The Organization of American States recently concluded the first training stage for the Hotel and Tourism industry. A number of Hotels and Entrepreneurs benefited from this activity in obtaining knowledge and tools as to how to improve their competitiveness within the tourism industry.

182 Costa Rican companies from regions such as Manuel Antonio, Caribbean, Golfito, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Central Valley and the metropolitan area participated in this event. Several hotel owners have already started making necessary changes and adaptations to their properties such as adding or improving air conditioning, cable TV, better infrastructure and cuisine.

Costa Rica’s small hotel industry is quite unique due to the fact that many of these hotel owners used to be farmers or in the cattle industry and have decided to give tourism a shot. Although the majority have shown a very educated transition, they still require the industry’s know how in order to be competitive. During the program’s first stage, areas such as support networks, training and technical assistance, marketing and promotion and services such as information and consulting were developed.

Another development includes a diagnostic program which will help target specific areas in which these hotels will require assistance. A website was also created in which the marketing and promotion of the region’s hotels will be displayed.

Located near the town of Liberia in Guanacaste, is the small depiction of Africa’s Serengeti. Costa Rica’s recent and most popular attraction has given way to experience a piece of Africa up close and personal.

Many have only dreamed of going to Africa after watching National Geographic or the Discovery Channel, however, Africa Mia has narrowed the stretch for those nature buffs looking for a real life experience.

Africa Mia has been a dream of many years for Mrs. Roxy Castro and her son Mario Sotela . They had bought a ranch in the town of Bagaces which resembles the East African plains and wildlife habitats. After an almost $10 million investment, Africa Mia today has paid off thanks to the unbreakable dream of its owners.

The attraction currently has over 150 animals, all herbivore, which include giraffes, zebras, the giant eland, bongos, warthogs, ostriches, camels, and have several more coming in from Africa. The animals all live in a safe and well protected environment under an excellent health plan. Visitors can immediately see the calm and laid back attitude of the creatures. Many have even reproduced thus increasing the population.

The Africa Mia attraction is a must see for all of those visiting or vacationing near the area. A large number of cheap, low budget hotels as well as the more popular all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica are nearby thus allowing for a fun day trip to Africa Mia.

Also known as the Land of Adventure, Costa Rica’s Northern Plains are an excellent setting for finding the country’s most spectacular settings.

Costa Rica’s northern plains are adorned by small rural towns famous for their hospitality and beautiful landscapes. With rivers, mountains, volcanoes, lakes, and unique animals, Costa Rica’s extensive and fertile northern plains are home to some of the most exotic and attractive landscapes of the country.

Within the northern plains sits the majestic Arenal volcano, the most active and perfectly shaped volcano in the region. The Arenal volcano offers a daily display of fumes during the day and incandescent lava flows during the night.

Several hotels and spas are carefully located around the volcano’s base. From the Five Star Hotel Arenal Kioro with its private therapeutic Hot Spings to other low budget accommodations, tourists have a wide variety of choice as to where to relax and rejuvenate during their stay.

Right next to the Arenal Volcano is the Arenal Lake , the largest in Costa Rica. This lake provides hydroelectric energy and irrigates great part of the country. It also serves as a great activities and fishing place for locals as well as tourists. Windsurfing, Jet Skiing and kayaking are just a few water sports that are carried out on the lake. Its cool refreshing waters as well as its intriguing flora and fauna delight tourists year round.

For more active tourists looking for adventure, the northern plains also offer white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River, zip lining through lush canopy, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, bungee jumping and much more.