CANATUR celebrates implementation of the new strengthened development law of the national tourism industry

The National Chamber of Tourism celebrated the implementation of the new strengthened development law of the national industry of tourism. Through this new law the 3% tourism tax that was charged in hotels will be eliminated.

Instead of charging this 3% tariff there will be a new $15 tax per each person that arrives to the country through the airlines and acquires their airline ticket outside Costa Rica.

The income obtained by this tribute will be destined to the National Institute of Tourism, where it will be spent in promoting, merchandising and planning of the sustainable development of Costa Rica as a tourism destination.

“…This new law was created to encourage national tourism in general.” –Said Gonzalo Vargas, President of CANATUR (National Chamber of Tourism)

The airlines will be the ones encouraged to collect the tax. According to what’s been established in the new law, passengers who are in transit or flying over Costa Rica are exempted of this tax.

Costa Rica Will Host World Surfing Games

Costa Rica was selected to host and organize the World Surfing Games this year from July 31 to August 9. The championship will take place in Hermosa Beach, near the surroundings of Jacó. The tournament has been named Billabong World Surfing Games Costa Rica 2009.

Hermosa Beach was chosen by the International Surf Association because of its constant surf possibilities and because of its proximity to downtown Jacó, a town which has the perfect infrastructure to host the vast quantities of people which the championship attracts.



Costa Rican surfers have had excellent performances overseas at other surfing events. This has been an important factor which has helped to bring the event to Costa Rica.

The International Surf Association estimates that for every world tournament at least 80 million people follow the event live via Internet. This is a perfect opportunity that will boost Costa Rica’s surfing image.

Luxurious hotel Le Caméléon opens for business

The hotel Le Caméléon opened their doors this past April 3rd. This hotel is exclusively the first luxury hotel in Costa Rica’s Caribbean area. Offering a sophisticated contemporary décor that melds successfully with a rustic ambient, Le Cameleon is a modern laid back piece of paradise. Located in the area of Puerto Viejo, Limon, this hotel was surely made to last. With attractions in the area that include surfing, mountain biking, diving or snorkeling, your trip may just become one of your best ever! Le Caméléon is just a drive away from fabulous getaways such as Cocles Beach and Chiquita Beach; this second destination is an isolated pleasure exclusively available for the guests of the hotel!
Be sure to enjoy some of the best cocktails at their Numu Lounge or dine fine Italian cuisine at Antonio’s. You’ll end your night at Le Cameleon enjoying some Latin-American reggae at the Roots Lounge & Disco.

Prussia changes pines, eucalyptus and cypresses for local species

Taken from www.nacion.com

The dominant tree species in the woods of Prussia, Cartago (a part of the Irazú Volcano National Park) don’t favor the development of animal species because the types of trees found here are from other parts of the world. These species were planted in a rapid manner prior to the eruptions of the Irazú Volcano in 1963 & 1965 in order to prevent landslides.

These are one of the reasons behind a new project, which intends to cut down 163 non-endemic tree species and replacing them with national species.

Many of the wood that will be obtained from cutting down all the trees are going to be destined for the repairing of desks in the public schools of the area. The other half of the wood is going to be used in remodeling an old farm house from the twentieth century that will be utilized as training and sleeping facilities for the SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas).

After this phase is completed, the next phase of the project will take place. This second phase consists in reforesting the area with endemic species, which include various types of oak trees and small evergreens, which in spite of the name, are a local species.