Paradise Brokers News

Costa Rica: Retirement Paradise

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:59:22 PST

For many years, Costa Rica has been touted as one of the top retirement havens in the world. With a stable democracy, growing economy government friendly to foreigners and tropical climate, as well as incredible natural beauty, it rightly earned the phrase, “the Switzerland of Latin America.”

Below are a few questions I often receive from our clients who are searching for a retirement spot or investment opportunity. The responses will suggest that Costa Rica is still a terrific place to retire, or to start new life in if you still wish to work, particularly if you choose your location and activities carefully.

ICT To Launch Aggressive Promotional Campaign in the U.S.

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:08:03 PST

The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) wants to attract more tourists to Costa Rica and to that end will launching next monthan aggressive promotional campaign that should see positive results for the coming "summer" season.

Spanish Companies to Invest $1 Billion in Costa Rica

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:11:25 PST

Three of Spain’s biggest hotel chains have announced plans to expand in Costa Rica promising to bring more than $1 billion dollars in development. The news comes as no surprise to the ever so popular tourist destination as the number of European tourists is increasing each year as they flock to the country’s gorgeous beaches and biologically diverse rain forests. Spanish tourists, in particular, are even more common and the inclusion of these well-known Spanish brands is expected to coax more to make the cross-Atlantic voyage.

Costa Rica Tourism Increases Despite U.S. Economic Woes

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:07:35 PST

When the U.S. economy began showing signs of weakness, many speculated as to whether American tourism to Costa Rica would also begin to decline. However, in news that reassures as much as it delights all that are involved in Costa Rican tourism, statistics show that not only have visits to the country not decreased, but they have actually increased in the past year.

Beachfront Boardwalk in the Works for Costa Rica’s Jaco Beach

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:05:14 PST

It’s become apparent that the ever so popular pacific beach town of Jaco is diligently doing its best to try and relinquish the title of Costa Rica’s best party surf town. Not only have many real estate projects begun to call Jaco their home, other major developments such as a new and improved Jaco water plant, and plans for a sewage system are helping to shape up the town’s image. The Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce and other major local investors are doing their part to improve the rapidly growing beach town as well.

Costa Rica Proposes Bill to Lower Diesel Fuel Costs

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:03:50 PST

Minister Rodrigo Arias has announced that the Executive Power presented a new bill to the Legislative Assembly that would eliminate the 97.59 colones tax that is now imposed on Diesel fuel, and that in turn, regular and super gas prices would rise, directly affecting regular commuters; a decision might prove to be difficult to swallow by some.

Costa Rica Bananas Go Carbon Neutral

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:01:55 PST

President Oscar Arias has recently publicized his goal to cut Costa Rica’s net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2021. Costa Rica has already approved a plan of action that includes many different projects that have already been launched to become the first nation ever to offset all its carbon dioxide emissions. If the country can achieve his goal by 2021 Costa Rica will celebrate making environmental history as well as Costa Rica’s 200 years of independence.

Disney Inaugurates “Path to Pura Vida” Tours to Costa Rica

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:21:25 PST

The magical world of Disney has now expanded it’s Magic Kingdom beyond U.S. boundaries. Disney now offers all-inclusive vacations to Costa Rica. The new guided vacation tour packages have been designed for families to take the hassle out of planning a vacation that every member of the family will enjoy. Adventure’s by Disney offers vacations all over the world to countries such as China, Australia, England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Peru, Costa Rica and more. With Costa Rica tourism sky rocketing it’s no wonder that the little Latin American gem was Disney’s next choice in guided vacations.

Costa Rica: An intimate discovery

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:14:33 PST

Our accommodations in Costa Rica ranged from 4-star resorts to very rural, charming lodges. I found the lodges, although rustic and sometimes in very remote areas, to be the most interesting and beautiful.

Record 2.100.000 Tourists Expected This Year

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:26 PST

The Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur) - national chamber of tourism
- expects a 14% growth in tourism this year over the same period last year. The prediction comes from a sustained growth of the number of visitors to Costa Rica during the first five months of the year.

Final Free Trade Measure Fast Tracked

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:01:46 PST

The final measure necessary to bring the free trade treaty with the United States into force advanced Tuesday. The pro-treaty coalition mustered the 38 votes needed to put the measure, which involves changes to the intellectual property laws, on the fast track.

Costa Rica Honored With Sustainable Tourism Award

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:41:04 PST

San Jose, Costa Rica, 06/11/2008 - Costa Rica Honored with Sustainable Tourism Award, Certification in Sustainable Tourism Program ranked as Most Innovative.

SBGR JULY TRIPS

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:05:55 PST

San Buenas Golf Resort is offering a travel package for potential buyers designed to provide a worry-free visit to the property. Buyers simply need to provide the SBGR staff with their arrival and departure information to and from San Jose International Airport and we will take care of the rest.

Record Numbers of Baby Turtles Hatched in Costa Rica

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:52:29 PST

From the Caribbean’s winding Tortuguero canals to the Nicoya Peninsula’s beach environments, Costa Rica is famous for its turtle watching. Indeed, this small country hosts four the the world’s seven marine turtle species on both coasts, providing much-needed nesting grounds for the Hawksbill (carey), leatherback (baula or canal), Olive Ridley (lora), and the Pacific Green (negra).

Costa Rica – The ultimate wildlife destination

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:47:32 PST

An endangered, Elephant Beetle (Megasoma elephas), the size of a hamster, has been found at a London-based, banana packing factory after surviving the journey from Costa Rica. The fruit-loving male beetle has now been re-housed at Linton Zoo near Cambridge and is currently on the lookout for a mate!

IHG and the Medical Tourism Association Join to Facilitate Medical-Related Travel into Latin America

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:37:02 PST

The FINANCIAL -- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, and the Medical Tourism Association, an international, non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, insurance companies, healthcare companies, medical tourism companies, and other affiliated companies, on June 5 announced that the organizations have joined to spearhead an initiative to facilitate medical-related travel into Latin America.

San Buenas Golf Resort Seeks to Improve Environment and Lives of Local Residents

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:15:23 PST

San Buenas Golf Resort is a new residential golf community located south of Dominical near Ojochal in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica that will encompass 640 acres and include single family homes, condominiums, a championship 18-hole golf course, and amenities one would expect from a first-class resort.

Earth University in Costa Rica

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:08:01 PST

Imagine a farm where all the practices are environmentally sustainable and where people from many different countries, cultures and religions work side-by-side. Cows listen to soothing music to promote their well-being, much more carbon is taken in than is produced and the community still makes a decent profit.

US Deputy Secretary of State to Latin America

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:10:38 PST

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is visiting Central and South America to meet with regional officials on a range of issues, including security and trade.

Costa Rica’s INS Goes To Court Over New CAFTA Provisions

Wed, 28 May 2008 14:52:23 PST

Under the recently ratified Central America Free Trade Agreement, Costa Rica’s law making body must enact a series of laws to put them in accordance with the other treaty nations. Some of these individual laws will force previously-monopolized sectors (i.e. ICE’s former telecom monopoly) to open up to private national and international companies, causing quite a stir among the employees and advocates of these state-run institutions.