The objetive is to promote tourist services in harmony with the environment, indigenous gastronomy and relaxation techniques.

Costa Rica aims to diversify its tourism offer including well-being and harmony with the environment.

This is the Pura Vida Wellness strategy, which was developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).

Wellness tourism involves the consumption of tourist services in harmony with the environment, the realization of outdoor activities and tasting of native gastronomy. It also includes personal care and the latest relaxation techniques.

According to the Global Wellness Tourism Economy, today’s tourism is a market and it is estimated that these tourists spend on average $ 494 billion,  a 130% more than the average global tourist. 

Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, explained that the development of this new product is part of the strategy for the diversification and consolidation of tourism.

Costa Rica is already known for its nature and its adventure, “now we want to boost tourism in meetings and wellness,” said Ventura.

“It is a product that can be made throughout the national territory and is not limited to the seasons, it can be done 365 days a year”, said Ventura.

Local economies. Melissa Tencio, head of ICT Welfare Tourism, said that this strategy seeks to become a business opportunity for the tourism industry and a catalyst for the economic and social growth of communities.

“We want to contribute to the development of areas with the potential to grow in wellness tourism and provide tools for the training and training of professionals in the sector”, added Tencio.

The areas where the strategy will be implemented will be Nicoya, Nosara, Santa Teresa, La Fortuna, Orosí and Ujarrás, the South Pacific and the Caribbean.

Source: http://www.nacion.com