After months of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, Costa Rica has finally decided to reopen its tourism sector. According to reports, Costa Rica has recorded one of the lowest coronavirus fatality rates in Latin America. The Costa Rica government has been recognized for its rapid action in establishment of necessary measures and the successful management and containment of the virus outbreak. The country has also announced a tentative date for reopening of its border on July 1, which is to change based on the progression of the virus around the world. However, the betterment of situation within the country has encouraged the Costa Ricans to revive the country’s strong tourism industry and welcome international travellers.
As mentioned, with its free and universal healthcare system, Costa Rica has been outstanding in its efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The healthcare sector was established over 80 years ago and covers 95% of the population making it the country with highest life expectancy in the world. The strong institutional support, pandemic preparedness, and community efforts of the sector together curbed the spread of coronavirus in the country. In addition a specialized COVID-19 patient center was established and all actions and measures were undertaken with regard to WHO guidelines. The country also introduced driving and other restrictions for communities with infections as well as made a 14-day quarantine order mandatory for any individuals arriving in the country after March 5, the day of the first reported COVID-19 case in the country.
With the plan to reopen the tourism sector, many hotels have utilized the hiatus establish new health and safety protocols, make repairs and implement employee training, as well as introduced discount offers for future travel. The Ministry of Health, with the support of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, has designed a set of 15 protocols that will ensure the safety of both national and international tourists, once travel is possible. The protocols unite the efforts of the public and private sector. The country has also introduced sustainable tourism model and many wildlife and nature opportunities for travellers looking to travel sustainably. This would be beneficial in a time when wildlife tourism is witnessing resurgence amidst the lockdown.
As a long-time global leader in conservation and sustainability, Costa Rica also runs on 99.5% clean and renewable energy. The country has also announced plans to achieve complete decarbonisation by 2050. Costa Rica also recently became the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, demonstrating its commitment to welcoming all travellers irrespective of their identity. It has also been ranked the fifth best adventure destination in the world for 2019 by the Virtuoso Luxe Report. The country stands an ideal venue for adventure-seekers to enjoy activities like canopy ziplining, surfing, nocturnal tours, whale and bird watching, paddle boarding, parasailing and more all throughout the year.
