According to the show organisers, the judges chose the Costa Rica stand for the combination of sound effects, music and general decoration recreating a tropical rainforest, which would make visitors feel as if they were in Costa Rica, and would certainly inspire htem to visit the country.

The 250 square metre stand at ExCel recreated Costra Rica’s abundant natural resources and helped promote the country as a sustainable tourism destination and differentiate it from others.

Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, highlighted how important for the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT) and 25 other individual tourism businesses was to be present at WTM, as the most important trade show for the British market, and one that pays special attention to sustainable tourism, which is something the country heavily promotes.

“We are delighted with this award and at ICT we will continue to work on the promotion of Costa Rica in important markets like the UK,” Mr Flores said.

The UK is the fourth biggest market for Costa Rica after Spain, Germany and France.  In 2010 Costa Rica received 34,745 British visitors (80% of which arrived by air).  Almost half of British visitors went there on the recommendation of family or friends.  The average stay is 14 nights and each visitor spends an average US$93 per week.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for activities such as canopy tours, snorkelling, surfing and birdwatching, as well as for its beaches.

SanJose.mobi
To find out all the latest news and information whilst in San Jose. City.Mobi has launched its new guide to the city.

SanJose.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.