QCOSTARICA — In the midst of the tropical paradise of the Southern Caribbean, Cahuita is one of the favorite destinations that every national and international tourist should visit to experience the natural treasures that Costa Rica holds.
However, a poor reputation, resulting from the perception of insecurity affecting Limón and the entire country in general, is limiting the arrival of visitors.
Antonio Mora, a local tourism entrepreneur and manager of a business with over 40 years of experience, told Diario Extra “the bad press being spread internationally about the country has reduced the number of people coming to a peaceful town like Cahuita.”
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This opinion was echoed by Héctor Rivera, an artisan from Turrialba who came to the coast five years ago to sell his products and earn a living. However, he has gradually seen a decrease in tourist arrivals, a scenario that, he said, could be due to the violence plaguing the country.
“Everything is expensive”
Another aspect that merchants lament is the high prices, coupled with a low exchange rate, which leaves them with less income, even though they must continue buying products at the same price.
“We’re already talking about visitors getting 30% or 40% of what they could get before. So, in terms of competitiveness, the country is losing, right? Because, let’s say, we in tourism have to raise prices to cover the expenses we’re incurring,” said Jacqueline Cortés, a local tour guide.
Cortés added that the country’s advantage is that other nearby markets like Panama, El Salvador, and Nicaragua “haven’t woken up,” but she warned that, when they do, Costa Rica will be at a disadvantage due to the high costs here.
“Before, clients would come and buy souvenirs, have breakfast in restaurants, and go on excursions. Now they don’t; they’re more limited, and every time you approach a client and ask, ‘What do you think of Costa Rica?’ their first response is, ‘It’s very expensive, it’s very expensive.’ So, they don’t do tourist activities like they used to,” concluded Cortés.
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What does the ICT say?
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, stated that, despite being a peaceful area, the situation is widespread due to what is happening in other parts of the country.
“It’s an assessment I respect, but I don’t share it. I believe that, nationally, it’s where we have the greatest stigma, not because of Cahuita, but because of the entire Caribbean region,” said Rodríguez.
“So, we constantly make efforts to promote the country without mentioning security, because talking about security is like an airline saying, ‘Look, you get on and you’re safe,’ and no, no, that’s taken for granted,” he stated.
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As part of the measures to address this situation, the government of Rodrigo Chaves inaugurated a Tourist Police Delegation in Cahuita las Friday, which cost around ¢347 million colones.
These funds were provided by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), and the land was donated by the Municipality of Talamanca.
“I am sure, I have no doubt, and I trust in God that He will continue to enlighten and give wisdom to the people of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Bribrí, Bambú, the Quebrada Suri and above, and the center of Limón, so that they know that the destiny of this beautiful homeland is in their hands,” asserted President Rodrigo Chaves.
Regarding the exchange rate, Rodríguez emphasized that his ministry has no influence on this issue and that any complaints “should be made to the Central Bank.”
Jacqueline Cortés: “We know there are problems all over Costa Rica, but the focus is always on the Caribbean, on making it more famous. That’s one of the biggest factors we have and the problem with promotion.”
Héctor Rivera: “There are serious problems here, but one can’t talk too much because there are more serious things happening to the people who speak out. That’s why most people remain silent in the face of the wave of insecurity, out of fear.”
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