STUDY DISCLOSED YESTERDAY BY THE WORLD ECONOMY FORUM

Costa Rica occupies position number 44 among 130 nations evaluated.

The country is in disadvantage due to its insecurity, bad roads, airports, and ports infrastructure.
Costa Rica is the second most competitive tourist destiny in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a survey disclosed yesterday by the World Economy Forum, who evaluated 130 nations.
The country occupies position number 44 in the ranking.  In Latin America it was overcome only by Barbados, placed 29th.

After Costa Rica are Puerto Rico (46), Brazil (49), Panama (50), Chile (51), Mexico (55) and Jamaica (57, among others.

The World Economy Forum emphasized Costa Rica’s natural richness, the high percentage of protected areas, and its great biodiversity.

It also obtained a good mark on human resources and tourist infrastructure, available hotel accommodation, rent-a-car services, and possibilities to pay with credit cards.

Problem.  In the mean time, security is an issue that fades away the country’s tourist attraction.
In this field, it is considered that crime and violence are a high cost paid for doing business.
On the other hand, infrastructure for transportation requires more attention, particularly in relation to the conditions of the roads and port facilities.
In the first report on Travel and Tourism Competitiveness disclosed last year, Costa Rica obtained position number 41 among 124 countries.  At this time, it was also overcome by Barbados.
This year’s survey took into account 14 pillars (which constitute 70 indicators) of those factors and policies that create a centre of attention for the development of tourism.
For example, the study considers the policies to stimulate tourism, the tourist infrastructure, airports, roads and technology offered by the countries.
Also, they measure the environmental sustainability, physical and legal security, health and hygiene, price competitiveness, as well as human, cultural and natural resources for every destination.
The Minister of Tourism, Mr. Carlos Ricardo Benavides, stated that the mark obtained by the country “compels us to double our efforts to maintain a good quality on the product we are offering our tourists and keep working hand-to-hand with the private sector.”
During 2007, 1.9 million tourists visited the country, 175,000 more than in 2006.
A smaller amount of tourists is expected for this year, principally caused by the recession of the economy in the U.S., where 54% of the visitors come from.

One step away.  According to the World Economy Forum report, countries like Puerto Rico, Brazil, Panama, Chile and Mexico are following our country’s steps in relation to competitiveness in tourism.
For example, in Central America, Panama stands out for its policies, regulations, environmental sustainability, air transportation, competitiveness of its products, and unique natural resources.
The World Economic Forum is an independent organization founded in 1971, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.