QCOSTARICA – Tourism boards don’t always get it right when it comes to marketing campaigns. But sometimes, they create a resounding success. That’s the position the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) finds itself in, as its tongue-in-cheek “Save the Americans” campaign winds down.
By all accounts, it struck a chord. Visitors from the United States reached the one million mark for the first time in 2015. And the country broke tourism records, welcoming 2.66 million international visitors last year.
That’s more than half of Costa Rica’s population.
Provided the Zika virus is kept in check, Costa Rica will remain a hot commodity, according to Airfarewatchdog president George Hobica.
Four airlines launched new service to the country in 2015 from destinations, including Baltimore, Houston and Denver. Southwest Airlines has announced service from, LAX to Liberia, Guanacaste – the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) – starting in April.
“We’re seeing a definite trend which is pretty interesting. Events such as the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service has people looking close to home. If they travel internationally, they’re focusing on this hemisphere. That bodes well for Central and South America,” Hobica tells Travel Agent.
Related: Foods You Have To Try in Costa Rica
Stacey Robertson Ray, owner/CEO and travel specialist with Groupit Travel, says interest in Costa Rica has spiked lately. She recently returned from the country.
“The appeal is most definitely there for clients who love adventure travel. Some beautiful all-inclusives are located in the Guanacaste Region for those who really want to relax. If you are really looking to experience the allure of Costa Rica, the wildlife, the nature, the adventure, I recommend staying in more than one area and allowing for at least eight days,” said Ray.
