The Minister of Tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo, urged to protect the image of Costa Rica and defend the tourism industry, which represents the main source of income for the country.

“The Costa Rican tourism industry is formed in its majority by small and medium size companies that in addition to generating wealth, they distribute it to thousands of families. Just last year income generated by tourism represented 6.7% of the Gross National Product (GNP)”, stated Revelo.

“As Minister of Tourism I urge protesters to remain calm and maintain the good sense. The defense of the rights of some cannot transform into the abuse of the rights of the rest of the population, affecting public services, free transit of citizens and tourists that chose Costa Rica, among tens of other options, as the destination to enjoy their vacation”, said the Minister.

The Minister also affirmed that “the road blocks in the areas of Puntarenas, Limon and Guanacaste are affecting the operation of the country. Vandalic acts against public infrastructure and threats to workers that have decided to continue working normally, are also intolerable”.

The Costa Rican Union of Chambers (UCCAEP) held a press conference this morning, during which, the representative of the Tourism sector stated that “protesters are not considering the impact they are causing”, according to their data, Monteverde had close to 500 reservations cancelled last week, tours to Pacuare River had 100% cancellations, Limon hotels report 75% of vacancy. Two cruise ships that were scheduled to arrive to Costa Rica, one to Puntarenas and the other to Quepos decided to cancel their stop in the country and continued to Panama.

The Costa Rican Tourism Board made several efforts since last year to promote the country as a great destination for cruise ships; in fact the country is scheduled to host in 2019 the Central America Cruise Summit, considered the largest cruise conference in the region.