The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) has been aggressive in promoting the country as a destination for different forms of tourism and to different markets.

Just this week the Minister of Tourism Mauricio Ventura announced the launching of  new campaign and country image “Costa Rica: My Choice, Naturally”; he also confirmed the interest in appealing to the European market and to also promote the country as a destination for corporate and meetings tourism (congress and conventions).

Now, the ICT also launches the country strategy Wellness Pura Vida, with the objective of promoting the country as a destination for medical and wellness tourism and as part of the strategy the country is following for diversifying and consolidating the tourism offer, incorporating products and services that have great potential.

According to data by Global Wellness Tourism Economy, this form of tourism had a growth of 10.6% from 2013 to 2015 and it’s a US$563,000 million market; it is estimated that these tourists spend 130% more than the average tourist.

Positioning the country as wellness destination, that offers unique and life changing experiences which will improve the quality of life of those visiting the country and incorporating the wide range of activities offered are the goals sought by this strategy.

Minister Ventura also highlighted the efforts being done by the government to better the tourism services offered and strengthen the economic activity of the communities; generating opportunities for business owners to innovate and diversify.

Promoting wellness tourism is also a way to promote many other services and products such as outdoor activities, sport activities, local healthy gastronomy, personal care, medical and dental care, relaxation techniques, meditation and relaxation practices, among many others.