Why Costa Rica Needs the Center for Tourism Studies

The establishment of the Center for Tourism Studies (CET) in Costa Rica is a response to several critical needs within the tourism sector. Despite the wealth of information held by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), there has historically been a gap in practical and usable data shared with the private sector, which is the primary driver of tourism activities.

Approximately 90% of tourism enterprises in Costa Rica are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses often lack the human, financial, and technical resources to conduct valuable studies and obtain necessary information. Organizations like CANATUR and CCH also face resource constraints, preventing them from meeting these demands.

The CET aims to fill this gap by forming strategic alliances with national and international educational institutions to provide essential training and information. Additionally, large tourism companies possess significant data and statistics but often do not share them due to commercial competition. The CET will work to disseminate this information anonymously within the sector, ensuring that all tourism stakeholders have access to critical insights.

By providing essential information on external demand factors and the distribution chain in tourism markets, the CET will offer a competitive edge to the private sector. The organization will also develop strategies and training programs to support the organization of tourism activities in rural and coastal communities, fostering socio-economic advancement and protecting Costa Rican democracy.

The CET's role extends beyond information dissemination. It will serve as a facilitator for designing solutions to significant challenges affecting the tourism sector, such as monetary policies, security issues, and regulatory frameworks for short-term rentals. By addressing these challenges, the CET will contribute to the sustainable growth and success of Costa Rican tourism.

Aerial view of Manuel Antonio National Park