Costa Rica: Emergency Status of Tourism Denied

In response to a request by some representatives of the sector to declare a state of emergency, the major players in the industry have disputed the idea.

A press release states:

“The Tourism industry objects to application for declaration of state of emergency
• The declaration is unfounded because the sector is not in a state of emergency.
• Such action would lead to repercussions in the industry such as poor image of tourism, the closure of credit lines and brake on investment.”

It goes on to say that accepting the declaration would be “the worst scenario for the Costa Rican tourism industry.”

More on this topic

Tourism Statistics Need Improvement

November 2011

In Costa Rica the current methods for keeping records about the number of tourist arrivals are inefficient, with differences in numbers of up to half a million.

Professionals in the tourism sector believe it is essential to incorporate new tools in order to generate more reliable data regarding the entry of tourists into the country.

Costa Rica: "Mandatory" Tip Increases Costs

May 2011

The Chamber of Hotels & Restaurants is continuing its attempt to eliminate the mandatory gratuity on bills.

The tax, equivalent to 10% of the invoiced amount for food and accommodation services in restaurants and hotels and referred to as a tip, is income that should be distributed among employees. However, many operators do not pass the money on to their staff.

Costa Rica Hotels Reduce Rates

June 2009

The low occupancy rate has led the hospitality industry to set discount rates and special promotions.

Promotions such as 50% off on accommodation rates, all inclusive packages, and lower prices are among some of the offers available.

Mercedes Agüero wrote in Nacion.com: "Low occupancy has also led to a revision of the target market in some hotels.

Tourism Down Less than Expected

April 2009

In Costa Rica, the business sector expected a greater drop in the level of reservations for this past Easter.

The study "Perceptions of Costa Rican Tourism Entrepreneurs on the Effects of the Economic Crisis on the Tourism Industry" conducted by the National Chamber of Tourism shows that 71.2% of the entrepreneurs in the sector who in March had projected a decrease in reservations for Easter Week with respect to 2008, only 51.7% still believe that reservations were lower."