Costa Rica positions itself as ‘sanctuary’ on new European recovery campaign

The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) has launched Costa Rica Sanctuary – the new European recovery campaign to position the country as a ‘safe’ destination and to inspire visitors to travel post Covid-19. The aim of the campaign – which has renowned TV presenter, Julia Bradbury, as one of its UK ambassadors – is to build back trust with consumers and to showcase Costa Rica as the ultimate natural escape: a ‘sanctuary’.

Costa Rica’s sector-wide Covid-19 recovery efforts were recently recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), who gave Costa Rica its Safe Travels stamp, which allows travellers to identify destinations and businesses which have adopted the global standardised health and hygiene protocols.

To launch Costa Rica Sanctuary in the UK, Costa Rica’s first authentic content-focused channel has been created. The new sanctuary channel, which will act as the main activity hub, will showcase the real Costa Rica through real eyes – individuals who will explain how they found their ‘sanctuary’ in Costa Rica through a variety of inspiring videos and stories sit across five pillars: culture; adventure; wellness; nature and wildlife; and sustainability.

Some of these personalities include well-known faces such as British presenter and documentary specialist, Julia Bradbury. Julia, who recently returned from her second trip to Costa Rica, is showcasing her ‘sanctuary’ through a series called ‘Tico Thursdays with Julia Bradbury’ that were recently unveiled on Visit Costa Rica’s UK Instagram and Facebook channels.

The Costa Rica Sanctuary campaign has also rolled out in other European countries including Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Gustavo Segura Sancho, Costa Rica’s tourism minister, said: “We want to position our country as an ‘aspirational’ destination; a ‘sanctuary’ in the middle of the global pandemic. Those willing to travel should really count on Costa Rica – a place with no real crowds and where the vast majority of activities take place outdoors.”

Visitors from all over the world are now allowed to enter Costa Rica as long as they complete a digital epidemiological form and have travel insurance that covers accommodation accommodations in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to Covid-19 illness – this insurance can be also acquired at the airport in Costa Rica. A negative result of the PCR Covid-19 test is not necessary anymore for passengers who enter the country by air.