The country occupies rank 42 above the rest of the region nations. Infrastructures and natural resources are the strength. When talking about touristic competitiveness, Costa Rica is leader in the region. The country is placed in the place 42 on a list of 133 nations that were evaluated by International Monetary Fund. Also, it advanced two more places from last year.
The destination is over Brazil that is in number 45; from Mexico that is placed 51 or Puerto Rico in 53. The study is based on aspects such as the regulatory frame where politics and regulations of environment, security, hygiene and health are measured. Airports, terrestrial ways, touristic plants, telecommunication and prices are taken into account like enterprise and infrastructure environment.
In addition, in the natural, cultural and human resources matter the human resources, the touristic perception of the destination, and the natural and cultural richness of the countries are being evaluated. Costa Rica got higher points for natural resources, protected areas and fauna diversity. In touristic infrastructure the country shined because all the hotel rooms available and the rent-a-car service.
The destination is very competitive in aspects of rights reserved for foreigners, visa requirements, aerial bilateral agreements, environment regulation and its application, and the politics for touristic sustainability. Nevertheless, the weaknesses were put in evidence such as the excess of procedures and higher costs to start business, the trust in the police service, gas and hotels prices.
The results of the study were received by the tourism authorities as vital information, especially by the times when the competitiveness of the product offered is essential in the international market affected by the economical conditions worldwide.
We are pleased with the result because Costa Rica not only maintains the first place in the Latin America ranking for the third year, but it brings an important ‘plus’ in the world touristic market; especially in those moments in which the economical situation worldwide is forcing us to be more decided and assume challenges with more dynamism, said Carlos Ricardo Benavides, head of Tourism.
Leaders
Costa Rica keeps an ample advantage over the closest such as Panama in the touristic ambit.
Ranking |
Country |
1 |
Switzerland |
2 |
Austria |
3 |
Germany |
4 |
France |
5 |
Canada |
42 |
Costa Rica |
