The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), a non-profit, apolitical organization in charge of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Costa Rica, received the presidential candidate of PAC, Carlos Alvarado, the vice-presidential candidate, Epsy Campbell, and other members of his work and communication team to discuss topics related to the country’s competitiveness, which are key fo...

Former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, has been appointed to be new Vice President of the World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid (WLA-CdM). This organization is the largest forum of democratically elected former presidents and PMs working to encourage democracy, its institutions and values all over the world. Chinchilla, who was the first woman to become President of Costa Rica, is ...

For the first time, Costa Rica has been chosen to host the largest cruise ship conference in the region, namely the Central America Cruise Summit, which will be held in the National Congress and Convention Center in 2019. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the world's largest cruise ship organization, has taken advantage of this occurrence to promote Costa Rica as the host of this...

The Coca Cola Company officially announced the establishment of one of its largest and most technologically advanced plants in the city of Liberia, Guanacaste. The new plan represents an initial investment of approximately $50 million and will be located across the Daniel Oduber International Airport in the Solarium Free Trade Zone; the plant of 34,000 square meters (365,973 square feet or 8.4 ...

Starting October 28, 2018, the Air France-KLM group will operate one daily flight between Costa Rica and Europe during the European 2018-2019 winter season. This is the third time that Air France is increasing its offerings since November 2, 2016, when it opened the Paris-San José route with 2 flights per week. It initially increased to 3 flights per week for the current 2017-2018 winter season...

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed that the country saw the arrival of an additional 100 cruise ships during the 2016-2017 season in comparison to the 2014-2015 period, an increase which supports a successful strategy that began two years ago aimed to revive this industry in the country. Representatives of ICT are taking part of the Seatrade Cruise Global Fair, the largest cruise ship...

This March 7, 2018 Starbucks Coffee Company opens the doors to its Visitor Center at Hacienda Alsacia, located on the company’s 600-acre (240 hectare) coffee farm on the slopes of the Poas volcano in Costa Rica. Hacienda Alsacia is a working farm that has served as a global research and development facility for Starbucks since 2013. Now open to the public, visitors will have the chance to experien...

This past February 7 Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray of the Western District of North Carolina fount two United States citizens who resided in Costa Rica guilty for their roles in a $10 million telemarketing scheme that defrauded primarily elderly victims in the United States from call centers in Cost...

The Costa Rican government invests over U.S. $100 million a year in environmental protection according to information provided by Treasury, the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Cepal) in their study Estimation of Public Expense in Environmental Protection published this March 1st. The amount is equivalent to a 0.19% of the GNP, ...

The opening of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica was announced by Sunwing Travel Group, a North American integrated travel company, which signed a deal with iconic lifestyle brand Planet Hollywood to dramatically increase the footprint of Planet Hollywood's hotel operations globally. The press release stated: For more than 25 years, the Planet Hollywood brand has been positioned as th...

As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of agro-commodity production, with the click of a button, companies buying pineapples from Costa Rica – one of the world's largest producers of the fruit – can now see if their suppliers are engaged in deforestation or not, with help from the United Nations' Green Commodities Programme. The Land Use Change Monitoring Syst...

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The American company Microtechnologies –specializing in innovating and delivering critical components for global industries– inaugurated today its new production plant in the Terra Industrial Park, in Coyol of Alajuela, Costa Rica. The new facility of 15,000 square meters- marks the celebration of the company’s twentieth anniversary in the country and represents a milestone of innovation within...

The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) and Georgia Tech, signed an agreement that will allow to develop training programs for Costa Ricans, in academic areas of high demand in the actual labor market. The academic programs will be oriented to offer academic and training programs in the country in high demand areas such as: analytics, cybersecurity, data science, user experience and...

Heraeus Medical Components, today held the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, underscoring its commitment to its global customers, innovation and growth in Costa Rica. Recognized as one of the world’s leading medical device suppliers, Heraeus designed the Cartago site to play a major manufacturing role in its Finished Devices business line, which includes cardiovascu...

The global consulting firm McKinsey & Company inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility located in Lagunilla, Heredia, Costa Rica. The inauguration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Firm’s Global Managing Partner Mr. Dominic Barton, the President of CINDE, Mr. Luis Gamboa and Mr. Alexander Mora, Minister of Foreign trade, along with local McKinsey colleagues. McKinsey started...

Last year (2017) was transcendental for the Life Sciences sector, in Costa Rica: it became the main product of goods exportations. Statistics from the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer by its Spanish acronym) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX by its acronym in Spanish) reveal that, for the first time in Costa Rica’s history, it surpassed the agricultural sector. In 2017, Lif...

The global medical device company, Smith & Nephew opened its GBS (Global Business Services) operation in Costa Rica today, to provide globally specialized shared services. This diversification of operations will allow the addition of 150 new collaborators in the next two years, with an investment of around 1.8 million dollars. The inauguration of the GBS was attended by the President of the ...

The U.S. Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce three upcoming outreach events – two in La Fortuna and one in San Ramon. Our Consular staff will be on hand to provide routine services and answer any questions. To RSVP for passport renewals, notary services, and federal benefits inquiries, please indicate your preference by writing to [email protected]. Any applicable fees must be paid in ca...

Radisson Blu Resort and Spa will be coming to Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The announcement was made by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. The construction of the hotel that will have 100 rooms will begin late this year with the expectation to open doors in 2020. The Gulf of Papagayo area is known for its breathtaking beaches and the beautiful Santa Rosa National Park, home to a rare dry tropi...

For travelers interested in going on a fitcation—a healthy vacation where one participates in physical activities, Costa Rica offers a thrilling mix of adventures. Being healthy doesn't have to be placed on hold while on vacation. In Costa Rica, travelers find a myriad of options set in a tropical oasis, which will make staying fit effortless and enjoyable. The country offers a variety of adventur...

Roche, the world’s largest biotech company and leader in vitro diagnostics, today officially inaugurated its new IT Global Shared Service Center in Costa Rica. Roche has invested US$1.5 million in the Shared Service Center which will support both the Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics divisions of Roche, handling IT support calls from employees across the U.S. and Canada. The capital expenditure incl...

The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE by its Spanish acronym) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX by its Spanish acronym) revealed that 2017 was a positive year for Costa Rica thanks to the 40 investment projects attracted and generated 13,754 new jobs. The new multinational companies and the already established and growing industries, in the sectors of life sciences, corporat...

The United States’ Embassy and the Department of Labor of the US, will be donating US$2 million to improve the implementation of labor laws in the Costa Rican agricultural sector. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs of the Department of Labor describes the objectives of the project: “The project’s goal is to improve enforcement of minimum wage, hours of work, and occupational safety and h...

New Jersey is the destination of the month at Avianca Airlines; this route which was inaugurated in November by Avianca is being promoted with prices starting at $409.00 roundtrip. Avianca flights leave the Juan Santamaria Airport and arrive at the Newark Airport five days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, flights make a stop in El Salvador. The rate is available for ...

Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa – the luxurious resort situated on Costa Rica’s scenic northwestern Pacific coast – will host the 2018 PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Essential Costa Rica Classic May 7-13 on its Robert Trent Jones II golf course. The 2018 tournament – sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute – will feature 144 professional golfers from numerous countries. Customary for...

196 Pre-Columbian pieces mainly made of stone and others in ceramic which were part of Costa Rica’s archeaological treasure and that had been taken out of the country to Venezuela illegally will arrive back to the country on January 2, according to a press release by the Costa Rica National Museum. The items were pieces sculpt by native Costa Rican indigenous, and have, therefore, historic impo...

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, located in the heart of Playa Guiones­, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world, underwent a world-class renovation and expansion. This hotel is designed by and for, surfers and outdoor lovers. A landmark at the beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel provides casual relaxation, comfort and excellent service. Internationally acclaime...

Qatar donated US$1million to Costa Rica to be used for the attention and rebuilding process of the áreas affected by tropical storm Nate and Otto hurricane. Through a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the funds will be deposited in an account of the National Emergency Committee (CNE). “Receiving this generous help from friendly countries is very meaningful. A countr...

The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE for its Spanish acronym) was recently designated as the best investment promotion agency in the world by the International Trade Centre (ITC). This is an organization created by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. CINDE’s case is used now as reference by ITC to create a comparative evaluation tool, specialized for other promoti...

Guanacaste Wildlife Protected Areas During the holidays the number of visitors to the Guanacaste Wildlife Protected Areas increases and therefore the Guancaste Conservation Area (ACG) establishes a special attention schedule for tourists to be able to experience the different areas. The following schedules will be in place through Sunday, January 7, 2018: Santa Rosa Sector: The Santa Ro...

Introducing unique traditions from around the world into your family festivities is a fun way to celebrate the holidays. In Costa Rica, tamales are a must at Christmas time. Ticos gather days beforehand for a tamaleada—an occasion where the whole gang comes together to prepare and cook delicious tamales, making for an excellent activity to enjoy with loved ones. Once the tamales are ready they are...

For the first time, the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID) will teach its prestigious and innovative Summer School platform outside of Denmark. Costa Rica has the privilege to host its courses between April 9th-27th, 2018. The Summer School is focused on participants from both Latin American and from the rest of the world who are willing to learn about innovation and disruptive ...

The first Urban Wave in the country was inaugurated in the Jass Surf Shop in Playa Jaco, Puntarenas, where several surfers, including the coach of the National Surf Team, Jim Hogan, were able to test it out. An Urban Wave simulates popular boarding such as surfing and body boarding, specially produced surfboards allow you to surf standing up, on your knees or lying down. It is designed to pre...

Airbnb announced today the launching of its platform Experiences in Costa Rica, adding to the growing list of international destinations that offer local Experiences. Costa Rica is the first country in Central America and the sixth destination in Latin America and the Caribbean after Habana, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Jamaica in being part of Experiences Airbnb. The platf...

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, will assume management of a new collection of environmentally designed private villas and estate homes set to commence construction in February 2018. Construction completion is targeted for mid-Q4 2019. The announcement was made by US based investment firm Gencom. The exclusive enclave of 20 wholly owned properties...

CSS Corp is leading IT Services and Technology Support company that has been in Costa Rica for four years, they announced today the opening of its new delivery center in the country in the town of Tres Ríos, La Union, east of the Great Metropolitan Area, at Terra Campus, this is part of CSS Corp's strategy to diversify its footprint globally. The inauguration of the new center augments the com...

The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) has relaunched the website www.thetalentplace.cr, aimed at students and professionals seeking information on the most sought-after careers in the industry, as well as serving as a liaison between technical and university students and leading companies interested in the best talent to occupy internships and professional practices within their orga...

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme), known as Merck in the United States and Canada, inaugurated this past November 29 its Financial Services Center in Costa Rica. Through this Financial Services Center, MSD will support the company's Accounting, Planning and Financial Analysis activities in the Americas, from Canada to Chile. To date the center has generated 200 new jobs. Susana Pardo, Executive Direct...

Costa Rica will be the representative of the investment agencies of Central America and the Caribbean before the world's most important grouping of such organizations. The Coalición Costarricense de Iniciativas de Desarrollo (CINDE – 'Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency'), was elected today in Dubai as a member of the executive committee of WAIPA, an association comprised of more than 170 inve...