China Interested in Costa Rica's Tourist Market

China showed great interest in Costa Rica's tourist market during Costa Rican President Oscar Arias' recent visit to the Asian country, Costa Rican said Monday.

In the coming months, some 200 Chinese experts in tourism are set to travel to Costa Rica to get more detailed information on the local market, said Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides.

Tourism has been one of the Costa Rica's greatest economic assets for around 15 years. The small country - with 51,100 square kilometres and
4.3 million people - is forecast to receive 1.7 million visitors this year and  close to 2 million for the coming tourist season.

The United States, Canada and Europe are currently the main clients of Costa Rican tourism. However, after the Central American country established relations with Beijing in June - to the detriment of Taiwan
- a new market is set to open, the authorities noted.

On October 3, China declared Costa Rica a "recommended destination" for tourists and investors.

Source: InsideCostaRica