Costa Rica Tourism News

As of 27th march, the 1960 tourist law, which included the 3% tourist tax on accommodation services was eliminated, therefore Travel Excellence will inform each agent about the refund that will apply on each booking. We already made 2009 changes in our system for regular room rates, but we are still waiting for new prices on all inclusive hotels and packages as other non taxable services are included. You might also hear that some hotels and lodges will provide added values instead of the refund as in some cases the amount could be as low as $2-$4, then we have asked to consider free wine or beer to be included on dinner.

Telephone: + (506) 2523-9100
Fax: + (506) 2523-9199
However, our previous numbers: Tel. + (506) 2258-1046 and Fax + (506) 2258-0795 are still working for few more months.

Carlos Blanco will be attending ITB in Berlin from 11th to 14th March. Travel Excellence will be located at the Costa Rica Stand number 215, Hall 3.1. For appointments, kindly ask you to contact Ms. Julia Neufert at j.neufert@str-destination.de from our German marketing and sales office, and please copy Mr. Blanco at carlos@travelexcellence.com.

In order to exceed the sustainability program in Costa Rica, “green dining” developments are currently planned by Eco-Hotels. Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality has therefore focused on “greening” its restaurants. The certification for “green restaurants” requires the implementation of the following guidelines, set by the Green Restaurant Organization: the implementation of new technologies, best practices and renewable energy sources, water consumption reduction, the active participation in recycling programs, the reuse of organic waste, the purchase of organic food, the elimination of toxic chemicals and finally the incorporation of “green” materials into building.

In order to attract tourists, the Guayabo National Monument intends to recreate two indigenous lodges to give the visitors an impression of how the houses were built in the past between 700 B.C. and 1400 A.C. The “Ranchos” will be made of synthetic palm, cultivated wood and both will have a cone-shaped design. One lodge will be used as a souvenir shop and the other one for restrooms.

Costa Rica has been entitled as “Bio Gem” of the world by the Council for the Protection of Natural Resources (NRDC), due to its actions concerning the protection of more than 500.000 species of flora and fauna, existing in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has been chosen as the final destination for the Transat, the third most important vessel race event worldwide. The focus of the competition has been put on sustainability, which is associated with Costa Rica. The departure date is November 7th and 8th, 2009 from Le Havre, France.

The maximum luggage allowance for all domestic and on the Tortuguero and Corcovado packages (boat also) is 25 pounds per person. According to the itinerary, clients can leave part of it in San Jose, at the hotel or with us, but please inform your clients that this is a matter that every customer must be responsible to coordinate with us. We try to offer this service free of charge, but in some cases clients request their luggage to be delivered in certain destinations impossible for us to provide as a free of charge service.

Please remember and inform your clients that any missing luggage, specially on INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, must be claimed to the airline directly and clients must do the follow up. We are glad always to assist them, but it is a responsibility of each person to deal with the airline and for the airline to bring the missing luggage to the place your clients will be staying.

According to the January 2009 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine the following properties are considered as the world’s best places to stay in Costa Rica: Xandari Resort and Spa in Alajuela, Four Seasons at Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, Hotel Punta Islita in Guanacaste, and Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Osa Penisula.

Last January 31st our Leisure Group Department had the opportunity to visit the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa, located in the North Pacific coast. This property is an excellent choice for clients looking for a five star hotel. Its architecture is sober and elegant, very warm rooms, the Spa area invites you to pass all day in relaxation. The beautiful beach is located a few steps from the pool; a wonderful options for those looking for a real beachfront resort. Ideal for individuals, families, leisure and incentive groups. Definitely this is a spectacular alternative for clientele seeking for luxury.

Last week, Mr. Carlos Blanco visited the Hilton Papagayo Hotel in Papagayo and the Hilton Garden Inn located in front of the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Despite that Hilton Papagayo Hotel is a beach resort with 202 guest rooms and suites divided in two different areas, it looks like a small boutique resort, with delicious and not expensive meals and excellent service. The Hilton Garden Inn hotel is a new five story hotel. It offers 169 guest rooms with coffee maker, microwave, mini bar, MP3 alarm clock, and complimentary high speed internet access. Also has restaurant, bar, business center and swimming pool. This is the best option from clients needing to depart from Liberia airport next morning.

Three private hospitals Cima, Católica and Clínica Bíblica decided to create the first medical consortium for foreigners who need to get any surgery or treatment in the country. This service goes especially for those who do not have social security number and can not afford to pay for those services in their own countries.

The population of the green macaws is improving lightly as a consequence of the efforts carried out in education, investigation, conservation and monitoring. There are around 250 green macaws in the country and they have found at least 66 permanent nests on almond trees. The green macaws have lost the 90% of its natural habitat as a consequence of the deforestation and destruction of the forest.

This park is located 17 kilometers from the city of Siquirres. There are around 200 people who live in there including agricultural workers and natives. The park is protected by three forest rangers. The administration area has potable water, restrooms, solar electricity, radio communication and a telephone, however; the residents have neither electricity nor portable water.

Last May, the Baula Boys, a group of youth people from Junquillal Beach in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, protected 886 new borned turtles. Their interest is to preserve the baula turtles and have asked the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac) to support environmental projects in this area.

Humpbacks, sperm whales and pilot whales are frequently seen from the mid-Pacific coast down the length to the Peninsula de Osa. The humpback whale name was given because of the shape of its dorsal (back) fin and the way it looks when the animal is diving. Humpbacks are gray or black, except for the flippers, parts of the chest and belly, and sometimes the underside of the tail flukes. The average weight for a mature adult is 35 to 50 tons. In the winter humpbacks migrate to breeding grounds of Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Japan. Humpbacks and sperm whales can be seen in our country in August and December. Pilot whales can be seen throughout the year since they tend to stay in tropical warm waters. Sperm Whales are not the easiest of whales to watch, due to their long dive times and ability to travel long distances underwater. However, due to the distinctive look and large size of the whale, watching is increasingly popular. Sperm whale watchers often use hydrophones to listen to the clicks of the whales and locate them before they surface.

One hundred twenty-five hectares of national forests are reforested with native species thanks to the mechanism of payment by "clean trips". This system is voluntary to locals and tourists who carry out trips by airplane, bus, car, train or boat and who are willing to pay for compensating the emissions of gases that generates these means of transportation. Money is invested in purchase, sowing and protection of forests. This project is coordinated in the country by the National Fund of Forest Financing (Fonafifo) at www.fonafifo.com. Travel Excellence got a certificate of environmental services for one year of reforestation of four hectares of forests in the Guanacaste Area.

Travel Excellence will be attending the following events:

ABAV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 22nd to 25th, 2008, Ms. Natalia Lizano will be at the Costa Rica stand 37.
FIT in Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 1st to 4th, 2008, Ms. Natalia Lizano will be at the Costa Rica stand 502.
Workshop in Brussels on November 4th at Hotel Bloom from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Workshop in Antwerp on November 5th at Astrid Park Plaza Hotel from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Workshop in Amsterdam on November 6th at Victoria Hotel (Opposite Amsterdam Central Station) from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
WTM in London, UK, November 10th to 13th, 2008. Mr. Guido Garita and Carlos Blanco can be found at the Costa Rica Section, Central America stand LA1200.

Arenas del Mar has changed its room names from Ocean View to Ocean Breeze instead. The main reason is that trees and bushes have grown up that affect the view of the ocean.

Reserva Conchal Golf Course will be closed to the public from Monday December 8th to Sunday, December 14th, 2008 due to the Costa Master International Golf Tournament.

The Real InterContinental Hotel just opened the Club Tower offering now a total of 372 rooms and suites and 20 meeting rooms.

The hotel announced that for 2009 only children over 10 years old will be allowed. They will be charged as adults.

Adventure sports, nature, or the experience with a new culture are part of the attractions that the country offers to young tourism. "We are perceiving a great interest of young adolescents by travelling to countries catalogued as exotic", indicated Debbie Giba, spokeswoman of the United States Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). Also the National Geographic has chosen Costa Rica as part of a program for students that combine education and adventure.

Costa Rica had fewer whales visiting the Whales Marine National Park this last season (from December to April) due to the global warming and excess of stress in the animals, according to the scientific community. Last year, between August and September, for 64 consecutive days, whales were seen at this park.

The Jaguar Land Rover Group visited Costa Rica at the end of November 2007. In the UK Conference and Incentive Travel Magazine, last May they noted: “The Costa Rican DMC was TE Incentives. They are a highly professional and creative agent, who I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Their organized approach was a breath of fresh air and all the staff involved were friendly, flexible and motivated. The programme was a 100% success! Charlotte Greaves.” Congratulations to our TE Incentives Division!!!

Every year, from July to September, Tortuguero National Park welcomes the arrival of the Green Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs at the beach of this National Park. Tortuguero is the most important site in the Occidental half of the Caribbean for the nesting of the Green Sea Turtles. To promote amongst the local inhabitants to stop capturing the turtles for meat and eggs, several new projects involving the local community have been created. The tracking program was created in 2004 in order to reduce the impact of visitors through the decrease in time that guides and visitors require to observe the nesting process, to enlarge the capacity of load of the public beach and Tortuguero National Park so that more visitors can observe the nesting. Also to create new sources of work for the community and to improve the quality of the service that is offered to visitors. Do not forget that this is an optional tour and cannot be included on any tour package at any lodge. This tour should be booked at the lodge.

The Government of Costa Rica is paving the airstrips of Tortuguero (19th August-17th December), Puerto Jimenez (29th July-17th November) and Nosara (29th July-5th October). Once the Tortuguero airstrip is closed completely, clients must travel by land and boat to/from Tortuguero. In case clients want to fly, they can take the flight to/froms Barra del Colorado and then take a boat transfer to/from Tortuguero (this ride takes about an hour). Lodges in Tortuguero are charging an extra cost for this service.

For Nosara, clients can fly to Carrillo or Samara airstrips, while flights to Puerto Jimenez are landing in Golfito, then clients should take a short bus ride to the dock and a 30-minute boat transfer to Puerto Jimenez.

The XVIII International Music Festival will be held in various hotels and communities from the 2nd to the 17th of August, 2008. Artists from Germany, Italy, United States, Colombia, Holland, and Costa Rica have confirmed concerts around the country.

The National Museum and the Center of Research and Conservation of the Cultural Patrimony (CICOPAC) initiated its plan of restoration. It includes three main objectives: the rescue of the hereditary building, the universal access to the building and to give to the old Bellavista Fortress of a better and modern areas of exhibition. The improvements will be done at the Garden of Butterflies, the jails, the Pre-Colombian Room, the Exhibition of Native Gold, the conference room, the Colonial House, the Country History Room, the Library and the administrative area. Still the museum will be opened and tourist can admire exhibitions in other areas.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa located in Bajos del Toro and Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort located in Manuel Antonio are two of the 136 most exciting new hotels in the world, according to the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

Costa Rica will organize the 2009 World Surfing Games. The tournament will be held in the middle of 2009 with surfers of at least 40 nations in Hermosa Beach near Jaco.

Aventuras Naturales is innovating with this unique carbon-neutral rafting tour. They use bio-diesel in their transportation which is produced from used kitchen oil, the breakfast made with organic products; they do not use disposable glasses and plates, among others.

Travel Excellence will be participating at ITB at the Costa Rica Stand Hall 3.1, stand 221. Mr. Carlos Blanco will be more than glad to assist you there!

On Thursday, March 20th, 2008, the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) will put into effect the new telephone numeration that will consist of 8 digits for residential and commercial telephones in addition to cellular telephony. As of this date, you should dial “2” before the already known number for land telephone lines and “8” for cellular phone numbers.

The Spanish airline Iberia will increase in 20,000 seats the capacity of its direct flights toward Costa Rica this year. At present, Iberia flies to Costa Rica on an Airbus A340/300 for 260 passengers. Iberia became the first European airline in establishing direct daily flights to our country carrying out seven direct flights per week from Madrid to San Jose.

The Allegro Papagayo Hotel was closed by the health authorities due to the contamination with sewage. According to the Health Department, the hotel is contaminating the public zone with sewage, due to the lack of capacity of its processing plant generated by the 600 guests of the hotel.

There are at least 10 different companies that do the coffee tour in Costa Rica according to the Costa Rica Coffee Institute (Icafe) and internet. Companies such us Cafe Britt, Doka Estate, Coopeldos Tour Cafe, Beneficio Atirro, Coopepilangosta, Don Juan Coffee Tour and others share the expectation of business proposals that took the advantage of the fame of our golden bean.

Costa Rica is the most respectful American country towards environment. This index evaluated 149 countries in six categories: environmental health, air pollution, water resources, biodiversity and habitat, productive natural resources and climatic changes. Experts from Yale and Columbia Universities gave each country a mark from 1 to 100. The first four places are for Sweden, Norway, Finland and Costa Rica.

The Georgia University inaugurated at the end of last month its campus in San Luis, Monteverde. North American students may study spanish, biology, ecology and sustainable development. They are planning to have Costa Rican students from local universities in the future.

We don't have an office in Miami, but it is important to use this address for payments and important documents.

Travel Excellence
7805 NW 15th Street
Suite 506 - 108
Miami, FL 33126-1109

On Thursday, March 20th, 2008, the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) will put into effect the new telephone numeration that will consist of 8 digits for residential and commercial telephones in addition to cellular telephony. As of this date, you should dial "2" before the already known number for land telephone lines and "8" for cellular phone numbers.

Feria Valencia Group and Alta Group Desarrollos are going to invest US$410 millions in the construction of a convention complex for 400 people that will include two hotels with 200 rooms and a shopping mall. The construction will start next year and will open its doors by the end of 2009.

The National Counsel of Scientific Investigations (CONICIT) distributed 250 million colones among national experts to do their projects from educational centers in the country or from non profit organizations. Twenty-six of these projects belong to the Biology area, which will greatly contribute to the conservation of our natural resources.

The Government of Costa Rica awarded 38 public institutions last September due to their efforts by doing its work in a less contaminant way and friendlier with nature. This award is called "Ecological Flag" and it is given to companies that considerably reduce the energy consumption and improve the processing of its solid waste and sewage.

In the first referendum in Costa Rican history, a majority approved the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), an issued debated along the last four years. The tally was close, 51.6 percent of the ballots were for the YES, while 48.4 percent came close to making of Costa Rica the only country in the world to discard a free trade agreement with the largest market in the planet. Some analysts pointed out that the NO vote was unexpectedly high, particularly after the intensive campaign led by President Oscar Arias in favor of the pact.

Caño Negro is the heart of a new UNESCO biosphere reserve. The proposal of Costa Rica was approved unanimously by the representatives of 34 member states of the UNESCO. A biosphere reserve is an area of great natural wealth where the conservation of natural resources and the rational economic use of those ecosystems by the communities are promoted. The new biosphere reserve is called Water and Peace, and covers 916,000 hectares among wetlands, navigable rivers, tropical humid forests and large water sources.

Peace with Nature is a project that suggests having Costa Rica as the world leader in conservation of the planet. The United Kingdom donated US$80,000 to this project. With this money, they are trying to mitigate the climatic change and to have a good use of natural resources.

mapealo.com is a web site that offers the location of hotels, restaurants and companies that want to promote their services through maps in internet. Ten people work on satellite photograph maps from Google Earth, maps from High Technology National Center (CENAT) and from cartographic maps already designed, and they place information on top of them. Nowadays, this company has 400 members, from which 70% of them are Costa Ricans.

This is a small boutique Spanish school that offers individually designed Spanish programs for each student. People may choose to stay at a hotel or with a Costa Rican family during the time they want to do their program. Also people may combine Spanish classes and travelling during their stay. Contact us for detailed information.

There is a new place in Monteverde where visitors can learn about the world of insects. There are two and a half million species of insects known on earth. In this place visitors will be able to see the most poisonous spider in Costa Rica, the biggest beetle in the world and the strongest spider net that exists, among others.

Conde Nast Traveler November 2007 issue states in the top 15 Central America and Mexico Hotels, that Lapa Ríos Ecolodge placed FIRST and Grano de Oro Hotel number 13th. Also in the top 10 Central and South America Resorts, Punta Islita Hotel placed FIFTH, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo is number sixth and Paradisus Playa Conchal 10th.

Costa Rica is in the final list for the category of the best destiny of Latin America in the prizes that delivers the magazine Travel Weekly, according to the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT).

Si Como No Resort and Spa, Green Hotels' flagship property overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park (near Quepos), was honored as the only " Five Green Leaves" recipient by Pres. Oscar Arias in a special ceremony held in San Jose this month. This is a program from the Costa Rican Tourist Board that categorizes and certifies tour operators and hotels according to the degree to which its operations comply with a model of sustainability.

Hidden in Costa Rica's central volcanic region, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a planet-friendly sanctuary for soft adventure and inspired wellness. Silencio, Spanish for silence, is befitting of an enchanting place where daily stress is hushed and the sounds of nature bloom. Enjoy a 500-acre private reserve blessed with gently flowing creeks and hidden waterfalls. Sixteen luxury suites with premium amenities, a full service Spa, multiple activities, and exciting local flavors pamper you while immersed in the spectacular cloud forest. El Silencio Lodge & Spa offers 16 luxury suites with river or cloud forest vistas. Each will feature a private viewing deck and whirlpool, gas fireplace, complimentary mini-bar and premium amenities. This is part of Punta Islita Hotel Group.

Monarch Resort is only 25 minutes away from the International Airport of Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste, north pacific side of Costa Rica. It is located in the magical Gulf of Papagayo. The hotel has direct access to Playa Chorotega, also known as Playa Panama, one of the best beaches in this area, awarded with the top ecological distinctive, Bandera Azul (blue flag), that gives the Government of Costa Rica to it's most beautiful and cleanest beaches. It features 144 rooms divided in Suites and Royal Villas. Suites are totally equipped, ocean view, living room, dining room, cable TV, telephone, wireless Internet, safe deposit box, air conditioning, hot water and balcony. The well appointed three-storey Royal Villas are fully equipped, with three bedrooms with a capacity of six to eight people, jacuzzi, balcony, ocean and mountain views.

At Hacienda Tayutic, history, nature and art are combined to form the essence of the daily hacienda experience. The owner Federico Ortuño-Victory did extensive research on the true rural colonial architecture of Costa Rica and then recreated it here. The Hacienda house and its marvellous rooms feature accurate historical details-alongside all modern conveniences. Tayutic Hacienda is naturally a place for renovation. The five hacienda bedrooms have en suite facilities, wireless Internet, satellite televisión, coffee maker (with the Hacienda coffee), the most astonishing views and a unique indigenous SPA.

It is located in one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Guanacaste, only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Potrero, Flamingo and La Penca beaches. The hotel will feature 52 Junior Suites; 16 of them will have kitchenette. All suites are going to be luxurious and will have key cards, automatic lighting, energy efficient conditioning, bathroom with fine details, hair dryer, iron, coffee maker, local and internacional telephone access, safety deposit box, desk, cable TV, patio or balcony, wireless Internet access, minibar and flat TV screen. Enjoy activities such as golf, jet-ski, sport fishing, kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and canopy. The hotel will have also a conference center for 200 people.

The Hotel Miraval Resort Punta Cacique will invest USD$900 million in the Gulf of Papagayo on the country's north Pacific coast. The project will become one of the largest tourism investments in the country comprising a six star hotel with 100 rooms and 40 villas. Scheduled opening towards the end of 2009, the company will focus on health oriented tourism and activities related to personal improvement both mentally and physically, amid an atmosphere of luxury.

Playa Carmen Hotel is located in Mal Pais in the southern part of the Nicoya Penninsula. It has 28 rooms divided in 10 Standard rooms, six Deluxe rooms, 10 Junior suites, one Master suite and one Presidential Deluxe. All the rooms have air conditioner, ceiling fan, cable LCD TV, DVD, mini bar, safe deposit box and wireless internet. The hotel has an Italian restaurant and jacuzzi.

The developers of Bahia Escondida have announced that construction is officially underway on its master planned residential, resort and marina destination situated on Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce Bay in the resort town of Golfito. The first phase of the US$350 million project will include 75 condominium units, a state-of-the-art marina and a bayside village complete with boutique shops, bayside restaurants, yacht club, spa, pools and more. Construction crews are currently clearing the site and soon will deliver backfill materials in preparation of a planned December groundbreaking. The initial phase of the marina, which will include 86 slips, is scheduled for completion in March 2008, and the condominium units and village for a late 2008 completion.

Savegre Mountain Hotel is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca mountains. As part of the renovations, the hotel will feature 17 junior suites in December 2007.

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, 9 kms from La Fortuna town, this hotel offers 25 spacious bungalows with cable TV, DVD / CD player, IPod Stand, internet access, safe deposit box, air conditioning, backyard outside showers, mini fridge, coffee maker, private outdoor volcano view Jacuzzi and front balcony overlooking the volcano. It offers a full service restaurant, a jacuzzi and a wet bar.

Fuel charge increase
From November 15th, 2007on, the fuel charge will increase from US $9 to US $12 per way.

Baggage free allowance

One piece of luggage (max. 30 lbs.) is free, as well as one personal carry on item (max. 10 lbs.). The check in of an extra piece of luggage costs $25. Over free luggage allowance costs $25 per bag (31 to 45 pounds). Over free luggage allowance costs $60 per bag (45 to 70 pounds). Anything over 70 pounds must be sent as cargo. Golf Club, surf board, fishing gear or bikes have a cost of $40.

Pets: Weight 15 lbs. - 30 lbs. $25
Weight 30.5 lbs. - 45 lbs. $45
Weight 45.5 lbs. - 70 lbs. $60
Baggage Storage: Storage for luggage up to 15 days: $5 per bag.

La Fortuna Airstrip Charge

Nature Air decided not to include the Arenal Airstrip fee on the airfare, so it won´t be included in their rates. Since November 01st, 2007, the passenger will pay this charge directly at the Arenal airstrip and it will be US$7.00 per person, per way. As La Fortuna airstrip is located in a private property, the owner of this property decided to charge $7.00 per passenger per way. Nature Air decided not to collect this amount from the passengers anymore. This means that each passenger has to pay directly at the airport at his / her arrival or departure.

Barra del Colorado - Closed Aistrip

The Barra del Colorado airstrip is going to be fixed from now until January 31st, 2008. From today until December 2nd, the airstrip is going to be opened only from 6:00 to 9:00 am.

Sansa is offering a new Hub of operations from Liberia and now is flying to Arenal.

Air Caraibes will fly from Paris to Costa Rica starting the second week of December 2007. The Embraer airplane, that has a capacity for 100 passengers, will fly Tuesdays and Thursdays including stops in the Island of Guadalupe and Panama.

The government of Costa Rica will introduce to the Congress a new project to convert the hotel tax of 3% into one tourist tax of US$15.00. Passengers travelling to Costa Rica will get this tax charged on their airfare ticket. With this reform, the Tourist Board will collect at least US$17 million that would be used completely to the planning, marketing, promotion and sustainable development. Actual budget is only US$6 million.

L'Acqua Viva is located in Nosara, Guanacaste. The hotel shows a unique architectural style that offers 36 units among individual bungalows and rooms. All of them feature A/C, mini bar, satellite TV, safety box, hair dryer and coffee maker. The hotel will have restaurant, lounge bar, spa and beauty parlour.

Surrounded by nature, this cozy hotel located near Cocles Beach, features nine rooms with hot water, terrace, ceiling fan, A/C, TV by cable and satellite. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, Finland sauna, massage room, gym, game and living room and wet bar.

Vienna Boys' Choir, the best known boy's choir in the world, will be participating at the XVII International Music Festival that will be held from the 3rd to the 19th of August, 2007. Sixty artists from Germany, Switzerland, France, Philippines, Russia, Czech Republic, United States, and Costa Rica have confirmed 35 concerts around the country.

According to Forbes, an influent US magazine, Costa Rica is one of the ten favourite destinations around the world. This magazine ranked our country in three different categories: luxury adventure tours, honeymoon tours and summer adventure tours. Our country shares credits on these three categories with destinations like the Red Sea, Bahamas, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Chile, France, Hawaii and Greece.

The future new highway between San Carlos - San Ramon will have four lanes and not three as it was originally planned. The total cost of this project is around USD $120 millions. This will be a first class highway, much safer with fewer curves, saving time to tourists visiting the northern region, specially the imposing Arenal Volcano area.

The team of Costa Rican researchers who work at the Ad Astra Rocket Lab in Liberia, Guanacaste, added a success to their work, when they made a plasma shot that held steadily for three hours. This vastly surpasses the 2-minute shot attained last December. Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is an ion and electron soup at some 50,000 degrees Celsius which is found naturally in stars, such as the Sun. In the lab, it is obtained by heating a gas, such as argon, with the aid of electricity and a helical antenna. "I'm very proud of them; it is an achievement of the Costa Rican team that greatly pleases me," said NASA astronaut and physicist Franklin Chang, who heads Ad Astra Rocket. A plasma engine would eventually propel a spacecraft all the way to Mars and in much less time than with current technology.

During the Incentive Travel Exchange hold in Las Vegas last month, SITE (The Society of Incentive and Travel Executives) announced Costa Rica as the number one destination for incentive travel.

Every year, from July to September, Tortuguero National Park welcomes the arrival of the Green Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs at the beach of this National Park. Tortuguero is the most important site in the Occidental half of the Caribbean for the nesting of the Green Sea Turtles. To promote amongst the local inhabitants to stop capturing the turtles for meat and eggs, several new projects involving the local community have been created. The tracking program was created in 2004 in order to reduce the impact of visitors through the decrease in time that guides and visitors require to observe the nesting process, to enlarge the capacity of load of the public beach and Tortuguero National Park so that more visitors can observe the nesting. Also to create new sources of work for the community and to improve the quality of the service that is offered to visitors. Due to this, the turtle nesting tour rate has increased from US$25.00 to US$30.00 per person. Do not forget that this is an optional tour and cannot be included on any tour package at any lodge.

The Golden Bean Coffee Tour is located in Atirro, Turrialba, only 65 km from San Jose and 100 km from the Caribbean Port of Limon. On this new tour, visitors will learn all stages of a gourmet coffee production process. Hacienda Real Costa Rican Coffee is a premium quality High Grown Atlantic Coffee which is harvested, processed and roasted at origin.

Travel Excellence does not give, sell, rent or share any personal nor company data with any parties. In the event we must provide personal information to any of our suppliers, they must agree to delete all private data and not to give, sell, rent or share it with third parties. We work with suppliers we trust.

The hotel is doing some maintenance to its restaurants and swimming pools as follows: Rico Tico Restaurant and the family swimming pool will be closed from September 17th to October 3rd, 2007. Claro Que Si Restaurant, Mogotes Bar and the swimming pool for adults will be closed from the 3rd to the 18th of October, 2007.

The lodge will be under major construction from July 16th to the end of August 2007. They are building a new swimming pool, fixing the road and the retaining walls.

The swimming pool is ready; however, the hotel is under major renovations and construction. Clients will find some other inconveniences until September 2007.

The hotel is under major renovations and construction on the last five floors. Clients will find some other inconveniences until January 2008.

VVillas Sol is doing some renovations as well as constructing 14 new ocean view villas. The new villas will be ready at the beginning of 2008 and the hotel includes the renovations of bathrooms, tiles, furniture, lighting, beds, decoration and television sets.

I had the pleasure to visit this lovely property last week. I was impressed with the wide range of activities offered and the amazing Palo Seco beach. Since last month, Oliver joined the team as the executive chef. I truly enjoyed his strawberry pasta, Mahi Mahi ceviche, Marlin fish on mango sauce, BBQ shrimp and pineapple, etc, etc.

Cascadas del Mar: Cascades by the Sea is surrounded by Ballena Marine National Park and wildlife refuges in Osa Peninsula. Cascadas del Mar will be ready by 2009.

Canto Ballena: Whale Song is located in Ballena Marine National Park. This project will be ready by 2009 and will feature three two-story buildings, 20 condos, two penthouses and 14 villas.

Kiana Resorts: It is in the coastal town of Dominical on the main Playa Dominical beach. The hotel will feature four types of villas with 1,500 square feet of living and entertainment areas. Each villa has an open floor plan with full kitchens, decks and covered terraces to enjoy indoor and outdoor living; 26 individual king or twin guestrooms, 26 one bedroom suites with full kitchen and 26 two bedroom villas. Opening May 2008!

Spanish airline Iberia now links Madrid and Costa Rica daily. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, besides the flights stopping in Guatemala City, there is an additional direct flight to San Jose, for a total of 10 weekly flights.

This new Sansa Service Center is located in Puerto Jimenez in front of the airstrip. It has a pre check-in area, boarding area, air conditioning, snacks and drinks for sale and restrooms.

Our second fam trip for travel agents from Tour Operators and Wholesale Agencies will operate from September 29th to October 6th, 2007.  Please let us know if you would like to receive detailed information and the registration form.

Our second fam trip for travel agents from Tour Operators and Wholesale Agencies will operate from September 29th to October 6th, 2007.  Please let us know if you would like to receive detailed information and the registration form.

Two properties from our country are included on this year’s 138 top new hotels worldwide on the May 2007 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.  Xandari by the Pacific, located in Esterillos Este beach, between Jaco and Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific.  The other is Gaia Hotel & Reserve settled on 13-acre private nature reserve with great views to Manuel Antonio area.

Next October, Costa Ricans will have the opportunity to decide whether our nation ratifies or not the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) announced that, for the first time ever, it will call a referendum. Thus, every registered voter will have a say on this issue. Until now, there were no hopes of an end to the running battle between those in favor and those who oppose the CAFTA, but the TSE’s decision has put an end to it.

As per a new decree, as of April 30th 2007, vaccination against the Yellow Fever is mandatory on tourists from geographic areas considered in risk.  If you want to know if your clients come from those regions, please review the following link: wikitravel.org/en/Yellow_fever

Please take note that Hotel Punta Islita has a minimum of stay on the following dates: Christmas Week (December 20th to 25th, 2007): a 4-night minimum stay New Year’s Week (December 26th, 2007 to January 02nd, 2008): 7 nights minimum stay High season (Jan 3rd – Apr 15th, Jul 1st – Aug 31st & Nov 16th – Dec 23rd 2008): THREE nights!

The hotel is doing some maintenance to the swimming pool and this might affect your clients during the month of May and maybe beginning of June.

As promised in the previous newsletter, our first fam trip for Wholesaler and Tour Operator Agents will be from the 5th to the 12th of May, 2007. The second fam trip will operate from September 29th to October 6th, 2007. Please let us know if you would like to receive detailed information and the registration form.

Costa Rica was recognized as the best Latin America tourist destination. Travel Weekly magazine honoured our country during FITUR last Month.

Travel Excellence will participate at the ITB 2007 which will take place from March 7th to 11th. We will be at the Central America stand #217, Costa Rica section, Hall 3.1.

Travel Excellence is in the last step in order to obtain the CST. This is a program from the Costa Rican Tourist Board that categorizes and certifies tour operators and hotels according to the degree to which its operations comply with a model of sustainability. Follow this link to read our Sustainability Policy: www.travelexcellence.com/sustainability.htm. For further information about the CST: www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr.

Café Britt is offering three new tours. The full experience: This tour includes the Canopy Tour in the morning in San José de la Montaña, the show at Café Britt with lunch and taste of coffee, and the afternoon Inbio Park tour. The flying Coffee Lovers: includes domestic flights from any Nature Air destination, visit to Beneficio Tierra Madre, lunch at Britt, taste of coffee and transfers from/to Pavas airport. The Coffee Lovers from Jaco & Herradura beaches includes Beneficio Tierra Madre with the show at Café Britt, lunch and ground transportation.

Due to renovations and new projects this hotel will be closed from September 1st to September 30th, 2007.

This hotel is under major renovations and construction. The swimming pool is closed until August 2007 and clients might find some other inconveniences until July 2008.

Musician Manuel Obando will perform a Jazz Concert in the Restaurant area, starting at 7:00 pm on: March 16th and 17th and April 17th and 18th.

Starting December 1st, 2007 the International Hilton Hotel Chain will start to operate and be responsible for the management of the Enjoy Group Hotels and Resorts: Fiesta Resort & Casino Puntarenas and Premier Fiesta Resort & Spa Papagayo.

This outstanding property now features a nine-hole golf course and practice area. Golf lessons are provided. Casual dress code and sport shoes are required.

Now it has two swimming pools and the newest one is tempered and it’s indoors. It also has a gym and building a gourmet restaurant.

Travel Excellence will be attending the World Travel Market in London from 6th to 9th November and will be located at Costa Rica section at the Central America pavilion LA1100. For the Meetings & Incentives Exhibition EIBTM 2006 in Barcelona, 28th to 30th November, we will be at the Costa Rica stand D300.

Hotel Four Seasons at Peninsula de Papagayo and Hotel Punta Islita are nominated on the Conde Nast Traveler in the list of 100 Best Hotels in the World. For South & Central America, the Four Seasons is ranked number ONE and Punta Islita number FIVE. Congratulations!!!

The 2007 dates for our general fam trips to Costa Rica are not defined yet, but according to the comments of many of you, the end of April and the month of October will be the best times to operate them. We will keep you informed. THANK YOU!

Due to the construction of the new boarding gates at this airport, we strongly recommend to consider this service to your VIP clients, specially because travelers are requested to arrive to the airport three hours before departure. The rate is US$25.00 per person and it has satellite TV, modern computer room, wireless internet, local and international newspapers, independent smoking room, bar and snacks.

The new superior Manatus Hotel is located at only few minutes from Tortuguero National Park, on a land strip between two canals. The 12 stylish bungalows are surrounded by tropical vegetation and all provide air conditioning, cable TV, mini bar, spacious bathroom and a cozy private patio with additional outdoor shower. The hotel offers restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, internet access, pool table, laundry service, gymnasium and a small art gallery. Guests can enjoy this wonderful area by aquatic bike and kayak or they can go fishing, canopying, bird watching as well as observing turtles nesting on the beach during season. Three-day and two-day packages are available.

Additionally to the 54 standard rooms, Mawamba Lodge now offers four standard superior rooms, specially designed for honeymooners, featuring a king size bed and a spacious bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer.

Samoa Lodge is currently under major renovations. This 22-hectar property is located by the Penitencia lagoon, one of the richest areas in Tortuguero in terms of flora and fauna. By December 2006, it will consists of 40 comfortable and nicely decorated rooms, two restaurants, bar, swimming pool, two jacuzzis, TV and game room, spa, mini gym, reading room, palapa with hammocks, jungle trails and a private canal for pedal boat rides.

It is a small, enchanting, discrete hotel in Tamarindo Beach. Located on a small hill, 120 meters - 3 minutes walking - from the beach, it features a magnificent view of the entire Tamarindo Bay. Hotel El Jardín del Eden is one of the few places with all different rooms not even 2 similar, featuring balcony or terrace, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, mini-bar, safety box and hair dryer. This hotel offers beautiful gardens, gourmet restaurant, bar, two swimming pools, jacuzzi, internet access and private parking.

City theatres, jungles, mountains and the exotic Costa Rican beaches are the perfect setting for the XVI International Music Festival.  This year, three new venues have been added: Hotel Monterrey del Mar in Esterillos Este beach, Crystal Ballena Hotel near Uvita in the South Pacific and the Church of Hatillo 6 in San Jose.  There will be 36 concerts performed by a marvellous multicultural group of invited artists from around the world.

The following is the complete list of concert venues: National Theatre in San Jose for the Gala Concerts, Grand Hotel Costa Rica, Restaurant Le Chandelier in Escazu, Church of Hatillo 6, Amphitheatre of INBIOPark, Hotel Tirol in the mountains of Heredia, Centro Neotropico SarapiquiS, Villa Caletas Hotel, Church of City of San Ramon, Church of Las Mercedes in Grecia, Casa Camarona Lodge in Puerto Viejo Limon, Hotel Crystal Ballena, Hotel Monterrey del Mar, Hotel Lago Arenal, Hotel Borinquen in Rincon de la Vieja, Hacienda Pinilla and Villa Alegre near Tamarindo.

Please let us know if you would like to have the detailed calendar of concerts.

In order to better schedule our general fam trips for next year, we would be pleased to hear your opinion regarding suitable dates in which you can travel to Costa Rica for a week escapade. According to our tourist seasons, fam trips can be offered starting from the last week of April to the end of June and from September to November 15. THANK YOU!

This is a new full day tour operated from the Arenal Volcano area. It includes a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens with lunch and an adventure experience at Hacienda Pozo Azul that participants can choose from the White Water Rafting at Sarapiqui River or the canopy tour. An afternoon snack will be served in Pozo Azul before returning to the hotel.

This premium 7-day itinerary includes two nights at Hotel Casa Conde in San Jose (4-star) and four nights at Hotel Casa Conde del Mar (4-star), located in Panama Beach, near Papagayo Gulf, airport transfers in San Jose, transportation to and from the beach, daily breakfast and all current taxes. Ask for the different transportation options: private transfers, air, rental car and shuttle bus. Operates everyday with a minimum of two passengers.

SANSA daily flights San Jose - Liberia – San Jose are operated on their new ATR aircraft with 46 seats and more capacity for luggage.

NATUREAIR no está operando los vuelos a Granada, Nicaragua. Esta aerolínea espera poder ofrecerlos nuevamente a partir del mes de diciembre 2006.

SANSA is actually offering morning flights to Puerto Limon (the third biggest airport in Costa Rica) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In few weeks this flight will continue to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

AERODIVA has two helicopters for air transfers and tours. One with capacity for 10 passengers and the other for four people.

AirPanama has flights between San Jose and Panama City via David and Bocas del Toro every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Our fixed departure itinerary has some spaces available during 2006 on the following dates: September 3, 24 and October 15. This itinerary operates with a maximum of 20 passengers, featuring the Central Valley, Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, with extensions to Tamarindo Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado and Tortuguero National Park. Net rates from US$796.50 per person on double occupancy, based on 3-4 star hotels and lodges. Please request detailed itinerary.

One of best hotels in this area and the closest to the Monteverde Reserve entrance, this property offers now 20 junior suites and 20 standard rooms, all of them with Direct TV.

Our open voucher system will allow your clients to travel around Costa Rica without previous reservations. Only the car rental has to be booked before the arrival date and we gladly assist in booking the first night in a hotel in San Jose. Our extensive list of good quality hotels has now near 50 properties, all located in places of tourist interest and offer the possibility of various optional excursions and nearby attractions. Selected hotels provide very good services and facilities, most of them have swimming pool. In the majority of the hotels breakfast is included.

Two new tours are offered at Hotel Villa Blanca, more good reasons to include this beautiful renovated hotel to your clients’ itineraries.

March inaugurated the new "Nocturnal Cloud Forest Guided Walk" at Villa Blanca. Utilizing perhaps the most user-friendly nature interpretive trails in Costa Rica's cloud forests, this new tour got high marks from both hotel guests and nature experts alike. As the tourist industry discovers the natural and cultural/historical attractions of this area, three qualified bi-lingual naturalist guides at Villa Blanca and native from San Ramon, designed and launched a new-half day tour for Villa Blanca clients, "The San Ramón Cultural/Historical Tour".

From 20th December to 3rd of January, this hotel requests a minimum of three nights for each reservation not necessarily consecutive nights, and full payment 90 days before the arrival of guests.

Every year, from July to September, Tortuguero National Park welcomes the arrival of the Green Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs at the beach of this National Park. Tortuguero is the most important site in the Occidental half of the Caribbean for the nesting of the Green Sea Turtles. Having the opportunity to admire, on a tropical night sky, one of these impressive animals drag herself to the beach, dig a nest and lay the eggs, is definitely a unique experience that will be hardly forgotten. Still, the turtles are endangered animals, both by natural and human predators. That's why in 1959 Mr. Archie Carr, one of the leading authorities on sea turtles became the founding scientific director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) created to study and protect these millenary animals.

To promote amongst the local inhabitants to stop capturing the turtles for meat and eggs, several projects involving the local community have been created. One is the education of the locals to become tour guides for the Green Turtle Night Tour. Thus, we appreciate it very much when visitors comprehend that most of the turtle guides have limitations with foreign languages, such as English. During this two-hour tour, groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people per guide and a maximum of 10 groups are allowed at the beach at the same time, for a total of 100 people. Hence, when one confirms the participation on the tour, they shall understand the importance of assisting, as no refunds are available. There are two tour schedules and the National Park determines who goes on which schedule, one is from 8 to 10:00 pm and another from 10:00 to 12:00 midnight. Actually, visitors are not allowed to walk freely on the beach at night during this period.

This is an optional tour and cannot be included on any tour package at any lodge.

Hotel Arenal Volcano Inn is a new small 3-star hotel located in front of the volcano, only 10 minutes driving time from La Fortuna. It has 11 comfortable rooms with an excellent view of the Arenal Volcano. Each room has two queen-size beds, air conditioned, mini refrigerator, a breakfast table and a private terrace facing the volcano. There is one suite with jacuzzy. The hotel has two swimming pools and a Jacuzzi. The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast included in the room rate and a varied menu for lunch and dinner.

With only 26 rooms, Hotel Arenal Manoa is the newest hotel in this area. It also has an impressive view of the volcano and is located in a dairy and ornamental plant farm. This hotel includes two swimming pools, jacuzzy, wet bar, restaurant. Breakfast and the farm tour is included on the room rate.

This is Cayuga’s newest hotel under management (Lapa Rios & Parque del Lago). The Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Guanacaste is geared towards couples and people that are into surfing as well as yoga. The focus of this hotel is the “good vibe” in combination with sustainability. The menu at the hotel’s restaurant is based on vegetarian and organically grown items. It has 24 comfortable rooms and bungalows, swimming pool and varied of beach and nature activities.

Hotel Punta Islita was the proud winner of the Investor in People category of the 2006 edition of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, sponsored by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Hotel Punta Islita’s CEO, Eduardo Villafranca, expressed his enthusiasm about highlighting Costa Rica as a responsible tourism destination that incorporates both social and environmental concerns.

St. Regis Resort Costa Rica by Starwood Hotels & Resorts: On 100-hectare beachfront property in the Central Pacific coast near Herradura beach and Aramacao Reserve, Starwood Hotels & Resorts will start building soon the opulent St. Regis Resort Costa Rica. The complex will include 133 magnificent rooms, 49 condos, 42 private villas, five restaurants, top notch entertainment areas, a 10,000 sq. feet Spa and a conference centre.

Hyatt Regency Azulera Resort: By the end of 2008, a new beach resort will be available in one of the best beach areas of Guanacaste. Hyatt Regency Azulera Resort will feature 215 luxury rooms, next to Conchal beach and at only 40 miles from Liberia Airport.

The new 180-suite JW Marriott at Hacienda Pinilla will be opening December 2007. This luxurious beach & golf resort will be located in front of Avellanas beach, just 15 minutes away from Tamarindo, Northern Pacific, as part of the 4,500 acres of land of the beautiful Hacienda Pinilla.

You are cordially invited to join our June & September Fam Trips to Costa Rica that Travel Excellence has specially created for Tour Operator and Wholesaler Agents from around the world. The first will be from 17th to 25th June featuring the Central Valley, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Park. The second is scheduled for 23rd to 30th September visiting San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Waterfall Gardens, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, the Guanacaste beaches and Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Please let us know if you want to receive complete details and registration form.

When booking a rental car though us, please bear in mind to ask for the free of charge mobile phone service for your clients. All incoming and local outgoing calls are also free.

SIXT Rent-a-Car, a German franchise and one of the most reputable can rental companies in Europe is now in Costa Rica. A similiar fleet of quality vehicles and very good service is now available for your clients.

Anticipating the needs for road assistance of our customers, Adobe Rent a Car has historically offered a Road Assistance Program. This ensures our customers of an effective response to automobile complications, offering a network of 23 assistance points (6 Adobe Offices and 17 service stations) distributed around the country.

Furthermore, for 2006 Adobe is introducing a premium assistance service which ensures immediate, efficient, effective and complete service to customers under distress due to land travel complications. This new service has a one-time cost of $ 6.00 per rental (regardless of the length of the rental period), and includes the following:

• Towage Service: in case of accident, the automobile will be towed back to Adobe Rent a Car.
• Basic Road Assistance: in case of minor damage or malfunction of the automobile (battery malfunction), the damage or malfunction will be corrected on-site.
• Emergency Medical Assistance: in case of accident that requires immediate medical assistance or hospitalization, an ambulance will be provided to transfer the customer to the nearest hospital or clinic.
• Locksmith Service: in case of misplaced keys or keys left inside of a locked car, Adobe will send a locksmith to open the automobile.
• Continued Trip Service: in case of accident of the automobile, the customers will be provided with alternate means of transport to their next scheduled destination, ensuring that travel plans are unaffected.