I’ve been ranting a bit lately about this new and alarming trend that I’ve seen develop over the last few years in Costa Rica tourism.
I called it the other day a form of commoditization.
In other words, Costa Rica begins to look and feel like any other vacation destination among the panoply of choices.
But I know and you should know that Costa Rica is not like that.
One of the main culprits behind this trend is the now ubiquitous Hotel + Flight deals that I find would-be customers choosing more and more of these days.
Choosing those over a real authentic experience of Costa Rica…
they’d rather a “deal.”
Well all deals are not made equal and in my opinion the Hotel + Flight deal is a “raw” one.
One that leads to a less than outstanding experience of this country.
In this post I want to discuss not only about your experience, but also how the vacation you choose might be “experienced” by Costa Rica itself…
That is, the impact your choice might have on the country and its people.
And the best way to have a positive impact is by keeping your Costa Rica vacation local.
You’ve probably heard this phrase (“keep it local”) used in other contexts besides travel.
I am from the Southeastern U.S. and years ago a certain phenomenon occurred that has had repercussions on small-town U.S.A., especially the southern part, until this day.
Walmart moved into town.
And then the town just kind of died a slow and painful death.
Why?
Because no one bought local any more. Everyone wanted to save a buck or two via the commoditized shopping experience that was and is Walmart.
Then Walmart was followed by a whole host of other commoditization offers. The mom and pop superette, or hardware store, or toy store or pet store, or you-name-it store, just kind of when poof and disappeared…as did the small farmer and pretty much the entire small town.
So, what’s that got to do with Costa Rica?
Well, if this trend continues, I have a feeling that many of the locally owned tourism offerings, like hotels and tours and restaurants that offer an authentic experience of the country will be replaced with commoditized goods from abroad.
Like mega-all-inclusive-resorts that feature imported employees and pretty much imported everything else, along with millions of exported dollars.
Dollars that never see the light of a genuine Costa Rica bank account or pocket.
Is that good for the country?
Well I guess you could make the same argument that Walmart would make before the local zoning board. More is better for everyone and we will bring more…more stuff and more people that are addicted to it.
Sure I will admit the trend may mean higher overall tourism numbers for Costa Rica. But if no one actually in Costa Rica is really benefiting from it…so what?
And if it’s just watering down the rich experience that Costa Rica can provide…what’s to say that the typical tourist will come once and then think…
“eh, nothing special.”
There was something special about small town U.S.A. that was lost in this commoditization. And I believe Costa Rica is under threat of losing out in a similar way.
Losing its special-ness…along with the actual money that flows from a healthy and sustainable tourism industry.
That special-ness is even more important than the money since it is what will best assure that the money will continue to flow and benefit those that need it most…
Costa Ricans.
So, where do you enter the picture?
Just say no to the Flight + Hotel deal. Make your choices with intention to “buy local” and experience what the real Costa Rica is all about.
How do I do that, you ask?
Well, give me a call and I’ll be glad to help.
image credit: navarzo4 via Compfight cc
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5 Reasons to Say No to the Costa Rica All Inclusive Resort • Package Costa Rica
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