The number of cruise ships that docked in the Caribbean province of Limón decreased by 36 percent last year, said Allan Hidalgo, executive president of the Atlantic Port Authority (JAPDEVA).
Deficiencies in infrastructure are the main cause Hidalgo said, but he also complained that there are a number of other reasons, including government publicity efforts focused on other regions of the country.
“Even the high cost of fuel supply keeps cruise ships away from Puerto Limón,” he added.
Hidalgo also said that one of the most serious factors affecting cruise ship tourism in the Caribbean is that cruise ship staff warn visitors that Limón is dangerous, and many decide to stay onboard.
The official suggested that JAPDEVA and the Costa Rican Tourism Board should develop a joint strategy to create options for quality services to Caribbean visitors.
However, it was not all bad news for the province of Limón, because Hidalgo also reported that the volume of cargo handled by Caribbean ports increased by 5 percent in 2012 compared to 2011.
