Online Purchases Open for Costa Rica’s Carara Park.
Starting this month, Carara National Park will be integrated into the Online Purchase and Reservation System by the National System of Conservation Areas allowing visitors to pre-purchase tickets online. Jeffrey Hernandez of ACOPAC highlighted this as a significant advancement for enhancing tourist services. Entry prices vary for nationals and foreigners, and online bookings ensure a slot with a 40-minute grace period. Carara joins 10 other National Parks under SICORE, and after welcoming 38,116 visitors in 2022, a rise in numbers is anticipated. SINAC aims to expand this online service to all protected areas by 2024.
Migration Crisis Strains Resources in Costa Rica.
Migration through Honduras reached a record 248,061 this year, with the majority being Venezuelans, marking a significant rise from 188,000 in 2022. This surge is exerting pressure on Costa Rica, which grapples with providing humanitarian aid to migrants and maintaining its immigration laws. Tomas Alvarez, the Director of Immigration Affairs, voiced concerns about resources for processing asylum requests. Experts attribute the mass migration to increased violence, poverty, political turmoil, and climate changes in Central and South America. Costa Rica emphasizes migrant rights but seeks more international collaboration to address the mounting humanitarian issue.
Dengue Cases Surge Across Costa Rica.
Dengue fever cases in Costa Rica have surged, with over 8,000 reported cases by late August, nearly twice the count from last year. The most affected areas include Sarapiquí, Pococí, Puntarenas, Talamanca, and Limón. In response, the Ministry of Health has amplified preventive measures like fumigation and community awareness campaigns. Vice President and Health Minister María Luisa Ávila calls for community action and advises residents to actively reduce mosquito breeding. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential, especially for vulnerable demographics, to safeguard families from this flu-like illness.
New Costa Rica Tourism Brochures Unveiled By ICT.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute has introduced 45 updated digital brochures in both English and Spanish, aiming to enrich tourists’ experiences. These revamped guides, last updated in 2019, cover a wide array of attractions, from museums and agrotourism to wildlife spotting and cultural activities. Recognizing the rising popularity of whale and manta ray watching, a dedicated guide for the same has been added. While these resources are primarily digital, aligning with ICT’s sustainability vision, limited print copies will be available at select locations. All guides can be freely accessed and downloaded from the ICT’s official website, with a detailed map of Costa Rica set to debut soon.