The Role That Tourism Has Played in Enhancing the Development of the Costa Rica - Case Study Example

Country paper – Costa Rica Tourism has contributed greatly to the development of Costa Rica. Economists aswell as the international community have commended Costa Rica on the development level it has achieved thus far. This paper intends to analyze and efficiently conclude on the role that tourism has played in enhancing the development of the Latin country. Costa Rica is made up Costal plains that are separated by mountain ranges. The plains cover over three quarters of the entire area. From the longitude west Costa Rica lies at 82 degrees to 85 degrees. From the latitude north, it lies between 8 to 11 degrees. It has an average tropical climate with a wet season that falls between May and November. The highest temperatures are in July (28 degrees Celsius) and the lowest in January (15 degrees Celsius). It has intensely high biodiversity with over 13,000 plant species, 162 amphibian ones, 1600 fish species, 220 reptiles, 850 bird species and 6000 butterflies. The dominant religious practice Active is Roman Catholicism (47%) followed in respective order by dormant Catholicism (23%), protestants (16%), other religions (6%) and 8% of the population has no religious affiliation whatsoever. Before 2002, the country was a two party state but officially embraced multiparty practice in 2006. BBC TERMED the political culture in Costa Rica an anti-neoliberal. As of 2015, statistics have it that the Gross Domestic Product level in Costa Rica stands at $49.62 billion. The average per capita income is $12,900. Costa Rica has the lowest poverty rate in Central America with only fewer than 20% of the entire population living below the poverty line. As of 2014, statistics had it that tourism contributed to $7 trillion in the overall income of Costa Rica. In 2013 domestic tourism accounted for 3.6% of the development growth rate which increased to 5.8% in 2014 (World Travel and Tourism Council ,5). This is because of the offering of 10% discounts to individual locals and 35% local family discounts. The main points of attraction for international tourism are the Tico Culture traditions. as of 2013 international tourism contributed to 14.2% total growth rate and this increased to 5.8% as of 2014 after the re- branding of Costa Rica tourism; Essencial Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a total of 2515 hotels and the occupancy, as of 2013 was substantially low (48.7%). According to Incae Ranks Costa Rica, it infrastructure is ranked 119 out of 114 Latin American countries. Costa Rica ranks 72 in statistics of world tourist arrivals (World Travel and Tourism Council ,7). Tourists are expected to pay a departure fee of $26 dollars. Bus transport is the common means of domestic is fairly cheap – $0.50 for rides from one end of town to another. The popular tours are Caravan tours and Adventure and dive tours. The former offers professional tour guides, hotels, airport transfers, meals and purified water. The latter offers lodging, car rentals, fishing, airfares, golfing, deluxe adventure and spas. Other available tours are such as Arenal Velano tours and San Jose tours. Resources and Barriers Physical elements Climate The climate in Costa Rica is tropical. In this regard, tourists regard it as favorable as it does experience harshness. This kind of consistency in climate is not a common occurrence. It is postulated that its climate is the main reason the country ranks 56th in world tourism statistics. Landscape The landscape in Costa Rica constitutes mainly of coastal plains. Moreover, Tropical grassland, white beaches, and dense forests characterize it. The country also has an enviable abundance of rare animal and plant species. This has served as a beneficial aspect to the country’s ecotourism. Natural disasters The country experiences small earthquakes occasionally. The occurrence of major earthquakes is only experienced about once through a decade. However, the earthquakes have never resulted in the death of a tourist. The country is also surprisingly free of hurricanes in spite of its geographical location. Natural calamities do not impact tourism in Costa Rica. Infrastructure The infrastructural development in Costa Rica is low. As previously stated, it is positioned at 119 out of 1444 Latin American countries. The roads are very poor and the terrain is rough. This has been one of the direst challenges that the country’s tourism sector has faced. Cultural Elements Food The popular Costa Rican dish – Gallo Pinto has attracted a lot of tourists into the country. This is especially for tourists that hold culinary art in high regard. The dish is a mixture of rice beans and sour cream. Furthermore the indulgence of the natives in coffee and fruit juice has also contributed substantially to tourism attraction. Language Although the formal languages in the country are Creole and English, Spanish is the informal language commonly spoken. The balance in languages has attracted many people from all over the world with those interested in learning Spanish being the particular focus.’ Pop Culture The people of Costa Rica are very conservative. They have not adapted to the rise of pop culture and the role it plays in globalization. As a result, Costa Rica has not taken up enough opportunity to use pop culture to promote tourism while competing countries have Religion This plays a huge role in tourism. 33% of the official holidays in Costa Rica are religiously founded. Furthermore, Catholicism has boosted physical tourism through the existence of visually stunning cathedrals. The cathedrals’ build draw in all types of tourists inclusive of the non-religious ones. Political Elements Terrorism The country has not experienced terrorism activity in major heights. The country has fairly good relations with most of the international community. It therefore dopes not attract any incidences of rivalry or attack from other countries. The country is therefore not a target for terrorist activities hence increasing its safety for both tourists and locals. Visa Issues The requirements for visas are similar to those in most parts of the world. The visa requirement states that one must acquire a visa from a Costa Rican Embassy and have a passport. The passport should be valid for 6 months prior to entry into Costa Rica. There has been no record of any arising issues in this aspect. After analysis of the above factors, my summation is that given the opportunities, I would visit Costa Rica. This is because of the following factors: Richness in Culture Costa Rica has an abundance of Culture. The Tico Culture is especially very rich in belief and practices. The main parts of attraction are its culinary art practices as well as the various festivals that are celebrated within it. The communication in Spanish is also an area of interest as Spanish has developed into on one of the most important international languages. Personal safety The history of the country illustrates that personal safety has not been an issue of concern. The occurrence of natural calamities once in a while has not been felt to great magnitude and has not caused a severity in losses. With no incidences of terrorism, Costa Rica does not infringe on personal safety in any regard. In this regard, one can visit the country and be able to enjoy all its attractions without any fear that their safety could be compromised. Development level The country is doing well in its development status. One could be able to access all the services they need with ease. Because of its level of development, there is also an abundance of alternatives from which one can seek products and services. This is one the factors that has enabled Costa Rica be able to precede its competitors on the tourism map. Its development level, for a country in its geographical position is also an attraction in itself. One could learn about the economic strategies it has incorporated in its agenda for scholarly reasons.’ Scientific and Environmental Elements The country‘s overall physical is outlook is very appealing. It provides on with peace and serenity. It is a good destination for those that are interested in time to enjoy the pleasures that nature has to offer. The abundance of many species is also an area of personal and scholarly interest. In the personal regard, it contributes to the interaction with nature and enhancement of personal peace. Scientifically, most of the species in question are rare and endangered and this makes the country even more so a place of interest. Works Cited World Travel and Tourism Council. "Economic Impact Research." 2014. World Travel and Tourism Council website. 13 April 2015 . Read More