Costa Rica News - Aug 28, 2005

Better Equipped

Costa Rica is challenging the current financial crisis resulting from the rise in oil prices better than in similar situations in the past, according to analysts. In 1974, Costa Rica suffered the first heavy blow delivered by oil prices, but an increase in the international price of coffee soothed the effects. The second shock came in 1981, when there was no coffee boom to counterbalance it, and the outcome was a serious economic crisis. In contrast, this time Costa Rica faces the challenge with a much greater variety of exports. Twenty-five years ago, the country's exports were basically coffee and bananas, now 3,600 products are sold abroad. Central Bank president Francisco Gutierrez asserted that they are following the developments in the oil market closely, and adopting the necessary measures to maintain economic stability.

American Airlines Adds Caribbean routes

American Airlines said Monday it would add nonstop routes from Dallas to Guanacaste in Costa Rica and Montego Bay in Jamaica beginning Feb. 3. American, the largest U.S. carrier, said if it gets government approval it would fly 142-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Montego Bay. The airline already flies to Montego Bay from Miami and New York. The airline said it also planned to use 737-800s from DFW to Guanacaste, where it already flies from Miami. Dan Garton, American's executive vice president of marketing, said the new flights would strengthen DFW Airport as an international gateway.

Costa Rican Realtors to Sign Deal With US Counterparts

The Costa Rica Global Association of Real Estate (CRGAR) has been approved as a bi-lateral partner to the US-based National Association of Realtors (NAR) as a bi-lateral partner, a move that will greatly expand the resources of the local real estate market. Nicolas Viale, President of CRGAR has confirmed they will sign the bi-lateral agreement at the NAR convention in San Francisco in October. Membership with NAR, an organization founded in 1908 'for the purpose of effectively exerting a combined influence upon matters affecting real estate interests', grants access to support in matters of education, lobbying, policy making, and networking.

Quepos & Manuel Antonio

Quepos and Manuel Antonio are two separate but completely interdependent central Pacific coast towns. Quepos is a fairly good sized town with about 7,000 permanent residents, a large hospital, banks, markets, stores, hotels, bars, restaurants and main bus terminal. Manuel Antonio to the south is much smaller and extends along both sides of the road that stretches 4 1/2 miles up the hill and them down to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Even though there are hotels and restaurants of many nationalities on this hill between Quepos and the park. It is still common to walk along the lush green, tree lined road and see two toed sloths, bright green parrots and large iguanas. In the hills overlooking the ocean are some of the most picturesque and stunning views in the country along with accommodations from luxurious to basic.

San Jose Real Estate
South Pacific Real Estate