Interview with Alejandro Castro, Marketing Director at the Costa Rican Tourism Institute

A. C. - We have a very good reputation for adventure and green tourism. But that's a niche market, so we now want to focus on everything to do with culture, gastronomy and so on. In the latter area, for example, we were among the first to promote the 'farm to table' concept.

What about the Mice market?

A. C. - We're obviously trying to promote it. Especially as we are going to have our own convention centre in San José at the beginning of 2018.

Why choose Costa Rica?

A. C. - We are a unique destination in the world and perfectly in tune with the times. For example, as a result of government and private action, we now have more trees than we did in the 80s. We are very sensitive to ecological issues. 90 % of our energy, for example, comes from renewable sources. What's more, the country isn't that big: for example, you can go from the slopes of a volcano to the beaches of the ocean in barely an hour. Everything is close together, and that deserves to be emphasised.

What about the French market?

A. C. - It's a booming market, and one that will undoubtedly be further boosted by the opening of Air France routes. As far as the French incentive is concerned, it's an exclusively top-of-the-range market, so it's very demanding. And we have all that in Costa Rica, with all the major international hotel chains present. We have very luxurious lodges in the middle of the forest, and above all, we have a remarkable quality of service. People are naturally very kind, you know. And finally, I'd like to mention the scenery. What a fantastic setting!