En su reciente publicación, Jaime García explora cómo el turismo en América Latina puede ser más que una simple fuente de entretenimiento, convirtiéndose en un motor poderoso para el desarrollo social y económico de la región. A través del Índice de Desarrollo en Viajes y Turismo (TTDI) del Foro Económico Mundial, García destaca los desafíos y oportunidades que enfrenta América Latina, subrayando la importancia de un enfoque sostenible que beneficie tanto a visitantes como a las comunidades locales. Desde el Centro de Estudios del Turismo, compartimos la visión de Jaime García sobre el papel fundamental del turismo en el desarrollo de América Latina. Creemos firmemente en la necesidad de adoptar políticas que promuevan prácticas turísticas sostenibles y responsables, asegurando que el turismo contribuya al bienestar de las comunidades anfitrionas y a la conservación de los recursos naturales. El CET está comprometido en investigar y desarrollar estrategias que impulsen el crecimiento sostenible del turismo en Costa Rica y en la región, alineándose con los principios expuestos en el TTDI. Para leer el artículo completo de Jaime García, visita el siguiente enlace: Más Allá del Viaje: Cómo el Turismo Puede Impulsar la Inclusión y la Prosperidad en América Latina.

En el Centro de Estudios del Turismo (CET), reconocemos que la seguridad es un pilar esencial para el desarrollo sostenible y el bienestar de nuestras comunidades. La creciente preocupación por la seguridad en Costa Rica nos ha llevado a tomar medidas proactivas para abordar este desafío. Nos enorgullece presentar la "Propuesta de Acuerdo Nacional por la Seguridad", un estudio fundamentado y respaldado por estadísticas reales. Objetivo del Acuerdo Este documento tiene como objetivo proponer, respetuosamente, al Poder Ejecutivo, al Poder Legislativo, y al Poder Judicial, así como a otras instancias institucionales y ciudadanas, la suscripción de un Acuerdo Nacional por la Seguridad. Este acuerdo busca enfocar recursos, articular una alianza público-privada y revertir cuanto antes la preocupante situación de seguridad que afecta a nuestro país. Todo esto, manteniendo el máximo respeto por los derechos humanos, la democracia y nuestra vocación de paz. Colaboración y Desarrollo Esta propuesta es el resultado de un taller celebrado con la colaboración del Centro Latinoamericano para la Competitividad y el Desarrollo Sostenible de INCAE Business School y de la Fundación Viva Idea. Juntos, hemos trabajado para desarrollar un documento que no solo identifica los problemas actuales, sino que también presenta soluciones prácticas y efectivas. Contenido del Documento Análisis de la Situación Actual Evaluación detallada de la situación de seguridad en Costa Rica, respaldada por datos y estadísticas actualizadas. Propuestas de Acción Estrategias y medidas concretas para mejorar la seguridad, incluyendo la implementación de tecnologías avanzadas y la mejora de la capacitación y coordinación entre las fuerzas de seguridad. Alianza Público-Privada Plan para la creación de una alianza sólida entre el sector público y privado, con el fin de maximizar recursos y esfuerzos. Respeto a los Derechos Humanos Compromiso con el respeto absoluto de los derechos humanos y los principios democráticos en todas las acciones propuestas. Invitación a Participar Invitamos a todos los ciudadanos, empresas y organizaciones a unirse a nosotros en este esfuerzo crucial para mejorar la seguridad en Costa Rica. La participación activa de todos los sectores de la sociedad es vital para el éxito de esta iniciativa. Para leer el documento completo y conocer más detalles sobre la "Propuesta de Acuerdo Nacional por la Seguridad", haga clic en el siguiente enlace: Apoye al Centro de Estudios del Turismo (CET) y contribuya a fortalecer el turismo sostenible en Costa Rica. Su donación nos permite continuar con nuestras investigaciones, desarrollar estrategias innovadoras y promover el crecimiento responsable de esta industria vital para nuestra economía y medio ambiente. Cada contribución, grande o pequeña, marca una diferencia significativa. ¡Únase a nosotros y sea parte del cambio! Haga su donación hoy a través de nuestro sitio web y ayúdenos a construir un futuro próspero y sostenible para todos.

The article "Back to Basics: The Future of Tourism in Costa Rica" is a publication by Hans Pfister, president of CANAECO. In this official communication, Hans shares his perspective and recommendations on how Costa Rica can maintain and strengthen the foundations of its tourism success, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, security, and social well-being. Hans's vision, based on his extensive experience in the industry, provides valuable guidance for the continued development of tourism in the country. Amid so many challenges, what’s next for tourism in Costa Rica? As Costa Rica enters its first regular low season after the post-pandemic phenomenon, discussions on the next steps in terms of marketing, promotional efforts, and innovative distribution strategies have intensified. Some of the topics discussed include: Shifting the message from sustainable tourism to regenerative tourism. Exploring new markets to diversify. Applying artificial intelligence elements in promotional efforts. Leveraging the "wellness wave" and other similar trends. While these topics are interesting and worth analyzing, Hans Pfister, president of CANAECO, recommends not overcomplicating current efforts with sophisticated trends, but rather returning to the basics that made Costa Rica successful in tourism. The Foundations of Costa Rica's Tourism Success Accessible and Pristine Nature: The creation of National Parks, access to wildlife observation, and forest conservation and restoration have been exemplary. This effort has been led by pioneers like Álvaro Ugalde and Mario Boza and continued by many others. Safety: Although no place is 100% safe, Costa Rica has maintained a safe environment for living and vacationing, provided necessary precautions and common sense are applied. Democratic Tourism Model: Costa Rica is envied for its tourism model, which does not focus on all-inclusive resorts but on visiting multiple destinations, staying in various hotels, eating at different restaurants, and hiring local guides. This ensures that tourism dollars stay in the country and are widely distributed. Peace: Known for resolving disputes peacefully, Costa Rica is valued for its civilized exchange of positions and opinions without insults. People and Culture: The warmth and friendliness of the Costa Ricans, along with their "Pura Vida" lifestyle, are frequently mentioned by visitors as highlights of their experience in the country. Challenges and Recommendations Pfister identifies several areas that need attention to maintain and strengthen these foundations: Protection of Natural Resources: It is crucial to avoid harmful practices such as oil drilling and shrimp trawling, as well as to combat illegal logging. Costa Rica has been a success in reforestation, and it is vital to continue this legacy. Safety and Well-being: Strengthening the police force and judicial system is essential to address the increase in crime and ensure a safe environment for everyone. Sustainable Tourism Model: Properly regulating and taxing short-term rentals is necessary to prevent the destruction of tourist destinations. Reputation as a Peaceful Nation: Maintaining mutual respect and building bridges is fundamental to preserving Costa Rica's peaceful reputation. Caring for People: Investing in the education and well-being of younger generations is crucial for the country's future. Marketing Strategy and Future of Tourism The marketing strategy should focus on improving the product and visitor experience. According to Pfister, the success of tourism depends on decisions made in various ministries, not just the Ministry of Tourism. Collaboration between Security, Justice, Infrastructure, Education, Environment, and the Presidency is crucial to building and protecting the foundations of tourism success. Comment from CET From the Center for Tourism Studies (CET), we strongly support Hans Pfister's recommendations. Sustainability and social well-being are fundamental pillars for the development of tourism in Costa Rica. Our research highlights the importance of protecting natural resources, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that tourism benefits the entire community. By returning to the basics and working together, we can ensure that Costa Rica remains a world-class tourist destination, promoting "Pura Vida" in every aspect of our lives and in the experience of every visitor. For more details on our initiatives and to stay updated on the latest developments in Costa Rica’s tourism sector, visit the CET website. References: Pfister, H. (2024). Back to Basics: The Future of Tourism in Costa Rica.

The Center for Tourism Studies (CET) is a pivotal non-profit organization in Costa Rica, dedicated to the meticulous study and analysis of the tourism sector. Its primary objective is to conduct rigorous and comprehensive research, providing detailed insights into various tourism-related topics. These insights aim to propose effective strategies and actions to facilitate the reactivation, consolidation, and growth of tourism activities on a national scale. Tourism in Costa Rica is a crucial economic driver, particularly in coastal and rural areas, impacting all social strata. The CET recognizes this and emphasizes demonstrating the strategic importance of tourism for Costa Rica. By highlighting tourism's role as the best ally of biodiversity, nature, and cultural elements such as art, music, gastronomy, and sports, the CET aims to underscore why tourism is the most strategic economic activity for the country. In its initial phase, the CET will focus on tourism activities and their interactions with other economic sectors, gradually expanding its scope to support related sectors in the future. This approach ensures that the CET can provide valuable insights and support to enhance the overall quality and sustainability of tourism in Costa Rica. Moreover, CET aims to validate and showcase the significant impact of tourism on the nation's biodiversity and culture. By promoting Costa Rica's unique "Pura Vida" culture, the CET will generate the necessary inputs to ensure that tourism remains a key contributor to the nation's economic and social development. CET's research will also delve into the creation of relevant databases, the analysis of "big data," and the development of public policies related to tourism at both national and local levels. These efforts will assist in organizing tourism activities within communities that possess attractive destinations, ensuring a unified approach among all tourism stakeholders.

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. 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. 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.

The Center for Tourism Studies (CET) is set to play a transformative role in Costa Rica's tourism industry. By providing accurate and up-to-date information on the constant changes in tourism supply and demand, the CET will enhance the operational and communication technologies used by tourism businesses. This, in turn, will significantly impact Costa Rica's tourism potential. Although CET will not serve as a direct promotion platform, it will generate the necessary inputs to make tourism promotion more effective, efficient, and economical. The organization will incorporate and work with various cultural and natural elements important to tourism, such as biodiversity, nature, art, music, and gastronomy, reinforcing the "Pura Vida" spirit of Costa Rica. CET will also bridge the gap between the private sector and the government, ensuring that tourism policies are aligned with both parties' needs. This collaboration will be crucial for maintaining the success and future growth of tourism in Costa Rica. Additionally, CET will support MSMEs by providing access to valuable tourism data and insights. This information will enable these enterprises to compete more effectively, enhancing the overall quality of tourism products and services in the country. By serving as a hub for tourism data and insights, the CET will help streamline and professionalize the tourism sector in Costa Rica. This will lead to a more competitive and sustainable tourism industry, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) constitute about 90% of the tourism sector in Costa Rica. These businesses often face challenges due to limited access to critical information and resources needed to enhance their services and market their offerings effectively. The Center for Tourism Studies (CET) aims to address this issue by providing MSMEs with access to valuable tourism data and insights. CET will offer information on the main factors influencing international tourism markets and how these factors change frequently. This data is vital for the private sector to remain competitive. Additionally, the CET will assist MSMEs by developing and disseminating training materials to elevate their capabilities. Through strategic alliances and the provision of relevant information, the CET aims to support the professionalization of all facets of tourism in Costa Rica. This will ultimately raise the quality of the country's tourism products and services, benefiting MSMEs and the broader tourism industry. CET's efforts will also focus on the organization of tourism activities in rural and coastal communities, which often face complex and challenging circumstances. By developing strategies and training programs, the CET will help these communities maximize the success of their tourism initiatives. Moreover, CET will serve as a valuable resource for various stakeholders, including large tourism companies, government entities, and educational institutions. By facilitating access to reliable and up-to-date information, the CET will enhance the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector in Costa Rica. In conclusion, CET's support for MSMEs will not only improve the quality of services and marketing efforts but also contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Through its comprehensive approach, the CET will ensure that tourism remains a vital and strategic economic activity for the nation.