In Costa Rica we are aware that there have been regrettable events in recent months regarding security. Nevertheless, since the new government took office in May 2018, actions and immediate protocols have been implemented in order to strengthen, improve, and work together with the public and private sectors to maximize security for all tourists visiting the country.
In Costa Rica we are aware that there have been regrettable events in recent months regarding security. Nevertheless, since the new government took office in May 2018, actions and immediate protocols have been implemented in order to strengthen, improve, and work together with the public and private sectors to maximize security for all tourists visiting the country.
Some of the important measures that have been implemented by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) are:
- Strengthening of the Tourism Security Commission, which is formed by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, the National Chamber of Tourism, the Judicial Investigation Agency, the Ministry of Security, the tourist police, and the U.S. Embassy.
- Training for the private sector: the Costa Rican Tourism Board, together with the National Chamber of Tourism and other chambers of the industry, have trained more than 2,700 persons in the tourism industry, in order that all involved know how to guide tourists and prevent problems, in addition to knowing the protocols to follow in case of an emergency.
- Signing of an agreement and commitment between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Security, where $1,000,000 USD annually will be invested to strengthen tourism security.
- Transmission of videos at both international airports for tourists that provide recommendations for maximum prevention and security during their entire visit to the country.
- Launch of the National Awareness Campaign “Let’s Take Care of Each Other” (Cuidémonos Juntos), which seeks to raise awareness and invite the entire Costa Rican population to value each citizen’s contribution to ensure safety, well-being and quality of life in the country.
- Investment of 350 million colones ($565,000 USD) to create a police station in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. The new building will house the Tourist Police as well as the Public Police Force, which will save on operating costs and further integrate the efforts to make this area a safe place, where neighbors and tourists can more easily receive assistance from authorities in case of an incident.
- Creation of a tourist security app that will be launched in 2019, so that tourists can access immediate recommendations from the moment they arrive in the country.
- Investment in infrastructure for security organizations, mainly tourist police, and placement of security cameras in the main tourist regions of the country.
Additionally, we communicate that there is no impunity in any of the cases involving attacks on the lives of tourists in our country. The criminal suspects are now in pre-trial detention and are awaiting trial.
Every day in Costa Rica the public and private sector work together and are committed to providing visitors with a memorable stay in our country and a safe return home.
Silvia Vargas Rodríguez
President
PRO IMAGEN GROUP COSTA RICA