Published by admin on 16 May 2008 at 02:52 pm
Costa Rica Recognized as “Best Destination Spot”
Costa Rica was recognized as one of the world’s best vacation sites at the International Tourism Trade Fair held recently in Spain. The award was presented to Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides. Mr. Benavides noted that the award is recognition of the effort the country has made to position itself as one of the best destinations within the international tourism markets.
“We are very proud of having been recognized in this category, primarily because the selection was made by prestigious members of the international tourist industry which recognizes the quality of the Costa Rica tourist product and our commitment to continue to improve in the future”, Mr. Benavides said.
The award is based on input provided by the 180,000 readers of Travel Weekly magazine, a trade publication read by travel agents, hotel owners, tour operators, suppliers and travel industry professionals.
This year represents the first year Costa Rica was the top selection. The country received runner-up honors in 2004, 2006 and 2007.
The Costa Rica Power Team believes that this award confirms what we’ve been saying since we became involved in the country in 2005. Costa Rica has it all!
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PuraVidaMan on 23 May 2008 at 12:38 pm 37
“THE COSTA RICAN GLOW”
Hola ALL and Pura Vida amigos y amigas! Just got back from paradise located in Central America, AKA…..beautiful Costa Rica (CR). I now posses the “COSTA RICAN GLOW” you have when you get back. I think it is a combination of many wonderful things. The sun, the weather, the food, the tranquility, the oceans, the landscape, the ticos and ticas (Costa Rican for Locals) and most importantly the vibe and attitude of the entire country. The whole globe needs to visit (CR) to educate themselves and really see what it is like to LOOK, ACT and FEEL truly happy! It is a calming and beautiful feeling. Other people WILL notice this about you once you get back. Try it!
The Tranquility & People
EVERYTHING slows way down right when you get off the plane. Your stress evaporates into the tropical sweet smelling air. You are then welcomed by a plethora of “hola’s and pura vidas” by EVERYONE. This means hello and pure life as the country of (CR) has adopted this awesome attitude which is hard to find in the USA or globally for that matter. Happiness is not acquired in (CR) by your bank statement. In fact, most Costa Rican’s make a fraction of the money we make here in the USA. However, you would never know it for (CR) wreaks of happiness inside and out. They are the nicest people i have encountered in the entire world. The Tico’s and Ticas are a pleasure to be around and they make me want to be happy. Smiles and locals waving are all you will see in (CR).
The Sun & Weather
The weather definitely has something to do with acquiring the “CR GLOW”. The temperature and the humidity of CR will start working on your skin right away. In (CR) your skin becomes vibrant and silky smooth due to the tropical combination of precipitation and air. Even the cuticles on your nails become soft and a lot easier to work with. Lotion? Heck who needs lotion while in (CR)? I was just down there for a week and did not use sun block one time. I was in the sun everyday for 6 days and did not get burnt. However, i did get a golden tan. Your hair is easier to manage and the air feels great to breath as it is sweet. (Probably due to the native flowers and many fruit trees of (CR). No really, i know it is hard to comprehend that, but just visit (CR) and find out for yourself. You will re-read this blog and realize that what i am writing is in fact true. I promise!
The Food
Food in (CR) is all together different in many ways. First of all, (CR) does not use hormones while raising its animals. Chicken actually tastes like it did in the USA before all the steroids and hormones. Red beans and rice are the staple here and GREASE is hard to come by. If you are a seafood lover you better be prepared for the finest cousin on the PLANET. Costa Rica is Spanish for “Rich Coast”. They have the finest seafood in the world there hands down. By the way everyone, i am a Chef and a good one at that. The seafood of (CR) is literally eaten as it is caught and it is awesome. You will also come across the sweetest best tasting fruit you have EVER eaten in your life. You will even come across fruit you have never seen before and you will be instantly addicted. The sweet nectar of (CR) is loaded with natural sugars, anti-aging compounds and digestive enzymes your body is CRAVING!
“THE COSTA RICAN GLOW”
The sun, rain, land, waters and people of (CR) fortify the mental, physical and spiritual cleansing you receive while visiting or living in (CR). All of these variables combine for a fresh and relaxed clean feeling. Your stresses are gone as you feel relaxed. Your skin is golden from the sun and your hair glistens from the PH of the air. Deep breaths are easily taken while there. In addition, your mind is happy from all the repeated nice encounters with the people of (CR). You FEEL great because of the diet of the country. When you as a person experience this for a week or so, you will come back revitalized, refreshed and most of all, happy! Your friends will notice that you posses the “THE COSTA RICAN GLOW”. Subside their jealousy by telling them how they too can look that way by visiting the LATIN paradise that is (CR).
Trust me people, everybody who lives here are happy for many reasons. I advise that you submerge yourself in the tropical paradise which is COSTA RICA! A country rich in culture and flare. Treat yourself mentally and physically and most of all, spiritually! Get to Costa Rica to acquire and feel the “THE COSTA RICAN GLOW”! It is an amazing feeling and it has changed my life FOREVER. It is truly all i think about. When am i going back!
Pura Vida to all and to all a good day! “Live the dream”!
Heather Dopson on 27 May 2008 at 2:45 am 38
Over the past two decades, Costa Rican and international conservationists have employed effective methods in remedying many of the nation’s environmental problems that resulted directly from over 200 years of unsustainable land use and industry. As Costa Rica experiences the greatest surge of its new primary industry, tourism, it is important that both tourists and their hosts follow guidelines of responsible and sustainable practices.
The Institute for Central American Studies’ Department of Responsible Travel has summarized a code of ethics for sustainable tourism. Most responsible ecotourism agencies attempt to follow the code as closely as possible.
Code of Environmental Ethics
1. Tourism should be culturally sensitive. Visitors should be given the opportunity to enjoy and learn from Costa Rica’s mix of cultures. Tourism should serve as a bridge between the cultures, allowing people to interact and enrich their understanding of how other people live. Tours should be designed to provide participation in and enhance appreciation of local cultural traditions.
2. Tourism should be a positive influence on local communities. Tourism and tour operators should make every reasonable effort to allow communities near natural areas to benefit from tourism. By hiring local guides, patronizing locally owned restaurants and lodges, and buying local handicrafts, tourists can help convince residents that wild and historical places are worth saving.
3. Tourism should be managed and sustainable. Tour operators and visitors should encourage managers of parks, preserves, archaeological sites, and recreational areas to develop and implement long-term management plans. These plans should prevent deterioration of ecosystems, prevent overcrowding, distribute visitors to underutilized areas, and consider all present and future environmental impacts.
4. Waste should be disposed of properly. Service providers should set a good example for visitors by making sure that all garbage is confined to the proper receptacles. Boats and buses must have trash cans. Special car should be taken with plastic that is not biodegradable. No littering of any kind should be tolerated. When possible, travelers should use returnable or reusable containers.
5. Wildlife and natural habitats must not be needlessly disturbed. Visitors should stay on the trails, remain within designated areas, and not collect anything (except litter). Some ecosystems, such as coral reefs and caves, are particularly sensitive, and special care should be taken to avoid damaging them.
Visitors should keep their distance from wildlife so it is not compelled to take flight. Animal courtship, nesting, or feeding of young must not be interrupted. Birds and their nests should be observed from a safe distance through binoculars. Nesting sea turtles should be observed only with the assistance of a trained guide. Photographers should keep their distance: foliage should not be removed from around nests, and animals should not be molested for the sake of a picture. Monkeys and other wild animals should not be fed, because this alters their diet and behavior.
6. There must be no commerce in wildlife, wildlife products, native plants or archaeological artifacts. Strict international laws prohibit the purchase or transport of endangered wildlife and archaeological artifacts. Tourists should not buy or collect ANY wildlife, and should make sure that the natural products they wish to purchase are commercially grown. Wood crafts generally constitute a viable economic option for local artisans, and tourists should encourage local production from sustainable timber sources.
7. Tourists should leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of nature, conservation, and the environment. Visits to parks, preserves, archaeological sites and recreational areas should be led by experienced, well-trained, and responsible naturalists and guides. Guides should be able to provide proper supervision of the visitors; prevent disturbances to the area; answer questions of the visitors regarding flora and fauna, history and culture; and describe the conservation issues relevant to the area.
8. Ecotourism should strengthen conservation efforts and enhance the natural integrity of places visited. Companies offering “ecotourisms” must show even greater concern for the natural areas visited, involving tourists in conversational efforts. Tour operators should collaborate with conservation organizations and government agencies to find ways to improve Costa Rica’s environmental programs.
Visitors should be made aware of Costa Rica’s great achievements as well as the problems. The best tour operators will find ways for interested tourists to voice their support of conservation programs: by writing letters of support, planting a tree, contributing money, volunteering to work in a park, or other creative outlets for concerned activism.
If tour operators, tourists, government agencies, conservation and development organizations work together, ecotourism in Costa Rica can continue to grow, visitors will leave this country satisfied and enriched, and local efforts to conserve our natural heritage will be stronger and more diverse.
SomedaySoon on 02 Jun 2008 at 10:57 am 42
News today that Hilton is taking over some Costa Rica resorts. You KNOW people like the Hiltons don’t make these decisions without TONS of research so that they know it is a GREAT investment. Here’s the news clip:
—Hilton Adds Properties in Costa Rica
June 02, 2008
Hilton Hotels Corp. announced it will take over management for three properties in Costa Rica this year. The chain will manage the Hilton Papagayo Resort (previously the Premier Fiesta Resort and Spa) and the Doubletree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas (the Fiesta Resort) after reaching a deal with the Caribbean Property Group. Hilton is also taking over a former 222-room Melia property in San Jose and rebranding it the Doubletree Cariari by Hilton San Jose.—