With spa vacations and delicious traditional cuisine, officials from the National Tourism Board of Costa Rica (Spanish initials ICT) are currently in London along with 32 tour operators and hoteliers for the 2014 World Travel Market. In preparation for this event, the ICT contacted 25 important tourism business entities in the United Kingdom and key Eruopean markets for the purpose of making our country more attractive to our jolly old friends from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The World Travel Market is a major tourism expo that is taking place in London until tomorrow, at the Excel Convention Center. Minister of Tourism Wilhelm von Breymann explained to national radio station Columbia 98.7 FM that his analysts paid special attention to this years’ World Travel Market expo because attracting more British tourists is a major goal for ICT.

The United Kingdom is the fourth major tourism segment in Costa Rica. Our jolly old friends from the UK stay an average of two weeks in Costa Rica, and spend about 59 pounds sterling (about $94) per day. On average, UK tourists visit Costa Rica with the intention of getting to know the natural treasures of our country. They also enjoy quiet and relaxing spa treatments and are enthusiastic about tasting local cuisine. To this end, the ICT sent two chefs to London as well as a master chocolatier who will show expo attendants how to make hot chocolate according to the Bribri indigenous recipe of making an infusion of cacao beans and sugar cane.

Spa practitioners, yoga instructors and massage therapists also traveled to London to show expo attendants the many relaxing opportunities that can be found in our mountain retreats, beach spas, and cloud forest hideaways.

In 2013, there were more than 35,000 visitors from the UK who arrived in Costa Rica; this represents a 10 percent year-over-year increase. From January to September 2014, that increase has climbed to 11 percent as more travel agencies in the UK are explaining to their clients that Costa Rica offers certain attractions that are not commonly found in Old Blimey.