Press Release// With the objective of intensifying the promotion in Europe and to take advantage of the potential of the English market, Costa Rica’s Tourism Board (ICT) along with 47 tourism companies are taking part in the World Travel Market (WTM) that is taking place in the Excel Convention Center in London from November 7 through November 9.

Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, explained that the United Kingdom occupies the second place in terms of the largest amount of international air arrivals for the first semester of the current year, which clearly reflects the drive of this market after the arrival of British Airways to the country and therefore Costa Rica’s participation in the main touristic fair of the English market is essential.

“We have a clear objective of positioning the country in Europe, after the work done in attracting airlines, this must be complimented with actions of great reach like the participation in international fairs in our main markets; the ICT and Costa Rican tourism companies that participate in this event present ourselves as one team that seeks to impress and represent our country in the best way”, commented Ventura.

According to Ventura, the direct flight offered by British Airways did not only strengthen our positioning in the English market, but also it became an incentive for tourism companies, which went from 34 organizations registered in the WTM last year to 47 in this edition.

During the first semester of 2016, the arrivals via air from the UK grew by 60.8%, totaling 29,132 international arrivals; for this reason, our country seeks to innovate and show Costa Rica as a multi-destination in itself.

More emphasize is being given in presenting the country as a destination of authentic cultural richness, as a compliment to the image of nature and adventure; for this, cultural elements were incorporated in the construction of the stand, in addition to Costa Rican traditional dances and music, as well as tastings of traditional food.