Business Costa Rica-Tourism Case Study

Business Costa Rica-Tourism Case Study COSTA RICA Identify total yearly tourists. More than 1.7 million annually, expected to rise by about 7% per year ("FBSO Costa Rica," 2008). Estimated revenue from tourism. Estimated at about $1.7 billion a year, with over 60% of the economy based on tourism ("FBSO Costa Rica," 2008). Estimated number of people employed in tourism industries in that country. The 2004 estimate of people employed in the services industry (tourism) in Costa Rica was 71.3%, followed by agriculture at 14.6% ("Costa Rica," 2008).

Identify and briefly describe three popular tourism destinations in the country and the primary activities of each. Tortuguero National Park This national park is one of the regions most popular national parks. Located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, it is an ecotourism destination because of its wide variety of plants and animals, specifically the Pacific Green Sea Turtle, but there are numerous other amphibians, reptiles, and animals in the park.

It represents the typical Central American rainforest, and it is accessible only by boat, or plane, making it popular with those tourists who want to see Costa Rica in its most wild and natural format. Principal activities include seeking out the nesting Pacific Green Sea turtles on the beaches of the park, taking boat rides to identify the flora and fauna of the park, and photography of the wide range of plants and animals native to the forest.

There is a small village of Tortuguero nearby that provides lodging and meals for visitors. The photography opportunities are endless, and most people travel here for the turtles and the other wildlife. Many visitors also rent kayaks or canoes to get around the park ("Tortuguero National Park," 2004). San Jose in the Central Valley This is the largest city in Costa Rica, and the capital. It is often the central point where visitors begin or end their journey to Costa Rica.

It is a cosmopolitan city with arts, culture, and a rich history to explore. It also offers surrounding countryside in the Central Valley that is some of the most popular for tourists to explore, and it has the best climate in Costa Rica, as well. Principal activities include sightseeing, shopping, trying many of the numerous restaurants the city has to offer, and generally exploring this vibrant city.

Many people recommend starting a visit with the National Museum, where visitors can learn about the heritage and culture of the city before they begin their exploration. There are also day- and overnight-tours into the Central Valley, where visitors can visit the Poas Volcano or the Irazu Volcano, two very popular tourist destinations in the Valley ("So You've Got," 2008).

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve This is another extremely popular tourist destination within the country, because it is a reserve home to literally hundreds of different kinds of birds, plants, and animals, and it has one of the famous suspension bridges in the world. Some of the most beautiful orchids in the world can also be seen inside the park. Some popular activities in the park are bird watching, hiking, and exploring the many different climate zones located throughout the preserve.

Many visitors also visit the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, the Children's Eternal Forest, and the Hummingbird Gallery. Located in the Northern Plains area of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a bit more accessible than some of the other parks and preserves in the country, as well. Identify the current monetary exchange rate. The currency is the Costa Rica Colon, and, according to the ONADA.com currency converter, the estimated exchange rate for Tuesday, October 14, 2008 is 1 U.S. Dollar = 560.810 Costa Rican Colon or 1 Costa Rican Colon CRC) = 0.001783 U.S. Dollar (USD).

Identify what travel documentation is required to enter your chosen country. There are regulations regarding visas and other documents to enter Costa Rica. You'll need a valid passport with at least one free visa page, and at least six months left before the passport expires. You're also required to have a return airline ticket and at least $200 in cash when you enter the country. All visitors must pay a $26 dollar exit fee when they leave the country, as well ("Costa Rica in Facts," 2008).

Identify and briefly describe three (local) commercial travel providers (in-country) for Costa Rica. For Tortuguero National Park, a commercial travel provider is Rain Forest Tours & Adventures. They offer Tortuguero tours of the areas many canals, which include chances to see turtles and the rare manatees of the area, and three-night tours that include exploration of the beaches while the turtles are nesting and laying their eggs.

In San Jose, Costa Rica Nature Escape tours offer city tours, tours into the Central Valley to see the volcanoes, and multi-tours that take in many of the sights the country has to offer. Their office is located in downtown San Jose near many of the biggest hotels and tourist attractions. In Monteverde, the Desafio Adventure Company offers tours throughout the Monteverde region with experienced guides. They offer horseback tours in the park, Cloud Forest tours, canopy and bird watching tours, and even coffee tours to.