Latin America In leaps and bounds
Costa Rica’s minister of tourism Maria Amalia Revelo shares the latest visitor figures, tourism trends and products
How are Costa Rica’s international arrivals faring? Visitor numbers from the UK during the first half of 2018 are up to 40,907 – a 2.5% annual increase – which is a trend enhanced by the launch of direct flights with British Airways from London in April 2016. These figures position the UK as Costa Rica’s second largest source market in Europe, only surpassed by France, which has received 44,843 visitors from January to June (+11%). All other European countries have also seen an increase in visitor figures, including Germany (+6.8%) and Spain (+1.6%). Overall, Costa Rica welcomed 1,488,034 worldwide visitors by air from January to June 2018, which is a 5.5% annual upsurge.
Which source markets are performing well?
Argentina, the Netherlands and Ireland have all seen substantial increases. Costa Rica welcomed 24,014 visitors from Argentina between January and June, which is a 35.8% annual increase, and 15,013 visitors arrived from the Netherlands (+19.8%). During the same period, 2,400 Irish travellers visited Costa Rica, showing an impressive 17% annual increase.
What changes have you seen in airlift?
As of October 28, the Air France- KLM group is operating one daily
flight between Costa Rica and Europe. Air France is increasing its winter flights from Paris to Costa Rica to four per week (previously three) and KLM will offer three flights per week from Amsterdam (adding one more) over the same season. Flights from the UK and Germany remain unchanged, bar Lufthansa, which launched a direct flight from Frankfurt in March.
What trends are you seeing in Costa Rica’s visitor demand? UK tour operators have fed back that the direct British Airways flight to Costa Rica has really opened up the destination to the family market. Previously, it was an older, empty- nester demographic, but now more families from the UK are travelling to our country.
Are you working with any new tour operators?
Yes – Caribtours added a Costa Rica programme in late 2017, Elegant Resorts launched Costa Rica in September and Titan Travel has just launched its first-ever solo holiday brochure that includes a Natural Wonders of Costa Rica itinerary.
As the new minister of tourism, what will you bring to the table? I became Costa Rica’s first woman to be named minister of tourism in May. Among my priorities are the promotion of small- and medium- size enterprises, the development of new local destinations and products with a special focus on culture and gastronomy, and the strengthening of the work between public and private sectors. I’m also working on positioning Costa Rica as a destination for the Mice industry and on attracting new flights and routes to the country.
Maria Amalia Revelo
How are your sustainable tourism initiatives performing? Home to the greatest density of species in the world, including
Costa Rica is home to the greatest density of animal species in the world
HOTLY ANTICIPATED HOTELS
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton In July this hotel opened its doors in the heart of San Jose. Overlooking the stunning National Theatre, it features 79 guest rooms, a fi tness centre and business hub.
AC Hotel San Jose Escazu This hotel launched in September on San Jose’s west side. It has 122 rooms, four suites and fi ve meeting rooms, together with a European-inspired restaurant and a 24/7 fi tness centre.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica
Complete with 294 luxury suites, a variety of dining options from around the globe, Pumped fi tness centre and PH Spa & Beauty Bar, this resort opened last month on the hillside of the Gulf of Papagayo.
W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal
Launching this month, this contemporary luxury property is located in Conchal Beach (Guanacaste) and will feature 151 rooms, an infi nity pool with ocean views, speciality restaurants, a spa and meeting space.
panthers, sloths and toucans, Costa Rica is a global leader in environmental protection. Our Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) categorises companies based on how they adhere to sustainable practices in their use of natural and cultural resources, improvement of the quality of life for neighbouring communities and economic success that contributes to national development programmes. From January to August 2018, a total of 72 new companies have joined the CST, which now features 399 Costa Rican companies, including 255 hotels.
What’s top of your agenda for 2019?
Rural tourism will be one of the key products Costa Rica will be focusing on in 2019. It’s an authentic tourist experience impossible to imitate, offering travellers an intimate glimpse into the country’s pastoral heritage and communities. Itineraries include working with local farmers, tasting traditional food among the warmth of Costa Rican families and hiking into unspoiled natural landscapes.
Also in 2019, the Costa Rica Tourism Board will be developing new tourism products throughout the country to encourage visitors to discover a variety of national parks and towns that currently remain hidden gems.
■ Costa Rica Tourism Board is exhibiting on stand LA200
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