Costa Rica Projecting Record Number of Tourists This Year
Costa Rica is projected to welcome between 2.3 and 2.5 million tourists by air in 2023, surpassing previous records. The country saw 1.85 million visitors in the first 9 months of 2023, up 16% from 2022. North America and Europe remain the top source markets. The tourism boom is creating jobs and Costa Ricans are also traveling abroad more than ever. With high global satisfaction scores, the future outlook for tourism in Costa Rica remains strong
National Bank of Costa Rica Discloses $6.4M Discrepancy
The National Bank of Costa Rica recently discovered a ¢6.4 million discrepancy between the actual cash in its vaults and what was recorded in its accounting systems. An investigation revealed the money was missing and 5 employees, including supervisors and accountants, have been charged with alleged embezzlement and neglect. While the bank says its assets and client funds are secure, it has suspended the accused workers during the probe into how the accounting records were manipulated to hide the missing money. The case highlights the need for stringent controls over cash handling in Costa Rica’s banking sector.
Sport Fishing Tourism in Costa Rica gets a win….Maybe
Costa Rica’s Incopesca reversed a regulation after pressure from lawmakers and conservationists. The rule would have allowed all commercial fleets to use live bait within 30 miles of the coast, increasing accidental sailfish deaths. The new regulation prohibits medium and large commercial boats from live bait in the 30-mile zone but allows small fleets with permits. This protects sailfish but loopholes remain. A proposed law banning sailfish sales is now in Congress, supported by conservation groups. Overall a victory for sailfish conservation but more work is needed.
Southwest Airlines to Launch Orlando-San José Route in 2024
Southwest Airlines will start daily nonstop flights between Orlando, Florida and San José, Costa Rica beginning June 4, 2024. The flights will depart Orlando at 11:30am and arrive in San Jose at 12:45pm. Return flights will leave San Jose at 8:55am and land in Orlando by 2:15pm. This new route is expected to expand travel between the US and Costa Rica.
From June to August 2024, Southwest will also increase service to two flights per week between Baltimore, Denver and San Jose. The additional air connectivity is anticipated to bring more US tourists to Costa Rica, coinciding with the start of summer vacation season. Officials say air travel is crucial for growing Costa Rica’s tourism industry. Nearly 1.1 million US tourists visited Costa Rica in the first 9 months of this year.
