The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) announced on Thursday that it will allocate $3 million over a three-year period, with the possibility of extending it for another three years, in order to optimize the infrastructure conditions and services of the Protected Wild Areas to provide facilities and improve the experience of visitors.
The investments to be executed will seek to stimulate the tourist activity in the ASPs, promote the development or strengthening of infrastructure, equipment, services and installation, acquisition of furniture for works and services, as well as computer equipment, computer systems and technological services.
As part of the agreement, the Ministry of Environment and the National System of Conservation Areas will carry out a diagnosis of the current situation of protected areas in order to prioritize investments that are necessary to contribute to improving the quality of the experiences for the tourists.
The first million dollars for this year will go to three specific projects: constructions in Tenorio Volcano National Park (which is located in an area affected by Hurricane Otto), which includes access works, collection booth, sanitary services, nursing, office for local guides, nature store and the path “Mysteries of Tenorio.”
Currently, the complete design of the works is being carried out and the environmental viability issued by SETENA is being processed, so it is projected to be completed in the next six months.
In parallel, they will also invest in the design and construction plans of the Visitor Center in Manuel Antonio National Park. This project consists of a building that includes a nature store and cafeteria, waiting areas, meeting rooms and exhibition halls, administrative offices and collection houses. In addition, a roofed area will be designed for buses, in order to facilitate the approach of tourists and improve the attention of the visitor.
Finally, as part of the funds allocated for this year, the ICT will invest in a software that allows to create a system to automate the sale of tickets to the National Parks.
According to the World Economic Forum, Costa Rica is number one in nature and number two in adventure among 141 countries around the world and this reputation must undoubtedly be attributed to our Model of Sustainable Tourism Development in which Protected Wild Areas play a key role,”
said Tourism Minister Mauricio Ventura.