Costa Rica's tourism sector expects high occupancy rates during holiday season
Hotel owners expect almost 80 percent occupancy by Dec. 24.
Central America's largest shopping mall to be built in Costa Rica
The Alajuela City Mall will be located near Juan Santamaria International Airport, outside of the capital, and will be ready by 2015.
Costa Rica to host annual medical tourism summit
Costa Rica is among the world’s five best places to retire, according to “International Living” magazine.
Coffee blues: Costa Ricans are drinking less joe
Following the downturn of the national economy, coffee consumption in Costa Rica has dropped in recent years. To reverse the trend, roasters are launching a new media campaign.
Costa Rica ranks third in Latin America in country brand evaluation
Costa Rica ranked first in three categories – Natural Beauty, Environmental Friendliness and Hotels and Resorts – although the company that performed the study is the same one that developed Costa Rica's new brand.
Yahoo Finance: Costa Rica among top five most expensive places to live in Latin America
A finance blog on Yahoo analyzes why the countries are so expensive.
New iPhones likely to hit Costa Rica stores by November
Apple launched two new iPhones this week, including a lower-priced model.
Costa Rica to provide credit for small tourism businesses focused on whale-watching in Osa
Whale migration in Costa Rica's southern Pacific is an important tourism draw, and in line with the country's pro-environmental image.
Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría International Airport to add two new boarding gates
The expansion project, which will help ease air transit in the popular tourism destination, will cost $18 million and take a year to complete.
Syniverse opens office in San José suburb, plans to hire 70 telecom workers
The U.S.-based telecommunications company marks first office in Central America with a visit from Costa Rica's foreign trade minister.
Bill to curb short-term investments could be voted on next week
Libertarian Movement Party lawmaker says the bill's current text is unconstitutional.
Costa Rica joins Pacific Alliance trade bloc
The last requirement for membership, a free trade agreement with Colombia, was signed on Wednesday.
Costa Rica bans shrimp trawling
Permits may be granted in the future if it is established that a new trawling technology can effectibly reduce bycatch, justices of Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled.
Price of used cars set to decrease in coming days
A tax reduction aims to help reduce pollution caused by old cars, Costa Rican officials say.
Industry trade fair to focus on carbon neutrality
Some 200 businesses are expected to participate.
At big hotels, convenience is king
Hotel managers play wise with planning out the concept to stop guests from going overboard with eating and drinking.
It’s getting easier to go solar in Costa Rica
For years homeowners in Costa Rica largely have been locked out of the solar option by high pricing and lack of infrastructure. That’s quickly changing, making solar energy a viable option for energy consumers who want to save money and the planet.
Business sector foresees few changes in hiring for next quarter
hiring expectations for the fourth quarter in 2013 are below last year's numbers among Costa Rican companies.
President’s fiscal agenda gets needed boost
Administration officials are relieved that a political stalemate in the Legislative Assembly seems to be over, as lawmakers approve a series of bills to help reduce the fiscal deficit. But will the measures work without reining in public-sector spending?
Mrs. Fields bakeries expanding Costa Rica, Colombia operations
Local franchisee has already invested some $2 million in seven new locations.
Moín Port could attract foreign investment
Costa Rica’s Caribbean ports need a makeover to compete with 21st century shipping needs. APM Terminals’ Paul Gallie tells The Tico Times how his company can help draw foreign investment to a region that badly needs it.
Labelling not easy for organic food vendors
Every Saturday in San José's Barrio Aranjuez, vendors at Feria Verde, a farmers market, offer healthy organic food that shoppers can't find in supermarkets. But getting the government to certify their products as organic isn't simple.
Grupo Nación announces more layoffs, new investments
The parent company of La Nación will fire 156 employees and launch a new matchmaking website.
How to read Costa Rica’s unemployment figures
Employment is one of those slippery economic statistics that is easily misunderstood.
Costa Rican hotels expect 62 percent ocupancy for mid-year vacations
Beach destinations are favored among local tourists.
Private sector employees ask for 3 percent salary hike
The business sector will present a different proposal next week.
Job fair in San José to offer 1,100 posts
Twenty companies are looking for new employees to hire.
Tubing manufacturer to open first Latin American facility in Costa Rica
Medical devices account for 18 percent of the country’s total exports in 2012.
Costa Rica leads innovation ranking in Latin America
Country climbed 21 positions from last year’s ranking.
Private-sector salary raise set at 2.40 percent
Increase will take effect on July 1.
U.S. burger chain to open first Costa Rica location
Local franchisee expects to open four 50's-style U.S. burger joints by next year.
Costa Rica’s 2013 budget a controversial move
Finance Minister Edgar Ayales on Monday presented the Legislative Assembly with the administration’s 2013 budget, which cuts spending on infrastructure projects, but not the public payroll.
Costa Rica export figures down by 3 percent in first five months of 2013
Foreign Trade officials expect the opening of new markets for Tico products to boost exports in coming months.
Costa Rica's Sala IV OKs association agreement with European Union
Trade agreement between Europe and Central America will enter info force Aug. 1.
Costa Rican inflation: The 2007 breakthrough
Costa Rica is now operating in an inflation range that was an impossible dream for two generations.
Dock workers’ protest closes Caribbean ports
A separate and unrelated street demonstration takes place in Alajuela to demand the government renovate the San Ramón Highway using only public funds.
Delta to add new Minneapolis-San José flight
Nonstop service will begin in December, but is already available for booking.
New five-star hotel opens west of San José
Sheraton Hotel in Escazú has 172 rooms.
Avianca promises not to cancel any more flights to Costa Rica
The Colombian airline last month eliminated five direct flights to the country, angering many travelers and businesses that depend on tourism.
Apple introduces iTunes Radio in bid for streaming market
Apple announces a dramatic makeover of its mobile operating system, iOS 7, and a new desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks.
Companies receive nod for carbon efforts
The Environment Ministry recognizes nine Costa Rican companies for private initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. For the government, private sector efficiency is a win-win situation.
Costa Rica and Colombia sign free trade deal
Costa Rica is now eligible for Pacific Alliance membership.
Costa Rica's coffee harvest could drop by 20 percent due to fungus
Rust fungus continues taking its toll on Central American coffee farmers. In Costa Rica, 35 percent of producers still do not have agrochemicals to fight the problem.
Costa Rica-Peru Free Trade Agreement enters into force
Costa Rica exported $64 million in goods to the South American country last year.
Exphore has innovative options for restaurants and hotels
The trade fair runs through Thursday at Costa Rica’s Centro de Eventos Pedregal.
'We have delivered,' IMF director says
Christine Lagarde: "Encouraged" in Latin America.
New Costa Rican airline offers to operate routes eliminated by TACA
A company proposal includes a fleet of 3-5 Airbus types of aircraft to fill a gaping market gap left by Avianca-TACA, which recently cancelled five direct flights, including to the U.S.
With few options, organic coffee farmers search for sustainable solutions to devastating fungus
Organic coffee farming's emphasis on ecology and prevention may well end up it's best chance for finding a way to coexist with leaf rust.
Costa Rica’s economy to grow less than expected this year
The Central Bank has revised economic activity figures for the first four months of 2012.
Astronaut delivers motor mock-up
The motor is revolutionary, developing thrust on the basis of expelling super-hot plasma gas.
4G mobile network will begin operating June 30 to limited users
The new network will be 10 times faster than 3G.
Costa Rica economy ‘on track,’ Vice President Liberman says
Second Vice President Luis Liberman heads the Chinchilla administration’s economic team. Will his experience in the private banking system help Costa Rica weather rough economic seas?
Hotel owners to request changes in anti-smoking law
Business owners suggested creating spaces exclusively for smokers.
Franchising a good option for start-ups
According to the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, one of the most viable options for business start-ups is franchising. Find out why franchises have been so successful despite a global economic downturn.
Costa Rican coffee exports down 13 percent in last harvest season
Coffee rust could cause a decrease in production of some 200,000 sacks this year.
Lesson: Careful who you recommend
Top Costa Rican politicians wrote letters in favor of former Finance Minister and his wife, both forced to resign last April.
Biz owners challenge Costa Rican Tourism Board
Tourism Board officials a no-show at forum.
Hotel and restaurant owners showcase goods at 2012 Expo
Three days of service industry demonstrations.
For exchange rate, 5 years of stability
In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Costa Rica suffered its worst currency devaluation in history. Today, exchange-rate stability is considered one of the country’s economic victories.
S&P warns of new credit risk
Central America’s sovereign debt “is faced with growing credit risks,” a report noted.
Costa Rica to expand private renewable energy markets
Government goal is to have 95 percent of the country’s energy come from renewable sources by 2014.
Costa Rica: A tale of two economies
Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica increased to a record $2.1 billion in 2011. Growth is projected at double the rate of the U.S. economy. So why is everyone still complaining?
Central Bank: Costa Rica economy has momentum
Despite low consumer confidence, the Central Bank reports this week that the country's production figures are better than expected. That's good news for the economy.
For builders, Expo offers one-stop shopping
Sector sees opportunity in automotive sales.
Is the worst over for language schools?
The Instituto Británico is closing its doors in June but other local language schools think they have what it takes to bounce back from the 2008 economic downturn.
In Costa Rica cigar bars, puff away – for now
Businesses hope Costa Rica's new anti-smoking law won't affect their operations.
Costa Rica needs more taxes ... eventually
Some experts say there's only one way out of Costa Rica's ongoing fiscal deficit problem: new taxes.
Are the eggs on your plate free-range?
Humane Society International launches a program in Costa Rica to convince restaurant and store owners to better market eggs produced from free-range chickens. But consumers still need education, the head of the program says.
Grainger comes to Costa Rica
Industrial supply giant opens fourth location in Central America and the Caribbean.
Starbucks to sell Tico brand in Costa Rica store
Bella Vista coffee selected by international coffee giant
Electricity rates increase in Heredia
ARESEP announces rate hikes for businesses and homes 2012-2013.
Are U.S. chains taking over Costa Rica?
U.S.-based franchises are finding an increasingly open market in Costa Rica. Today, 171 foreign franchises operate here. How will it affect local businesses?
Costa Rica secures $670 million loan for hydroelectric dam
The project is slated to start generating energy in 2016.
Bill to transfer Telecom control advances
The bill still faces one more round of discussions before being signed into law.
Academy helps protect intellectual property
The Justice Ministry, Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce and other groups created the Costa Rican Academy of Intellectual Property to help train public and private agencies to protect intellectual property rights.
Medical tourism businesses expect growth
Companies see opportunities in medical travel.
Chinchilla outlines new fiscal measures
The president wants to implement four measures in order to prevent a financial crisis in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica welcomes two new hotels
Starwood Brand unveils new properties in Costa Rica
It’s easy to unwind in a college town
Heredia has to have a lot to offer to keep fickle student bodies interested.
Spanish learners hit stride in Heredia
Many students traveling to Costa Rica to learn Spanish head straight to the coast. But language schools in Heredia think they'll teach you more.
From coffee to condos, Heredia grows
Since 2000, Heredia’s population has outpaced the rest of country in terms of growth.
Business leaders form new U.K.-Tico Chamber
After years of pondering the idea, U.K. business owners and Tico leaders joined the U.K. Embassy in inaugurating the United Kingdom-Costa Rica Chamber of Commerce.
Visitor data reliable, says tourism official
ICT officials claim they provide a wealth of information generated from Immigration Administration data.
Are Costa Rican Tourism Board numbers inflated?
Association for the Protection of Tourism says industry is losing competitiveness.
New app teaches Costa Rican biodiversity
TOUIT is designed for both Android and iOS operating systems.
Deals still available at Expomóvil
Hundreds of cars and special financing attracted car lovers.
Audi introduces new compact SUV
Despite the Q3’s diminutive stature, the vehicle is long on Audi luxury and options
Check the VIN
When buying a car, checking a vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number can provide useful information.
Buying a car in C.R.: What should you know?
Buying a car in Costa Rica can be tricky. Financing and tax rates can be a burden. We’ll help you through the process.
Costa Rican Hotels Chamber demands government action on Avianca-Taca flight cancellations
The company's actions will lead to 20,000 fewer tourist visits a month, the chamber says.
Lawmakers approve $55 million loan for Caribbean docks
Funds will be used to add a 300-meter dock to the current port.
Hybrid cars gain ground in Costa Rica, still face hurdles
Choices for electric and hybrid cars are limited, but alternative fuel-enthusiasts are pushing their growth.
Ascot mining to expand Costa Rica gold operations
The company has explored 12 percent of its two-kilometer concession area
Costa Rica's Chinchilla to travel to Colombia to pursue Pacific Alliance deal
The president also will attend the inauguration of Ecuador's Rafael Correa.
Costa Rican hotels ready for Holy Week rush
Hotels in Guanacaste and the Caribbean expect to be the two top destinations this year.
Will conflict affect Costa Rican gas prices?
Expert say U.S. and European sanctions against Iran will not directly affect Costa Rica but if conflict continues gas prices could rise.
Tico astronaut Franklin Chang reaches first fundraising goal
Chang hopes to raise money to produce a documentary video about how the plasma rocket engine he designed will function.
British MPs eye Tico environmental program
A delegate from the British House of Commons visits Costa Rica to learn about this country’s environmental services payment program.
Costa Rican lawmakers approve association agreement with European Union
Exports to Europe exceeded $2 billion in 2012.
Delta announces seasonal Costa Rica-New York flight
The company will offer daily flights from December-March.
Costa Rican regulatory agency proposes 80 percent hike in landline phone rates
The rate hike would only be applied to calls to other landline phones, while calls from landlines to cellphones would be cheaper.
Work to begin on new road to Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest community
Many Monteverde business owners have been begging for a new road for decades. This week, work began on a $16 million project that will ease travel to the popular tourist destination in north-central Costa Rica.
Infosys opens outsourcing center in San José
The Costa Rican office will soon offer the company’s entire range of services.
New Costa Rican airline, Ticos Air, now hiring
The airline will begin offering flights to Mexico City, Caracas, New York and Miami in 2014.
Internet slow, but speeding up in Costa Rica
The Costa Rican government expects 16 percent of the population to have a broadband connection by 2016.
Costa Rica ranks high with Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor users
Travelers praise the country for its nature, adventure and friendly fellow travelers.
U.S. medical supplies firm opens $8 million facility in Costa Rica
Company expects to hire 500 employees in the next two years.
Costa Rica, Colombia wrap up free trade deal
Presidents will sign the agreement on May 23.
Delta airlines announces new daily L.A.-San José flight
The new nonstop flight is already available for booking at the company’s website.
What’s new in the mobile market?
The Mobile World Congress showcased the latest in mobile technology. Global smartphone sales could soon top two billion units.
Costa Rica firms ready for new U.S. Tax Law
Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, local agencies will be able to locate U.S. taxpayers who have accounts with them.
New tax could push cruise ships away from Caldera
Tourism business owners fear that a tax increase could force cruise ship companies to use ports in Nicaragua or Panama.
Are Ticos getting hooked on credit cards?
A new report by Costa Rica's Central Bank shows that more Ticos than ever before are using plastic for their purchases.
Sansa Airlines offers discount rates on domestic flights
Passengers must present their Costa Rican identity card or residency permit to take advantage of the offer.
Regional ag ministers agree on program to fight coffee fungus
The roya fungus has damaged 64 percent of coffee crops in Costa Rica, officials said.
Costa Rican exports increased by 7.2 percent in January
Microprocessor components are still the top export product.
Why can’t Central America trade more?
A World Bank report finds that poor roads, bad bureaucracy and inefficiency are hampering business in the region.
Finance minister publishes list of tax delinquents
Outstanding tax debt totals some $26 million.
Seven new hotels to open in the next two years
Costa Rica’s hotel occupancy capacity has increased in the past two years.
ExpoViajes helps Ticos travel the world
Some 717,000 Costa Ricans traveled out of the country in 2011.
Mall Multiplaza del Este to add 80 more stores
Work also includes renovation of current facilities and the addition of 1,100 parking spaces.
AMCHAM elects new board
Café Britt founder Steve Aronson was elected president.
Only 35 percent of Costa Rican corporations will pay taxes on time
Those failing to pay corporate taxes will be blocked from doing business starting Feb 1.
Iberia to increase seats in flights to Costa Rica
Airline carried 194,000 passengers between Madrid and San José in 2012.
Number of cruise tourists decreased in the Caribbean
Authorities say cruise ship staff are warning passengers that Limón is dangerous.
Decree helps fight coffee fungus
Thousands of hectares of Costa Rican coffee plantations have been damaged by a plant fungus known as “roya.”
Economic, climate crises raise risks: WEF
Experts, who were asked to rate 50 global risks, suggested the risk of growing wealth gaps was the most likely to materialize, followed by unsustainable government debt and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Somebody find me a doctor!
A new website offers detailed information on services of 125 doctors in Costa Rica.
Tourism associations at odds over industry statistics
CANATUR President Juan Carlos Ramos said that the group’s recent survey is accurate and includes 120 companies.
AMCHAM awards corporate responsibility
Twenty-six companies with more than 40 projects participated in this year’s ceremony.
Costa Rica's inflation registers 4.26 percent in November
A decrease in fuel prices prevented higher inflation.
Costa Rica exports buses for the first time
A Korean-owned company based outside of San José expects to sell 100 buses in the region in the next two years.
Smashburger opens first Latin American restaurant in Costa Rica
New restaurant is located at Lincoln Plaza mall in San José.
iPhone 5 to arrive in Costa Rica on Dec. 14
Local phone companies have not yet announced service-plan options.
Starbucks’ most expensive coffee is from Costa Rica
The U.S. chain is selling $7 cups of a limited edition brew made from Costa Rica’s Finca Palmilera.
Decree could help boost liquefied natural gas imports in Costa Rica
Officials hope to replace petroleum imports with cleaner natural gas.
Davivienda Financial Group takes control of HSBC
Bank plans to expand operations in El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.
Eurobond sales to help Costa Rica pay down debt
Finance Ministry and the Central Bank will define a payment plan to avoid affecting the exchange rate.
86% of world’s unemployed get no income support: ILO
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 40 percent of workers have unemployment insurance.
Energy players must find common ground
ICE could no longer generate the energy required to meet increased demand.
‘Jawboning’ on interest rates
Low-risk bet: Convert dollars to colones.
Presidential decree ends photocopying row
Student rights advocates took to the streets in reaction, and last week, a demonstration outside of the assembly turned nasty,
Exporters see threat in dollar exchange rate
If the colón were to rise against the dollar, the survival of local exporting companies would be threatened.
Construction in China: Opportunities for Costa Rican firms
Nowadays, the People’s Republic of China is a huge open market, which offers vast opportunities for the construction industry.
Costa Rica exchange rate to stay at ₡500 into 2013
For the rest of 2012 and into 2013, pressure on the Costa Rican colón’s exchange rate versus the dollar will be downwards.
Could Costa Rica become another Greece?
The Tico Times spoke to Planning Minister Roberto Gallardo, the one in charge of coordinating Costa Rica’s ever-growing public sector.
Chinchilla signs tax laws, announces loan
President Laura Chinchilla signed three tax and finance bills into law on Tuesday that will help close tax loopholes and remove Costa Rica from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s “gray list.”
Informal workers: It’s the payroll taxes!
Caja payroll headcount numbers are much harder than fuzzy census estimates.
Coffee symposium to give growers a boost
Some 300 scientists and academics to attend a series of seminars that include more than 450 presentations.
New ‘eco-friendly’ Marriott airport hotel
Courtyard Marriott has the distinction of being that prestigious chain’s first hotel built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications.
Hacienda Pinilla auction to benefit NGOs
The sprawling Pacific coastal property Hacienda Pinilla is on the market. High-end buyers are taking notice, while owners say profits will help fund nonprofit aid groups in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.
University lab taps the power of the sun
Solar association reunites to promote solar energy.
Costa Rica targets strategic trade deals
Costa Rica targets strategic trade deals across the globe.
How to make money by protecting forests
For the past 28 years, César Vindas has staked his plot on a beautiful piece of land in Los Santos region of southern Costa Rica. With the help of the National Fund for Financing Forestry, he’s able to reduce his carbon footprint and protect the forest. You can, too.
Hope for cutting red tape in Costa Rica?
Laura Chinchilla’s National Liberation Party administration has started a low-key project to apply technology to help get government off ordinary citizens’ and entrepreneurs’ backs.
Costa Rica’s unemployment rate could be over 18 percent, says university
Economists from the National University said the unemployment rate could be 18.6 percent when counting the number of people who have stopped looking for work.
Colliers International looking to increase development of mixed-use buildings in greater San José
The real estate company hopes to increase Costa Rica’s attractiveness to international corporations with buildings that include shopping and offices under one roof.
Peru business mission seeks deals with Costa Rican companies
A free trade agreement between Costa Rica and Peru entered into force on June 1.
Regulatory agency requests reduction in Costa Rica electricity rates
Intense rains are expected to help decrease the cost of fuel-generated electricity.
Top Internet streaming services provider expands Costa Rica operations
Local facilities will handle the company’s main operations for Latin American customers.
Costa Rica Attorney General’s Office revokes approval of marina project in Limón
Developers planned to invest some $450 million in the coastal project, partially located on a RAMSAR wetland site.
Hotel occupancy drops during Costa Rica's mid-year vacations
Hotel owners say they face unfair competition from private condo rentals.
Costa Rica Environment Ministry to investigate officials responsible for approving Caribbean marina project
The proposed 88-hectare project would affect protected territories inside Cariari National Wetlands, Costa Rica's Attorney General’s Office ruled this week.
Google coming out with two new Android phones
Two new sophisticated Android smartphones will be made in the United States.
100 years later, Canal to make history again
When finished, the waterway’s annual capacity will be double, from 300 million tons to 600 million tons.
Costa Rica's Chinchilla signs $40 million aid bill for coffee farmers
The trust will help 250,000 mostly small coffee farmers make it through the 20 percent drop in production expected next year.
Digital parking meters replace paper tickets in San José on Monday
Motorists can use debit or credit cards or pay using text messages from cellphones.
Housing market changing
After a boom-bust bubble cycle in the Pacific coast area, real estate property appreciation there and in the Central Valley is once again positive.
New five-star hotel to open in Papagayo, Guanacaste next year
The 382-room luxury hotel will replace the Paradisus Playa Conchal Hotel.
Costa Rica to promote tourist attractions at 26 international fairs
The Costa Rica Tourism Board hopes to arrange meetings with travel wholesalers, agents and specialized media.
Escazú Mayor Barahona: Local government can work
Escazú Mayor Arnolodo Barahona and his progressive Yunta Progresista Escazuceña party wrested control from national political parties in 2010 elections. Two years later, the mayor tells The Tico Times what he’s accomplished.
Intel's CEO takes control of chip division amid mobile push
Intel shares are 17 percent higher this year.
Could a new bill kill Costa Rica's beloved farmer’s markets?
Agriculture and Livestock Ministry officials claim proposed legislation only aims to "strengthen" the farmer’s market program.
U.S. drought to drive up local food prices
One of the worst droughts in the history of the United States will likely have an impact on food prices in Costa Rica, experts say.
Cheese row between Costa Rica and Italy delays EU association agreement approval
Italy: Costa Rica cannot use local cheese brands with Italian regional names.
Do Costa Rica crops have a ‘Water Footprint’?
“In Costa Rica, government officials prioritize short-term development that puts at risk what’s most important for the country’s development: water and land,” experts say.
Puerto Rico trade mission seeks Costa Rican investment
Trade negotiations with the Caribbean island started in 2009, after the signing of a free trade agreement with the U.S.
Delta Airlines to offer nonstop flight between San José and Los Angeles
Airlines are beginning to react to Avianca-Taca's cancellation of nonstop flights to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica's business climate still weak on hiring, investment, study finds
Most Costa Rican companies in the Central Valley do not plan to hire new staff or make investments in the next six months.
New mall set to open in Puntarenas in 2015
The initial investment will total $20 million.
Costa Rican food industry seeks expansion in region
Local businesses will hold 70 meetings with major distributors in three countries this week.
Costa Rica foreign trade mission promotes country in China, India
Officials will invite Chinese business leaders to participate in a regional fair in Costa Rica in November.
Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría International Airport to add new stores, supermarket
Airport expansion will help accommodate an additional 260,000 passengers per year, an 18 percent increase from the airport's current capacity.
Lawmakers, officials push for 2 new airports in Costa Rica
Talks about building a new airport in Costa Rica's Southern Zone have gone on for nearly a decade. Officials now may be getting closer to a deal. Meanwhile, at least one lawmaker wants to build another airport in the Northern Zone.
Avianca Airlines offers new Costa Rica-New Jersey flight
The new route will stop in El Salvador.
NBC pulls out of Costa Rica starting Oct. 1
Local cable companies announced on Monday that NBC was cancelling its signal here, although no further details were given.
Chinchilla’s trip: What you need to know
President Laura Chinchilla wraps up a tour of Asian nations China and South Korea. What big business plans will she bring home for Costa Ricans?
Costa Rica registers 7.7 percent growth in service-sector exports
Services have accounted for one-third of Costa Rica’s total exports during the first half of the current year.
Tico astronaut Franklin Chang raises online funds for upcoming documentary film
Chang turned to KickStarter.com to help promote the launch of his plasma engine, which is set for a mission in 2014.
Business sector asks for electricity-rate hikes for everyone but them
The proposed measure would affect rates for households and even public schools.
Regulatory agency approves decrease in fuel prices
The per liter price of diesel will increase by ₡15.
Costa Rican hotels saw low occupancy during mid-year vacations
The country’s economic situation has forced Ticos to cut leisure spending, says the National Tourism Chamber.
Airport duty free stores expanding
Sales last December alone totaled $843,000.
Costa Rican cocoa among the best in the world
A Tico product also took first place among regional producers at a competition in France.
Hey Ticos, want to travel? Check out these great tourism deals over the weekend
Several tourism companies are offering great deals for Costa Rican nationals in an effort to boost domestic tourism.
German electronics company to open $10 million facility in Costa Rica
The operation will provide jobs to some 200 people over the next three years.
HP to move 400 Costa Rica jobs to India
Employees will be offered positions in other local units.
New hotel in Guanacaste offers jobs for 300 people
Hotel is in search of bilingual staff for administrative and operative posts.
Wage raise for Costa Rica's private sector set at 3.78 percent
The proposal received "yes" votes from unions and government council members, while employers voted against it.
Costa Rica signs agreement to report holdings of U.S. citizens living here
Costa Rica becomes the second country in Latin America to sign an agreement to comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, FATCA.
