The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed that the country saw the arrival of an additional 100 cruise ships during the 2016-2017 season in comparison to the 2014-2015 period, an increase which supports a successful strategy that began two years ago aimed to revive this industry in the country.

Representatives of ICT are taking part of the Seatrade Cruise Global Fair, the largest cruise ship fair in the world, which is taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, since March 6 through today, March 8 and brings together around 900 exhibitors and over 11,000 attendees from 125 countries.

“Over the course of this administration, we set the goal of recuperating this industry, which brings clear benefits to the country’s most disadvantaged coastal regions. It is thanks to this strategy that we now welcome 100 more cruise ships than we did two years ago”, Ventura explained.

Arrival of cruise ships and passengers to Costa Rica (all ports)

Season               Total number of cruise ships        Passengers
2014 – 2015           150                                                              223,037
2015 – 2016           186                                                              242,930
2016 – 2017           250                                                              280,854
Source: ICT, with information from INCOP, JAPDEVA and regional DGME offices.

Furthermore, the minister noted that one of the key actions in ensuring the successful growth of this industry is active participation in the Seatrade Cruise Global fair, which is considered the only global event that brings together all of the actors involved in this industry, including cruise lines, service providers, travel agencies, and wholesalers, among others.

ICT has obtained benefits from this global event, including the recuperation of the relationship with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), with the aim of building a closer commercial relationship and establish Costa Rica in this important industry.

In addition, ICT has involved the Costa Rican Institute for Pacific Ports (INCOP) and the Port Administration and Economic Development Board of the Atlantic Coast (JAPDEVA). These institutions administer the ports of Puntarenas and the Hernán Garrón Salazar Terminal in Limón. The private Costa Rican tourism sector has also been involved for the establishment of a country-wide effort to boost this industry and position Costa Rica as an ideal destination for cruise ship tourism.