Regular readers of this bog know that I frequently refer to Costa Rica as a bell weather of both what Panama should be doing and what Panama can expect in the tourism market. Costa Rica is starting to feel the effects of the economy in the U.S. and the world which would be more worrisome if Panama had a lot of real foreign tourism.
Here are some excerpts from the Costa Rica pages; Here in Costa Rica, about 60 percent of incoming tourists are U.S. citizens. With this group taking the direct financial blow, luxuries such as real estate investment and family trips have to be reconsidered. The Chamber of Costa Rica Hotels recently noted a decrease in occupancy between 5% and 50% in respect to the occupancy levels at the same time last year.
Hotel prices are also on the decline, generally up through Dec. 15 when the High Season starts up. A well-known group of 4- and 5-star sustainable hotels has also jumped on board to lower prices in the hope of attracting more tourists.
In an attempt to diversify clients, companies have also taken the obvious step toward attracting national tourists to try out the vacation offerings of their own country. The Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) is currently offering “ChiquiTico” prices for locals thanks to a 35% off discount on select hotels.
Here are some excerpts from the Costa Rica pages; Here in Costa Rica, about 60 percent of incoming tourists are U.S. citizens. With this group taking the direct financial blow, luxuries such as real estate investment and family trips have to be reconsidered. The Chamber of Costa Rica Hotels recently noted a decrease in occupancy between 5% and 50% in respect to the occupancy levels at the same time last year.
Hotel prices are also on the decline, generally up through Dec. 15 when the High Season starts up. A well-known group of 4- and 5-star sustainable hotels has also jumped on board to lower prices in the hope of attracting more tourists.
In an attempt to diversify clients, companies have also taken the obvious step toward attracting national tourists to try out the vacation offerings of their own country. The Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) is currently offering “ChiquiTico” prices for locals thanks to a 35% off discount on select hotels.
Recent Comments