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 the 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. The 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, the 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.

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.

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, the 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. The 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.