Cuba & Costa Rica Blog
About this blog
Written by Cuba and Costa Rica expert Christopher P. Baker, this blog will update readers on life in these two diverse and exciting countries.
Recent Posts
- Havana’s Columbus cemetery is a must-see Cuba highlight
- Costa Rica’s fearsome fer-de-lance—this snakes deserves respect!
- Silly season in U.S. politics threatens Cuba travel
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- Cuba's healthcare system has its downside
- Río Chirripó Retreat a Perfect Costa Rica Escape
- Havana’s Casa del Habano - Cuba’s Best Cigar Shop
- Car robbery against me foiled in Costa Rica
- Havana’s Hotel Nacional Exemplifies Cuba’s Economic Dysfunction
- John Lennon Sculpture Unveiled in San José, Costa Rica
- New Paladares (Private Restaurants) Enliven Havana’s Restaurant Scene
- The Today Show to Air Cuba Special
- Win a $500 Continental Airlines Gift Card!
- Cuba’s premier tobacco farm continues the Robaina tradition
- Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica
New Air Service Helps Costa Rica Tourism Rebound
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Costa Rica closed out 2009 with a total of 1,922,579 tourist arrivals, 166,595 less than in 2008–a drop of 7.97 percent and the first fall in arrivals since 2002, according to the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT, or Instituto Costarricense de Turismo). Fully forty percent (770,129) came from the United States, with a fall of just 4.59 percent compared to 2008.
Fortunately, it seems like a rebound is already underway. Tourist arrivals in December 2009 actually posted a 1.7 percent increase over December, 2008. With an economic recovery now evident in North America, tourism officials are optimistic that visitors in 2010 could once again top two million. The Costa Rican National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) predicts an increase of 3 to 5 percent this year.
Additional air service could provide a further boost. The ICT is negotiating to attract more airlines to Costa Rica. New KLM service was recently inaugurated between Amsterdam and San José in a sharing code with Copa Airlines. Plus, Jetairfly will soon intiate flights from Belgium; WestJet will introduce flights from Canada; and even China is now to be served following an accouncement on February 11, 2010, that Air China will launch service to Costa Rica.
Meanwhile, ICT is in the midst of participating in multiple trade fairs in the United States, including Seatrade (Miami, March 15-18) and The Travel and Adventure Show (Chicago, March 20-21.
For further information about travel in Costa Rica, buy Moon Costa Rica
Copyright © Christopher P. Baker
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.