Costa Rica Tourism Board’s global marketing budget increases to USD20m this year
Costa Rica has increased its global marketing budget to promote the country as a C&I destination this year.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board’s marketing budget rose from USD14m in 2008 to USD20m in 2009.
“We pay a lot of attention to the US and Europe, including England, Spain, Germany, and Scandinavian countries,” said Costa Rica Tourism Board’s Olman Hernandez Lobo. “The UK is an important market for us.”
C&I developments will include the opening of a new conference centre in the next five years, he said. “It is a necessity because the present conference centre, the Herradura Conference Centre, is small and MICE business is growing.”
Costa Rica’s hotel industry is also growing, Lobo added, saying: “Many hotels chains are interested in building properties here, including Hyatt and Hilton.”
IHG-owned boutique brand Hotel Indigo opened its Central American property launch in Costa Rica in April.
The 100-room Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum offers two meeting rooms covering 95sqm, with capacity for 12 and 60 delegates respectively.