waving their arms for help. I kept seeing their heads bob then I would lose sight of them behind the next wave. Everyone started to yell and run towards the lifeguard, who either didn't care or wasn't paying attention. Quite a crowd was gathering and nobody was doing anything and then the girl started to go under periodically. Everyone kept looking at everyone but nobody was getting in and I didn't know what to do. I thought to myself that if something happened and I didn't at least try I wouldn't be able to live with myself so I went in.
The waves were really bad and the sand bars under the surface would vary with each step and suddenly I would go under water until I could find my footing again. I got in to about my chest before I felt the force of the current trying to pull me under. I was swallowing a lot of salt water. Yuk!! So I stayed there and kept yelling that it would be ok, that people were coming and motioning for them to swim parallel to the beach instead of fighting the current. I don't know if they could hear me or not but they both just kept trying to swim towards me. Pretty soon they got closer and I went a little further then I could finally reach her. He seemed pretty pulled together. They were exhausted but ok. She said that they panicked because they kept getting pulled out further and further. She hugged me and thanked me for trying. My legs were shaking so hard it was difficult to get out of the water.
There was a local who had run off to get his surfboard that came over to help us. He said that even though it was nice for me to try to help that it was not the right thing to do. In that case you need a surfboard or something buoyant if you are going to try to rescue someone, which makes total sense. It was just so hard to do nothing and watch their heads keep going under. Anyway, in trying to be the rescuer I was almost in need of rescue!! But it all worked out great and I learned a valuable lesson about the power of Mother Nature...
We packed up after awhile and rode back to town, had dinner and went out to play some pool. The local with the surfboard recommended that great restaurant I mentioned earlier and he dined with us. Then he got creepy so we ditched him and went dancing. It was great to dance the marenga, the salsa, and reggae. Oh, did I forget to mention that it is raining, and I mean dumping, this entire time. My dress was soaked like I was in the shower but it wasn't cold. So the 3 of us drenched amigas checked out most of the local scene before heading home to play some cards in the room. What a great night!
The next morning we had the worst breakfast ever. We tried the beach again, hoping the clouds might burn off, this time riding even further but never making it to Manzanilla point, which I heard was beautiful. It rained so hard that the beach cleared so we retired to the restaurant down the street to watch the storm. Since I was already soaked, I braved the biting winds to go back to the deserted beach to see the waves. 3 local surfers were still out there but other than that it was just me. It was absolutely beautiful to see the peninsula in the distance shrouded in deep green trees and entombed in this foggy mist from the strong rains. I left the beach as quickly as the lightning came down and we rode back to town in time to catch our bus back to San Jose, where I said goodbye to Joy and Donna and caught my cab back to San Joaquin.
My familia Tica was happy to see me and hear of my adventures. I got a good night sleep and drifted off to thoughts of the weekend with the Bob Marley song that was playing in the cab stuck in my head.

Great Hotels In Costa Rica

Great Hotels In Costa Rica

Having Visited Costa Rica, I have compiled a list of hotels and inns that are noteworthy. This list is by no means comprehensive or complete, it is just a few hotels that I have either stayed at or had the pleasure of dealing with.

Arenal Volcano Inn
Arenal Volcano Inn is located 6.5 kilometer north of the catholic church of La Fortuna town. Arenal is a must visit destination for a Costa Rica vacation. Many hotels surround the Arenal Volcano, but few offer such well planned and distributed rooms as Arenal Volcano Inn. Distributed on a hill completely surrounded by nature guaranteeing its guest an impressive view to the Arenal Volcano. The rooms are warm and inviting giving its guest tranquility and peace of mind while enjoying the beauty that surrounds them.

Hotel Grano de Oro
Situated on a quite street just off Paseo Coln, Hotel Grano de Oro is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private residence.

The gardens at Grano de Oro are both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers a relaxing Jacuzzi and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Grano de Oro welcomes guests home time and time again.

Mawamba Lodge
Mawamba Lodge is situated on the Northeast area of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Canals and the Caribbean Ocean, an excellent location that provides direct access to the pristine beach and the canals.

Nestled in the lush rainforest, this is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Tortuguero National Park. The Lodge is a 15-acre beach front property located on the right side of Tortuguero, offering nice views to the Tortuguero Lagoon and the canals.

Monteverde Lodge
Located in the Tilarn Mountain Range at 4,600 ft. above sea level on the edge of the world's best known mid-elevation cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge is the ultimate lodging experience for the discerning nature traveler.Guests can enjoy the Monteverde Lodge Gardens with ferns and bromeliads; a running stream, a pond and a small waterfall provide a habitat for riverine birds and a host of reptiles and amphibians. Carefully placed benches provide a comfortable place, offer privacy and/or panoramic vistas from the Lodge to observe the wildlife, read, write, or just wile away the hours
more info

Punta Islita Resort
The Guanacaste Province is one of Costa Rica's richest cultural regions. Its artistic, culinary, and musical traditions are rooted in three distinct ethnic currents, Hispanic, African, and native Chorotega. Their aesthetic influence is manifest in Hotel Punta Islita's architecture, pottery, furniture, and garden sculptures.

Hotel Punta Islita is a secluded paradise of spectacular ocean views, charming luxury, and exciting activities underscored by a genuine commitment to responsible tourism. Discover an enticing variety of environments and facilities perfect for fine dining, relaxation, soft adventure, exploring authentic cultures, and beach activities.

Rafiki Safari Lodge
Rafiki is a wilderness luxury tent camp and conservation project focusing on adventurous sustainable tourism. The lodge is nestled on 842 acres of pristine jungle along the Savegre River, 30 km south of Quepos and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding to waterfalls, hiking, and world-class birding. You don't need to be an avid birder or into eco tourism to enjoy this truly unique accommodations and natural beauty.

By: Eric J Ken

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit CostaRica4me.com for for Costa Rica Hotels, Booking, Tours, and Accomodati

Costa Rica among favorites ports of call for cruise liners.

All about Cruises » Blog Archive » Cruising Reunions

Cruising Reunions
Cruising Reunions by Dr. Earl R. Smith II Over the last couple of decades, as Executive Director of Nautical Options, I have arranged a wide variety of events on cruise ships. Many participants have experienced the wonders of cruising for the first time when we organized their friends and family reunion at sea. Often it had been held at a resort or some family members house. We helped them take it to sea . In almost every case the reunion, once taken to sea, remains at sea year after year. There are a whole raft of reasons why this seems to be the case. Here are just a few: 1. Ease of organization: Reunions typically depend upon one or two individuals who bear the burden of organizing and coordinating the schedules of widely dispersed family members. Even if the reunion is held at a resort, the coordination of air and ground transportation can be daunting at particular times of the year. Then there is the issue of arranging menus, meeting rooms and having the resort accommodate the scheduling needs of the group. Cruse based events are comparatively simple to organize ” particularly if you employ one of the companies like Nautical Options which specializes in them 2. Cost: Two things quickly become apparent after you have decided to take a family reunion to sea. The first is how much less expensive the event is. If you go through an organization which specializes in such events and can access the best rates, the cost of a cruise based reunion will be somewhere between 60 and 70% of the cost of the same event on land. The second thing you will notice is that a cruise based event is, by and large, a one line cost. By that I mean a single payment buys the cabin, all you can eat and unlimited, high quality food (watch out for the midnight chocolate buffet!) and all the distractions and entertainment that one could wish for. For the most part individual travelers will end up paying for their drinks, shore excursions, gambling losses and purchases in the many ports of call. 3. Onboard Entertainment: Cruise ships provide a wide range of on board activities. Every evening there is a Broadway-class show in the main lounge. In addition there are always musicians in the various smaller venues. Each day all sorts of organized activities are on offer. These range from dance classes and wine tastings to trivia games, art auctions, bingo, lectures on the next port of call and a myriad of others. In short, there is never a shortage of things for members of your group to do while onboard. 4. Meeting Rooms: This is where a company which specializes in organizing crews based events can really shine. At Nautical Options we handle all the arrangements for the meeting rooms as well as the arrangements for catering, entertainment and special events. We have managed birthday parties complete with cakes, karaoke competitions, special lectures and a whole range of other activities. 5. Ports of call: A cruise ship is a resort hotel that changes location every night. Each morning you wake up in a different place than where you went to sleep. Some mornings you wake up to a day at sea and the wonderful experience of enjoying the ship. On others you wake up in a new port of call and to all the amazing options that are available. Cruise lines organize a wide range of shore excursions in every port. All of the vendors are carefully screened and the shore excursions are carefully reviewed. In other words, you don t have to worry the cruise line has already done the worrying for you. In each port your group will disperse ” some on shore excursions, some just heading for the beach and others looking for bargains that are always available in the shops. Dinner becomes a wonderful sharing of experiences and a chance to wear that new shirt or goofy hat that you just could not pass up. 6. Having fun and building memories: Memories that live on and on: over the years I ve noticed one thing above all else. There s something about the experience of having a reunion on a cruise ship that keeps the memories alive year after year. I have had clients tell me that five or six years into a series of reunion cruises they still reminisce about the first ones. Other groups post their pictures on the internet and share them with friends and family. Cruising is an amazing experience by itself ” but, with your friends and family members, a reunion makes memories that endure. IMPORTANT - Publication/Reprint Terms - You have permission to publish this article electronically in free-only publications such as a website or an ezine as long as the bylines are included. - You are not allowed to use this article for commercial purposes. The article should only be reprinted in a publicly accessible website and not in a members-only commercial site. - You are not allowed to post/reprint this article in any sites/publications that contains or supports hate, violence, porn and warez or any indecent and illegal sites/publications. - You are not allowed to use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email) or SPAM. This article MUST be distributed in an opt-in email list only. - If you distribute this article in an ezine or newsletter, we ask that you send a copy of the newsletter or ezine that contains the article to drsmith[at]lngvw.com (replace [at] with @) - If you post this article in a website/forum/blog, ALL links MUST be set to hyperlinks and we ask that you send a copy of the URL where the article is posted to drsmith[at]lngvw.com (replace [at] with @) - We request that you ask permission from the author if you want to publish this article in print. The role of iSnare.com is only to distribute this article as part of its Article Distribution feature (http://www.isnare.com/distribution.php ). iSnare.com does NOT own this article, please respect the author’s copyright and this publication/reprint terms. If you do not agree to any of these terms, please do not reprint or publish this article.

About the Author: Dr. Smith is Executive Director of Nautical Options. You can contact Dr. Smith at drsmith@lngvw.com to arrange a free consultation.

Transatlantic Cruising - A Regal Route from England to the U.S.
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved

There is something that every person should experience at least once in his/her life a transatlantic cruise. While the experience in and of itself is amazing, the grandeur is increased all the more when you choose a vessel suited for majesty, such as the Queen Mary 2.

In the tradition of the great ocean liners of the past, you’ll find yourself surrounded by splendor at every turn aboard a vessel that can only be described as “royalty afloat.” As feelings of relaxation and complete security wrap around you, you’ll begin to explore the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) and discover all there is to do during your six-night voyage.

Enrich Yourself

Onboard, you’ll find the world-famous Canyon Ranch SpaClub and a state-of-the-art gym. In addition, QM2 also offers delightful programs designed to help you enrich yourself by expanding your horizons.

Learn the art of acting under the instruction of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Discover the worlds of space and the sea through seminars held onboard at the first planetarium at sea and lecture halls. From culinary classes to book signings to workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, every passenger will find a world of interesting and imaginative activities to participate in.

Indulge in All the QM2 Has to Offer

Exceptional cuisine awaits while dining onboard with 10 restaurants serving a wide variety of food from classic to exotic. The main dining room plays host to some amazing meals created by world-famous, award-winning-chef Todd English. From casual buffets to full-service Asian, Italian or American restaurants, you’ll find dining to be one of the many pleasures the QM2 has to offer.

Your stateroom boasts amenities not normally found aboard other vessels. Over 75% of the ship s cabins offer balconies, decks and/or ocean views, meaning you can enjoy even more of the transatlantic experience. From affordable interior cabins to expansive “Queen” suites with abundant luxury, you can select the stateroom that offers the amenities you most desire.

As your body and mind begin to unwind and settle, you’ll relish in the feelings of pampering and utter safety knowing you and your family are secure onboard an ocean-faring vessel.

A Unique Experience for Children

Children will enjoy cruising onboard the QM2, too. With two children’s centers - the Play Zone and The Zone - kids from ages 1 to 12 will find age-appropriate activities and games. Supervised entertainment is available, including board games, computers, a splash pool and other interesting and enlightening activities. Authentic English nannies are also provided to care for the toddlers.

Transporting People and Packages

Not only an elegant way to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, but a transatlantic cruise is also practical as well as relaxing. With no weight limits on baggage or other goods (such as the ones airlines impose), passengers can easily transport thousands of pounds in the storage areas of the ship.

Works of art, souvenirs, antiques, furniture, personal belongings and more can be stowed onboard at no additional charge. This feature makes transporting such items much more affordable and aids with ensuring the safe arrival of your valued belongings.

Four-legged Friends Are Welcome

The QM2 also accommodates pets. Unlike with airline travel, your pets will be housed in approved kennels operated in conjunction with Pet Travel Scheme to ensure they are comfortable and well cared for. Of course, during the voyage, you are welcome to visit with and walk your pet daily. How comforting it will be for them to see a familiar face regularly during their cruise.

What a delightful, safe and entertaining way to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Why book airfare between the U.K. and the U.S., when you can travel in regal style?

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for super deals including Hawaii cruises and other destinations from Carnival Cruise Line. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.

Steps in Planning Your Cruise Trip
Imagine the feel of the sea breeze and the sounds of the ocean matched with the luxury of a world class cruise line.

Holland America Explores Europe and the Mediterranean
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved

Because of its history, Europe and the Mediterranean are two of the most wondrous regions to explore. From the windmills of Amsterdam to medieval castles of Norway, this curious continent delivers the stuff fairy tales are made of. Holland America calls this region home. Launching her first ship from Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America has positioned herself as the leader in premium-class cruises to Europe, the Mediterranean and other exceptional ports.

Serving up Europe as only a local can, Holland America combines popular tourist spots with out-of-the-way ports for an in-depth look at all that makes Europe grand. The Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Russia and others are available from two- to 108-night voyages on 46 itineraries encompassing 136 ports.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Probably most famous for hillsides full of tulips and windmills, Amsterdam is an enchanting city. You’ll find yourself face to face with classic creations from van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer, as you stroll through numerous museums. Tour the canals, ramble through festivals filled with music and culture, and discover the inner workings of live windmills. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase, so you can bring home a pair of wooden shoes!

Paris, France

Truly the city of love, Paris, France, is a delight for all your senses. Take in the sites including world-famous monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, this structure is as beautiful as it is historically significant. The Arc stands on four support bases that commemorate the triumph, the resistance, the peace and the departure. Paris is also home to the Eiffel Tower. Absolutely breathtaking at 300 meters tall, the Tower encases 1652 steps from bottom to top. And you must partake of the food while in Paris. From sidewalk bistros with champagne brunches to mouthwatering bakeries filled with warm breads and luscious pastries, you haven’t experienced Paris until you’ve dined here.

Tallinn, Estonia

This little-known gem is quite a find by those who travel on Holland America. Wedged between Russia and Latvia, Tallinn is across the sea from Finland and Sweden. Red-tiled rooftops are significant of Tallinn as are water and cobblestone streets. This ancient city offers some truly unique excursions, which can be booked during your Holland America cruise. Castles, sculptures and vodka are the cornerstones of one walking tour that unfolds interesting sites in this medieval city. Spend the day discovering the most romantic aspects of this charming town or take in the local shops and boutiques while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

St. Petersburg, Russia

With its rich imperial past, St. Petersburg has some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the world. Catherine’s Palace, with its grandiose design of blue, white and gold, is a must-see while in St. Petersburg. Museums are also worthy excursions if you have a love for art. A truly regal city, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into the days of royalty.

Cairo, Egypt

The Mediterranean is also an exciting and intriguing port of exploration. Amid the wonders you’ll find in and around Cairo are the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Nile River. As the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World, these pyramids are something everyone who visits Egypt should see. Cross the desert and discover exotic wildlife or fill the shoes of Cleopatra, as you take a riverboat tour of the Nile. It truly is a unique experience that won’t be quickly forgotten.

If touring Europe and the Mediterranean in style is your idea of a grand vacation, Holland America has the ships and itineraries to make it happen. Discover the best these destinations have to offer when it’s time for your next getaway.

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including European cruises and Alaska cruises.

Review: Windstar Cruises Offers Unique Vacations Aboard Motor Sail Yachts
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved

When the frantic, fast-paced flurry of most cruise vacations isn’t appealing to you, there is an exceptional alternative: Windstar Cruises.

Distinctive in every way, the most notable difference between Windstar and other cruise ships is the ships themselves. Not your standard luxury liner, Windstar voyages are aboard three stunning, intimate-sized motor sail yachts. With sails billowing in the breeze, you can head out to the far reaches of the world to many of the most sought-after destinations known to man.

Classic in every detail, Windstar cruises offer popular ports of call, luxurious amenities, access to everything onboard and a wide array of choices in dining and other options. Casinos, gourmet restaurants, spas and well-equipped fitness centers are among some of the appointments you’ll find, depending on which ship you choose. With a casually elegant atmosphere, Windstar Cruises also delivers some pleasantly unexpected alternatives as well.

Regardless of which ship you sail (Wind Star, Wind Sail or Wind Surf), these intimate-class vessels accommodate no more than 312 passengers. As you might expect, that equates to a level of personalized service unlike any other. From spa treatments to room stewards to dining staff, you’ll find your every whim accommodated with lightening speed. That’s absolute freedom!

In addition, your Windstar cruise also adheres to an open bridge policy. Stop by and introduce yourself to the captain and his crew, tour the bridge and discover the inner workings of a cruise ship. When you’re finished, make your way to the rear of the ship (aft) for skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water sports directly from the water platform of the vessel. (Did I mention they are complimentary?)

Destinations

But the ships themselves are only part of the cruise experience. Not to worry! The destinations available from Windstar offer a grand selection of classic favorites that bear visiting again and again.

St. Thomas and Barbados are frequent stops on Windstar voyages to the Caribbean. Ports in Rome, Athens, Barcelona and Nice are all called upon during weeklong European tours. Costa Rica offers a tropical playground virtually year round and is available to you at any time you choose. Or, for a regal cruise in the tradition of the majestic days of ocean travel, book a transatlantic crossing - two glorious weeks at sea. You’ll quickly discover why Windstar gets an amazing 60% repeat booking rate.

Atmosphere

Intimate and casually elegant, all the ships in the Windstar fleet give you an entirely new cruise experience. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of other overcrowded ships, Windstar’s philosophy is to make you right at home. Certainly exciting, always fun, these motor sail ships bring a more dignified air to cruising. It’s as if you’re sailing on your own private yacht with 300 friends.

Dining

As you might expect, the cuisine onboard Winstar vessels is second to none. With a restaurant and a veranda on each ship, you have a choice as to when and where to dine. Gourmet meals prepared to order by expert chefs are served daily for your enjoyment.

Generally catering to adults, Windstar proclaims, these adventures are “180 Degrees From Ordinary.” You’ll agree. With teak decking, granite-topped surfaces and elegant sails, Windstar gives every appearance of a world-class cruise ship.

If you’re a cruise enthusiast who is looking for a new direction for your next vacation, Windstar might have just what you’re looking for.

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including European cruises and Windstar cruises.

You Don t Cruise, You Lose!
Mexico offers a wide variety of options for cruisers Cruises to Mexico aren t what they used to be they re much, much more. Whether you re single or married, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008! While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world s top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year. According to recent statistics released by Mexico s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico s ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico s Communications and Transportation Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006. Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone s throw from the country s leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public s desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three or four different destinations. According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico s newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006. As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises. Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings: Sun salutations The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix. Food & wine The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York s Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting. Mickey on board Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico s western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded fitness and spa center for adults. Low carbs and smart kids Carnival s Fun Ships will make more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness. Gay travel Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Clothing optional For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico. Blind cruises Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for the blind to Mexico. Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. # # # Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com

Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.

Rajasthan Travel Guide
FAIR AND LOVELY!

Come November and Rajasthan becomes the cynosure of all eyes. Why? Because along with Kartik Purnima comes the much awaited Pushkar fair. Over the years, Pushkar Mela, as it is popularly known, has been one of the major trumps in the hands of Rajasthan tourism because in its varied moods it manages to bring the ancient customs of Rajasthan to the fore; mixed with a lot of mysticism, adventure and fun. A perfect formula guaranteed to be a crowd puller. Let’s explore the Pushkar magic a little further.

200,000 people-no, it’s not the population statistic of a large city, but that of the approximate number of people who visit the fair. Not to forget the 50,000 cattle that they bring along. The fair is of great importance to the locals because this is the one chance they get to relive the glory days when a great deal was spent on cattle embellishments. Today the fair gives them a chance by organizing cattle beauty contests where the camels and other cattle preen and pose pretty. Also, a lot of cattle accessories are sold-all in precious silver.

Its not just fun and games at Pushkar because these people take even their sports seriously. The famed camel races of Pushkar are legendary and people come from far and wide to witness them. Also, cattle trading takes place in a big way in this fair.

A comprehensive experience of Rajasthani art, the fair has numerous dances and folk items which regale the spellbound spectators. Music like that created by the Bhil and Langda minstrels is legendary and a definite not-to-miss event. Beautiful materials with rajasthani handwork are also available. Women will get a full country feel with henna and tattoo artists all over the place.

With all this, Puskar has a greater significance. The god-fearing hold that the gods descend from the heaven for five days each year during the Pushkar fair and bless those around. Well, there must be some truth to it since each year the fair witnesses a growing number of people who come to Pushkar for this very reason.

Rajasthan Tourism has capitalized on the Pushkar Fair and publicized it far and wide. Because of their efforts, full facility “villages” are created around the vicinity of the fair for the comfort of the foreign tourists. They are, of course, fully equipped to satisfy their needs and are very luxurious.

Well, all said and done, this is one experience you would not want to miss. So book your tickets now to have the time of your life.

To know more about this site visit us at http://www.rajasthan-travel-tour.com/

Satyanarayan is the author and designer of the guide area Rajasthan Travel

The Journal

CR tourism grows at three times the international rate

(Infocom)
— Despite the adverse conditions of the world economy due to the rise
of fuel prices, the economic slowdown in the United States, the
international food crisis and the ever-present threat of terrorism,
Costa Rica continues to perform well in terms of the number of tourists
coming here.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer issued by the
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Costa Rica has experienced a very
positive performance in terms of tourist influx, remaining in the
two-digit growth level, despite the fact that international travel only
attained a 5-percent growth average during the first four months of
2008 — one percentage point above what was expected at the beginning of
this year.

Costa Rica’s exceptional numbers were highlighted by UNWTO in its
June report, news that Tourism Minister Carlos Ricardo Benavides was
glad to receive.

“It’s very satisfactory to us that as part of the positive worldwide
growth that the tourism industry has posted in the first few months of
this year, Costa Rica has remained among the group of countries with
the most dynamic performance and the highest increases in the arrival
of international tourists, in the two digits, and in our case, having
three times the world median,” Benavides said. “This pushes us to
continue doubling efforts to keep the current economic uncertainty due
to high petroleum prices from impacting us as much as far as the
tourism activity, but also allows us to see the coming months with a
very positive outlook.”

As the time has gone by, Costa Rica has continued to venture into
new tourism market niches with the objective of expanding its product
supply and provide a wide range of options and services to visitors.
The results are noteworthy: between 2003 and 2007, the country’s
tourism activity posted a 56 percent growth, going from 1,238,000 to
1,926,000 visitors, which has contributed to an increase in the range
of products offered by the local industry.

During the first five months of 2008, tourist arrival in Costa
Rica grew by 15.6 percent, and estimates indicate some 2.1 million
visitors will have arrived here by the end of the year — at least
200,000 more than in 2007, according to data from the National Chamber
of Tourism (CANATUR). Such data also indicates that the main
attractions sought by tourists are sun and beaches, nature and
adventure, and ecotourism. However, rural tourism, congresses and
conventions, and medical tourism and niches that have helped diversify
the country’s tourism product, reaching more segments and sectors of
the market.

Another factor contributing to the success of Costa Rica’s tourism in
the midst of adverse conditions is that the country hasn’t faced
reductions in flights, which has occurred to other nations in the
region. According to the June UNWTO barometer, tourism growth was
fastest in regions such as the Middle East, North-East and South Asia,
and Central and South America. The report highlighted nations such as
China, Japan, the United States, Costa Rica, Chile and Peru, among
others, which have managed to post positive two-digit growth.

UNWTO believes that, although consumer confidence indices show an
increasing degree of uncertainty, international tourism has proven to
be resilient in similar circumstances in the past and able to cope with
various types of shocks, including security threats, geopolitical
tensions or natural and man-made crisis. Accounting for these factors,
coupled with a slower but still positive economic growth, international
tourism is as yet expected to keep growing at a solid pace in the
mid-term, broadly in line with UNWTO’s Tourism 2020 Vision forecast
long-term growth rate of about 4 percent.

Tourism market niches

One of the segments of the Costa Rican market that has experienced
tremendous growth and recognition is medical tourism, in which visitors
— in addition to schedule some sort of surgical procedure — also take
advantage of the trip to visit various attractions the country has to
offer.

Since 1995, the World Trade Organization has included Costa Rica
in the list of top 20 countries with the best health systems and third
with the highest life expectancy rates. This, in addition to the
quality of health professionals here and the low cost of medical
treatment, has helped position Costa Rica as a favorite destination for
health tourism.

CANATUR President Gonzalo Vargas said this niche came about almost
accidentally, as tourists who came here to relax began comparing prices
for some health services and took note of the abysmal difference
compared to prices in their home countries.

“Tourists have the option of coming to Costa Rica to vacation and,
at the same time, have some sort of health or aesthetic treatment done.
The cost of doing both activities is still less than having just the
medical procedure done in their home countries,” Vargas indicated.

According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), some 95
percent of the people coming here for medical procedures are from the
United States, where costly treatments such as plastic surgery are not
covered by insurance. In Costa Rica, ICT claims, they can save between
50 percent and 70 percent on the costs of such procedures.

Vargas said that among the most sough-after treatments are
dentistry and orthodontic procedures, plastic surgery and other
aesthetic procedures. Additionally, “Costa Rica provides the great
advantage that there are already hotels specializing in the attention
of patient post-operation, which undoubtedly provides for better
chances of a quick and complete recovery,” Vargas said. “Together with
the travel component and the excellent prices, these factors
differentiate the country and allow us to have a competitive advantages
over other nations (offering similar services).”

The head of CANATUR indicated Costa Rica is a privileged country,
where many different options can be exploited to attract tourists and
cover well the different niches of the travel market. He added that the
National Tourism Development Plan 2002-2012 has set a goal of
attracting 2.3 million foreign visitors and 1.6 million domestic
tourists on a yearly average basis, reason why it’s essential that the
different types of tourism activities be executed in a sustainable and
environmentally harmonious manner.