Economic reactivation: the great opportunity for coastal businesses to boost domestic tourism and reinvent themselves.

Costa Rica, like many other countries around the world, has suffered the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, remaining stagnant without a strategic plan to move forward could be the key to restructuring our economy in a positive way, or not being able to do so at all.

Many companies have been forced to innovate and seek solutions that allow them to move forward economically, practicing activities that before the pandemic were possibly not on the minds of many.

Another aspect that has undoubtedly helped businesses in coastal areas is domestic tourism, as it has played a very important role in reactivating the economy of these destinations that previously had very little income or even zero profits.

Costa Rica has recently announced the full reopening of its airports to different parts of the world, a measure that could bring a better response in the economic reactivation in coastal areas as well as non-coastal areas through foreign tourism.

In this article, we will have opinions from different regions of the country, where merchants will share their experiences and how they have seen the response of national tourism in support of economic reactivation.

Jonathan García (a merchant from Jacobacci): I think the response from locals has been very positive. At first, people from the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) couldn't come because of the restrictions and the fear surrounding the virus, so initially the response was local and very positive. Therefore, we need to nurture local businesses so they'll come back and recommend them. With the reopening, domestic tourism started to arrive, especially on weekends. People are tired of being cooped up, and many have continued working from home. Some have come for a day, others for longer, but the support is important. We can see good promotions from restaurants and hotels, which are intended to incentivize local tourism. And I feel tourism could improve because people will be taking vacations and receiving bonuses. But all of us who have been involved during these difficult months must be mindful and give domestic tourists the value they deserve.

Manuel Mesén (owner of a surf school in Jacó Beach): At first, we were very affected; we had no income at all. They only opened the beach until 9:00 a.m., which was something, but it was really difficult because there was so little time. Then, when they extended it until 2:30 p.m., it was good, but we were working with domestic tourism, which isn't what we're used to, but it did help a little. And now that the beach is open all day, we're starting to feel a bit of normalcy again, not completely, but we're trying to stay afloat with domestic tourism. Those of us who live on the coast and depend entirely on tourism have had to struggle quite a bit because it hasn't been easy.

 

Dave Myrie (former football player and Southern Caribbean trader): the The reactivation of the Southern Caribbean tourism sector has been somewhat positive. These are summer months here, and domestic tourism has been strong, especially on weekends, though some people stay for the entire month. So, I feel that the reactivation has gone well in that respect. We certainly hope it will improve when the airports fully reopen in November. Personally, I have two Airbnb listings, and they've been active, but slowly. However, the Southern Caribbean is packed on weekends, and I think things are going well. Let's hope things improve even more so we can return—not to normal, because we have to learn to live with this—but at least move forward while taking the necessary precautions.

Óscar Díaz (Hotel Gilded Iguana, Playa Nosara): With the easing of restrictions, we've benefited and seen an increase in local tourism. At the hotel, we've tried to encourage locals to visit Nosara, and we've had a very positive response. However, we've also faced some challenges when restrictions changed, which had some repercussions that did affect us. But overall, we believe that domestic tourism has increased significantly, and this is very motivating, as it's been reflected in hotel occupancy and the overall economy of Nosara. These reopenings have allowed us to work with a market that wasn't as prominent in Playa Nosara before, since we've focused more on international tourists. However, the response has been very positive, and now with the reopening of airports, international tourism has been increasing, and we're seeing more activity in town. All the businesses have organized themselves to follow the health guidelines, and I think we're on the right track. Many are feeling that the high season is coming and we want to maintain good promotions for nationals at the hotel, where these range from 35% to 50% discount, hoping to encourage the growth of foreign tourism as well as local tourism which has become an important part of our operation.

The speed of our economic recovery may depend on us, since only by reinventing ourselves and adapting to change will we be able to overcome the current global situation. Crises should be seen as an opportunity to adapt our businesses and adjust them to changing needs, so as not to suffer economic defeat.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero

Notes on the impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Costa Rica:

https://surfingrepublica.com/blogs/news/surfing-costa-rica-como-se-han-visto-afectados-los-hoteles-en-zonas-costeras-por-la-crisis-que-afronta-el-pais?_pos=9&_sid=88a64a894&_ss=r

https://surfingrepublica.com/blogs/news/surfing-costa-rica-hoteles-cabinas-demas-lugares-de-alojamiento-y-servicios-de-comida-son-de-los-mas-afectados-por-la-crisis-economica-actual-por-covid-19?_pos=10&_sid=88a64a894&_ss=r