Costa Rica is a country thriving in tourism and with 6% of the worlds biodiversity it isn't surprising. Here are a few interesting statistics about just how well tourism is thriving in Costa Rica:

• Tourism industry is $1.7 billion every year.
• As most places are protected, Eco-tourism is VERY popular and the main industry driver.
• The local tourism market is growing at a 7.1% annual growth rate.
• More than 1.73 million tourists come every year.
• 48% of tourists are from USA, 16% from Europe and 36% from other countries.
• Great opportunities for tourist real estate development, including marinas and golf courses.
• The tourism industry really starting to thrive in the 1930s and has been growing intensely ever since.
• Transport links are easy from north to south, east to west so traveling around is always no hassle.

• Employment levels in the industry are at an estimate of 86,000.
• Costa Rican tourism industry has a lot of strong characteristics; highly qualified human resource availability, bilingual administrative personnel and a big range of architectural, engineering and environmental skills specialised in hotel development..

The tourist operation infrastructure consists of:
• 97% electricity coverage.
• 99% urban drinkable water (92% rural).
• 34 fixed telephone lines to every 100 inhabitants.
• 934 internet users per 10,000 inhabitants.
• Many ports and airports.

Many tourists are put off coming to Costa Rica as in the UK it is slowly becoming renowned as a tropical paradise but a lot of people know little of the country assuming it is quite poverty ridden. With strong statistics such as these that continue to grow, tourists should be flocking to the area!

This article was brought to you by Caroline Wilson, a web consultant for Costa Rica News.