Tourism, Engine of Growth and Development of Costa Rica

Abstract

The influence that the maintained growth of tourism has on the economy of Costa Rica is weighed: currency entrance, generation of employment, stimulus to investment in diverse sectors…; the negative environmental and social impacts are also mentioned. The development of ecotourism experienced in the country is emphasized, which being based in the policies of protection of nature, has every time a greater positive impact in the communities near to where it’s carried out; the particular experience of Térraba-Sierpe is analyzed, with its strengths and limitations. Finally, several orientations that should be integrated to the public policies are indicated, in order to maintain, improve and create new conditions so that our tourist industry be more competitive, especially those projects that encourage local development in harmony with the environment.