Costa Rica’s Travel Industry Bounces Back

After a long drought that stretched for several years as a result of profound economic hardships, Costa Rican tourism is beginning to rebound.

Tourism Minister Rodrigo Castro explained this recovery stems from the country’s ability to offer a broader assortment of tourist products and offers.

In an exclusive interview with The Financier online newspaper, the high-ranking Costa Rican official indicated there are other choices on the table, including adventure travel, ecotourism and sites for the practice of different sports, all of them highly coveted by foreign travelers.

In keeping with the announcement, the Costa Rican Caribbean will receive 154 cruise liners this winter, down 21 from the 2003-2004 season, the Atlantic Coast Seaport Administrative & Development Board informed this week.

The ongoing cruise season will extend until April 27 next year with major contributions to the country’s overall economy and to the travel sector in particular. Experts estimate the Central American nation could rake in as many as $30 million out of deluxe vessels all through 2005.