This week the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) pledged US$3 million to upgrade the country’s national parks, which will be invested over the next three years, said tourism officials.

The first allocation of a million dollars will be for Tenorio Volcano National Park, which was affected by Hurricane Otto last November, and Manuel Antonio National Park, the country’s most visited park.

The funds will also be used to upgrade park entrances using an automated system, said the ICT.

The announcement, which coincided with the celebration of National Parks Day in Costa Rica, included the possibility of extending the financing for an additional three years beyond the initial funding.

The works will be carried out through a cooperative agreement between the ICT and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC).

“Tourism is the engine of social and economic development of the country and undoubtedly represents the effective tool to promote the sustainability of protected areas; therefore, it is extremely important that efforts are made to improve the conditions of these important tourist sites, in order to provide an even more pleasant experience for both nationals and foreigners,” said Solís.

 

The investments seek to encourage increased tourist activity in protected nature areas by enhancing infrastructure, and upgrading equipment, services and installations, said the ICT.

As part of the agreement, MINAE-SINAC will carry out a diagnosis of the current situation of the country’s protected areas in order to prioritize the investments needed to improve visitors’ experiences, and the management of the areas.

This year, the Tenorio Volcano National Park will see improved access roads, fee collection booth, bathrooms, as well as a first aid station, an office for local guides, a gift shop, and improvements to the path called “Mysteries of the Tenorio.” The work will be carried out over the next six months.

Also in the project’s first year are plans for the design and construction of the visitor’s center at the Manuel Antonio National Park. This project consists of a building that includes a gift shop and cafeteria, waiting areas, meeting rooms and exhibition halls, administrative offices, and collection houses. In addition, a roofed area will be designed for buses, in order to facilitate the entrance of tourists and improve attention to visitors.

Finally, as part of the funds destined for this year, the ICT will invest in a software to create a system to automate the sale of tickets to national parks.

“We are a competitive destination in tourism, and therefore we must unite efforts to improve those areas which have priority needs. Our national parks need to optimize their infrastructure and services; this is why the ICT is committed to making this important investment during the next three years and to working together with MINAE-SINAC to implement concrete actions to ensure a rewarding experience for those who visit them. Without visitors, the country’s protected areas would not be able to finance their operation, or generate a positive impact on tourism businesses and the surrounding communities that have made a living from tourist-related economic activities,” concluded Ventura.