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.