Archive for the ‘Stories’ Category

Costa Rica Real Estate Listing

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

If you have been following real estate around the world for any amount of time, you have probably realized what a real estate boom is going on in Costa Rica. The country is a small one, and many people are finding that Costa Rica is the paradise that they have been searching for. Perhaps you are interested in purchasing property in Costa Rica, and if you are, you may want to check out Costa Rica real estate listings to find a piece of property that you are interested in. However, you may be wondering where you can find a good Costa Rica real estate listing, so the following are a few places that you may want to check.

Check with an Agent

One popular place to look for a good Costa Rica real estate listing is with a real estate agent for Costa Rica. There are many good agents that deal with real estate in Costa Rica, and they can provide you with many real estate listings and help you find the property that you really want in the country. All you have to do is tell the agent what you are looking for, and they can probably come up with several Costa Rica real estate listings that you’ll want to have a closer look at.

Take a Look at Online Sites

Another place that you can find a great Costa Rica real estate listing is at online sites. There are a variety of sites that actually have listings for properties in Costa Rica. Often the have descriptions of the property, and many actually have some pictures that you can look at as well.

While it may take a bit more work on your part, you may enjoy the search for the perfect Costa Rica real estate listing. So, if you don’t really want to go to a real estate agent yet, then consider going to an online site for the Costa Rica real estate listing that you want.

Click here for great home listings www.gaprealestate.com

Want to Start a Business in Costa Rica? – First Understand Costa Rica Trends

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

want-to-start-a-business-in-costa-rica.pngMany people often ask me what kind of business opportunities are available in Costa Rica. If you have any sort of entrepreneurial spirit you will find countless opportunities in this country, but first it is important you fully understand the culture and economy a bit better. One of the ways I describe Costa Rica is that in many ways it follows U.S. trends, but is just 5-10 years behind. Perhaps one of the most notable trends to note are the consumer habits of Costa Ricans. Like Americans, Ticos SPEND money. They go out to eat, they go shopping, they save little and often spend their paychecks as soon as they get them. Much like the U.S., shopping is quickly becoming a national pastime in Costa Rica. Go to any mall in San Jose on the weekend and you can better understand and see exactly what I’m referring to. Observing this more is a great place to start to learn where you can start a business.

Another important pattern we have seen develop is the increase in travel. It might seem like it was quite a while ago, but when I was growing up our family took a vacation once a year. Dining at restaurants was really set for special occasions like birthdays or celebrations, and a trip to McDonalds was at best once a month. We all know those days are long gone. Now most Americans go out to eat multiple times a week, escape for weekend get aways once a month, and still manage to take an extended vacation every few months. In the past few years we have seen the exact same trend in Costa Rica. Although Costa Rica is famous for it’s beautiful beaches many Costa Rican’s in the Central Valley only visit them once a year. A lot of Costa Rican’s have not even fully explored their own country let alone travel outside Costa Rica. Much of that has been changing because of improved roads and access. In places like Jaco Beach, we are now starting to see people from San Jose come here 1-2 times a month and explore parts of the country more. Hotels, gas stations, restaurants all benefit from increased travel and again offer more opportunities to start new businesses.

Finding the right business opportunity takes time and effort and understanding consumer trends is a big step in beginning that process. In my next article I will explain more on where all this money is coming from and why Costa Rica continues to be one of the most stable economies in Central America.

Story by DavidKarrProperties.com

How Safe is Costa Rica?

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

A question often asked is, “Is Costa Rica safe?” The answer, to a great extent, is yes.

The crime rate in Costa Rica is the lowest in Latin America, and Costa Rica is, without a doubt, the safest country in Central America. Over one and a half million tourists, most of them Americans, visit Costa Rica every year, and they feel as safe as ever exploring the country. The Ticos on the whole are very friendly and warm people by nature, and they live a simple life devoid of all its excesses. There are no acts of terrorism in Costa Rica, and recreational drugs, other than tobacco and alcohol, are illegal. And Costa Rica has no standing army, and unlike all other countries in Latin America, the country has not experienced any political strife since 1949.

With the single exception of robbery, the crime rate in Costa Rica is very low compared to other countries. For the purpose of comparison, according to the United Nations’ Seventh Annual Survey on Crime, crimes recorded in police statistics show that the crime rate for all index crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) in Costa Rica was 1208.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999, comparing very well with 1529.75 for Japan (country with a low crime rate) and 4184.24 for the U.S. (country with a high crime rate).

The crime in Costa Rica is generally much lower and less violent than that in the States, and the crime here tends to be opportunistic as opposed to violent. In other words, rapes and murders in Costa Rica are very few, almost unheard of, compared to those in the States, but petty theft, car theft, and pick-pocketing are not uncommon here, especially in downtown San Jose and on the beach. In smaller towns, the crime rate is much lower.

It’s always best to exercise caution at all times, not only when visiting Costa Rica, but also when visiting any other foreign country. Traveling to any country is not without some risk. The good news is that you can very much enjoy a safe and wonderful stay in Costa Rica by following the simple common-sense safety tips outlined below, which also apply to any other foreign country you may want to visit.

* Be careful when stepping into the wild, going off a beaten path, or roaming national parks. Pay attention to warning signs, and always check with your guide if there’s any danger ahead.

* Be very wary of dangerous trails, volcanic areas, riptides, and waves.

* Do not swim into the ocean. There are few lifeguards, so always stay near other bathers.

* Do not walk alone in secluded areas or go into public parks late at night.

* Steer clear of deserted side streets, properties, or undeveloped land.

* Watch your luggage, never leave it unattended, and write your name on it.

* Do not hand your luggage to any stranger except the airport porters who carry an official identification.

* Lock your doors and your luggage when staying at a hotel.

* Do not carry a lot of money or flash big wads of money, and remember to keep your wallet in a safe place. It is also recommended to wear a money belt.

* Make sure that your personal belongings (keys, laptop, cell phone, credit card(s), etc.) are within reach, in a secure place, and never out in the open.

* As a foreigner, your passport is your ID. Keep your passport in a secure place, and always keep several photocopies of your passport as well as your Costa Rica airline ticket and insurance policy.

* Do not make yourself a target for thieves and pickpockets – do not wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches.

* Do not hold expensive equipment, such as cameras, all the time while walking.

* Guard yourself against car theft – always lock your car, and do not leave your keys or anything of value in your car even if you run into a store or supermarket for a few seconds to buy something.

* Do not park your car on the street – use secured private parking lots whenever possible.

* Use your common sense, do not trust anyone who approaches you and wants to act like your tour guide, and do not get separated from your tour group.

If you fall victim to any crime, please report the incident to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

Be not afraid! Remember that traveling to any country in the world is not without some risk, and you should follow these safety precautions anywhere you go. With some common sense, no crime will ever happen to you and you will find Costa Rica a safe and wonderful country to visit or stay. Most of this advice is well taken in the States.

We have not suffered any crime that we are aware of in the last two years (knock on wood), but that can happen in just about any community in the world. Remember, the crime rate in the U.S. is about 4 times as high as it is here in Grecia. And in Dallas, TX, I had my Chevy Blazer stolen twice (only to steal the radio) and had the house burglarized once, so things like these can happen here, in the U.S., or anywhere else.

Costa Rica’s Catholic Church Asks Black Metal Band MARDUK For Respect

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Costa Rica’s Catholic church is calling for respect from the Swedish “black metal” band MARDUK, who will be making an appearance in Costa Rica next week.

MARDUK has been strongly criticized by religious groups for its anti-Christian lyrics and even branding the band as “satanic.”

Mario Segura, Catholic priest and spokesperson for the Curia Metropolitana, said “they should have more respect because they are sacred things,” referring to the band’s use of religious articles, like an inverted cross in its album cover art.

Segura said he considers that this type of music and message cannot encourage any good in Costa Rica’s youth.

MARDUK will be in Costa Rica on July 29 at the Pepper Disco Club (formerly The City). The band last made an appearance in Costa Rica in 2003.

EM3 Producciones, promoter of the event, said the Thursday show is for those 18 years of age and over and that the band will not be performing any type of ritual on stage, just perform its music.

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Two heavily armed multiple murder suspects on the run in Costa Rica

Monday, July 26th, 2010

william-cortez-and-his-wife-jane-cortez.jpg

UPDATE:   The suspects saw the news while they were in Costa Rica and tried to escape by boat to Nicaragua. The police caught them this morning.

Two multiple murder suspects on the run in Costa Rica. They are thought to be heavily armed with a pistol and an AK-47 assault rifle.

On the run are William Cortez and his wife Jane Cortez, accused of killing at least two people, and possibly as many as seven, while living in Bocas del Toro.

fugitive-couple-from-panama.jpg The real estate business is tough due to the global recession, and now one real estate speculator is on the run in Costa Rica for allegedly murdering expatriates in Panama with the motive to steal their property.

Agents got a tip Saturday that the pair, William Adolfo Cortez and Jean Seana Cortez, had rented living quarters near Turrialba.

The owners of the house who rented the fugitive couple the home say they fear for their lives after learning who their tenants are.

Costa Rican authorities have known of their whereabouts, however are stalled waiting for a judicial capture order to clear Interpol.

Prosecutor Naphtali Jaén said that two indigenous people working for Cortez are missing, as well as the family of a New Zelander, named Mike Brown, whom was the first person to have a business contact with Cortez after arriving in Panama in 2008.

Cortez allegedly told people that he had purchased property from Brown soon after his arrival, and the family had left the country. Cortez also claimed that he purchased property from American Cher Lynn Hughes, whose body was found on the land where Cortez was living. Another body believed to be that of Bo Icelar.

In each instance, Cortez claimed the victims had sold him their property and then left Panama. It now appears that Cortez never purchased the properties, instead killing the inhabitants and then taking over their land.

Chinchilla Promises Nicoya Improvements To Roads And Medical Care

Monday, July 26th, 2010

On her first visit to Nicoya of presidenta, Laura Chinchilla, was welcomed with open arms and affection by the people. The presidenta was in Nicoya to celebrate the 186th anniversary of the annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica.

During the visit, Chinchilla annonced the improvement of the road the joins playa Naranjo with Paquera, Hojancha- Lajas, Samara-Nosara and Veintisiete de Abril and Villareal.

The presidenta also said that a medical tower with 130 beds will be constructed at the Hospital de la Anexión and the Área de Salud de Santa Cruz will be remodeled.

Chinchilla was accompanied by her ministers and held the traditional cabinet meeting in Nicoya on July 25

Casey Affleck Sued For Sexual Harassment!

Monday, July 26th, 2010

casey-affleck.jpegSeems the Joaquin Phoenix documentary I had written about earlier was not a joke after all- in fact Casey Affleck the director is in fact being sued by one of the producers for sexual harassment! Amanda White -the producer in question- claims Affleck made several unwelcome sexual advances on her and when he learnt her age he apparently asked ”Isn’t it about time you get pregnant?”. The allegations get even more embarrassing as she claims that when filming the documentary in Costa Rica she couldn’t sleep in her room because Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix were in it with two women.

Affleck hasn’t taken the allegations lying down either. He has come out and tried to paint Amanda White as just another disgruntled ex-employee. His lawyer called the claims as “preposterous and without merit” and that White was kicked off the production over a year ago and is using this law suit to twist the producers’ arms into succumbing into allegedly ‘outrageous’ demands. It looks like ‘I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix’ is already a controversial production and it hasn’t even hit the theatres yet!

Venezuela Warns Colombia Against Inciting a Conflict

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Venezuela’s defense minister on Friday warned Colombia against provoking a conflict after President Hugo Chávez severed ties with the nation and placed his military on alert.

Speaking on state television, Defense Minister Carlos Mata promised “a strong response” if foreign forces crossed into Venezuelan territory.

Mr. Chávez broke off all diplomatic relations with Colombia on Thursday, accusing it of fabricating evidence of Colombian rebel bases inside Venezuela.

At a meeting of the Organization of American States in Washington on Thursday, the Colombian ambassador, Luis Alfonso Hoyos, presented photographs, videos, witness testimony and maps of what he said were rebel camps in Venezuela, and he challenged Venezuela to let independent observers visit them.

Mr. Chávez suggested that Colombia’s president, Álvaro Uribe, who leaves office next month, could be trying to provoke a war, and that the photographs were fake. He insisted Venezuela did everything possible to prevent Colombian rebels from crossing into Venezuelan territory.

In Washington, the State Department spokesman, P. J. Crowley called the dispute unfortunate and said it was a “petulant response by Venezuela to cut off relations with Colombia.”

“Venezuela has clear responsibilities,” he said. “Colombia has put forward serious charges. They deserve to be investigated.”

The conservative, American-allied Mr. Uribe has frequently feuded with the Socialist Mr. Chávez. Colombian officials have long complained that Mr. Chávez has harbored leaders of its main rebel groups.

Mr. Chávez has argued that American officials are using Colombia to portray him as a supporter of terrorist groups to justify a United States military intervention in Venezuela.

Paradise For Eco Tourism In Costa Rica

Monday, July 26th, 2010

For those who would like a destination for eco-tourism, Costa Rica is hard to beat. For a little country in Central America that’s only 19,730 square miles, there’s definitely a lot to see and do there. Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’ in Spanish, which is the country’s official language. Located between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is one of the most stable and prosperous of all Latin American countries. There are tropical beach resorts on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the country for sun vacationers but the main attraction of Costa Rica is the eco-tourism. For example, there is a wider variety of bird species in Costa Rica alone than in all of Europe and North America.

Surprisingly, there are diverse eco-systems and microclimates within Costa Rica. In addition to the coastal beaches, there are dense jungles and rain forests with a wide variety of fauna. Some of these forests are referred to as cloud forests because of the moisture of the mists that linger among the trees in some parts. One forest has a cable car set up so that tourists can observe the plant and animal life at the treetop levels. For the more adventurous types, there is a place where one can swing from tree to tree using a network of rope attachments. There are also dry forests as well as colder barren volcanic tundras. Quite extreme changes in microclimate can be observed even within 30 minutes of travel. Some parts of the country have canal systems similar to those found in the Amazon and a few rivers offer excellent white water rafting.

There are several volcanoes within the country and the extinct ones are easily accessible since they are tourist attractions. A few have beautiful turquoise color lakes that have formed in the craters at the top of such volcanoes. One of the more famous active volcanoes is Arenal where visitors can safely watch the eruptions from a nearby facility that has outdoor hot springs naturally heated by the mountain.

In addition to the many different birds that can be sighted, there is a wide number of other exotic wildlife including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, bats and reptiles that can be seen during one of the many available nature tours. Every year, there are sea turtles that come to certain beaches to nest and this event attracts many nature lovers. The wildlife in Costa Rica is not only rich on land or the air but also in the surrounding oceans. For scuba divers, Costa Rica offers excellent diving opportunities and they are quite different from the waters in the Caribbean. The higher amounts of plankton in the local seas attract more numbers of large marine animals than can be found in the Caribbean.

Coffee and bananas are some of the main exports for Costa Rica. For coffee lovers, this is the place to sample some of the best in the world although it should be warned that the locals like their coffee quite strong. Tours in the valleys will often go past numerous coffee plantations.

Most tourists will fly into the capital city of San Jose. Although there is some nice colonial architecture to see in San Jose, it’s not one of the nicer places to stay in Costa Rica. The city is noisy and polluted but relatively safe. One can use San Jose as a base for many day trips to the various rain forests, volcanoes and beaches. Travelers can also fly into Liberia which is a town in the north part of the country. This is a much quieter region and close to many of the northern resorts. One option that many travelers take is to rent a vehicle and tour the country on their own. However, the roads of Costa Rica are not the best with lots of potholes and mudslides are common during the wet season from June to November. If renting a vehicle, a 4×4 is definitely recommended.

There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica that many visitors return to see parts of the country that they missed before. The country is easily the most popular destination to visit in Central America. Costa Rica now has tourist offices set up in North America for those who want further information.

Costa Rica - Welcome to Paradise

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Experience An Exotic Costa Rica Vacation

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Stories of political unrest, hurricanes, and not-so-tourist-friendly areas have a way of scaring people away from visiting Central America come vacation time. However, you’d be wise to investigate the situation for yourself before crossing Costa Rica off your list. This beautiful, surprisingly quiet and peaceful country has all the qualities that make for an exotic and relaxing trip, so consider this oasis for your next holiday if you’re in the mood for something different yet delightful.

Costa Rica has miles of coastline to take advantage of, so if you want to surf, snorkel, or just laze on the beach you won’t have to look too far. Along this line of thinking, some consider Nicoya Peninsula to be the most beautiful spot in the country. Popular beaches border a tropical yet dry rainforest where agricultural and ranching developments are also found. Fun mixes with authentic terrain here, and you’ll find that the result is almost overwhelming.

Wildlife preserves and parks will acquaint you with Costa Rica’s focus on conserving precious flora and fauna, and you’ll have the chance to catch sight of the world’s largest species of turtle. Northeast of Nicoya are some fascinating caves, and throughout the forests are birds, iguanas, and howler monkeys. Playa Samara, Montezuma and Playa del Coco are all places worth investigating as well if you’re lucky enough to find yourself on the peninsula with time to meander and be amazed.

Internationally recognized for all that it has to offer, Wilson Botanical Garden brims with rare, indigenous, eye-popping species of plants. Grab a map and head out for a self-guided walk or follow a tour guide who will tell you what’s what. Either way you go, you’ll end up dwelling over medicinal herbs, colorful flowers, and an array of birds that will make binocular wearers jump for joy. If you’ve come all the way to Central America, taking in the natural landscape like this is a must.

Surfers will find Costa Rica to be a paradise, and notable places to catch a few waves include Playa Naranjo and Ollie’s Point. Seek out the famous “long lefthander” that the Golfito region is known for if you want a true challenge. Experience both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you tour the many beaches, and be assured that non surfers will find plenty to do as well. If you’d rather not feel the pull of the tides and the crash of the waves, just sit back and take it all on from ashore.

In a matter of three hours you can go from one side of Costa Rica to the other, so in order to see as much as possible you’ll likely be moving around a bit. If you happen to pass through the capital, San Jose, be prepared for a bustling city that’s a little gritty but definitely worth exploring. Museums, theatres, shopping, and excellent food will all compete for your attention as you navigate the noisy streets that weave through skyscrapers and typical big city sights. The energy is palpable, so you may not find San Jose to be the place to achieve the ultimate feeling of relaxation, but it makes a nice contrast to your quieter escapades.

As you wander the cities taking in the language and the culture or tour the rainforest stretching your neck to view the untamed upper canopies, you’ll be glad that you’ve strayed from the beaten path to take a vacation that is out of the ordinary yet perfectly safe. As you drink refrescos (fresh fruit, sugar and water) after a day of hiking or as you stroll across a black sand beach, you’ll be torn between telling the world about your wonderful trip and keeping it your own little secret. Later you can do whatever you think is right, but be sure to enjoy the peaceful moments as they occur.

As far as where to stay while in Costa Rica, lodging options are plentiful. In the spirit of this distinctive trip, however, you may find yourself gravitating towards a vacation rental. By settling into a house or villa that captures the tropical vibe, offers great views, and provides better than average amenities like a washer and dryer, a covered porch, plenty of closet space, and long-term availability, you might be tempted to leave your old world behind and take up a new identity as a tico (local). Conveniences like being able to walk to the beach without ever feeling crammed into a boxy hotel will be key in contributing to your overall sense of happiness during this well-deserved getaway.

Local cutter aids Costa Rica arrests

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

The crew of the Kittery, Maine-based Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma worked with Costa Rican authorities after two suspected go-fast vessels were interdicted off the coast of Costa Rica Sunday night and Monday morning.

During the Sunday night interdiction, the suspect vessel fled into Costa Rican territorial waters. With the authorization of Costa Rican authorities, a Tahoma smallboat crew was able to pursue and stop the vessel in Costa Rican waters. The Costa Rican coast guard deployed a vessel to the location, where they conducted a joint boarding with a Tahoma law enforcement team. Since the vessel was stopped in Costa Rican waters, those on board were taken into custody by Coast Rican authorities for any future prosecution.

The second go-fast was intercepted just outside of Costa Rican territorial waters Monday morning, but the vessel was determined by Tahoma’s law-enforcement team as being registered in Costa Rica. Again, the Costa Rican coast guard launched a patrol boat to assist in the case.

In both cases no drugs were found, but there were numerous indications of illicit activity.

Pre-Columbian Indigenous Burial Grounds Discovered in Costa Rica

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

A group of archeologists from Costa Rica’s National Museum confirmed the discovery of 32 pre-Columbian graves, with at least 26 human remains.

The graves were buried under a building site in a residential neighborhood, close to the city of Tres Rios, about 9 miles east from the capital, San Jose.

The funeral complex being unearthed measures about 13 hundred square feet and researchers estimate it as being from 800 to 1,200 years old.

The graves have a complex design, with mixed large and flat river stones being laid upon a stepped structure of several levels.

[Patricia Fumero, General Director of Costa Rica’s National Museum]:
“Until now we have found several pots, nearly one hundred ceramic artifacts, stone figures and we have found 26 individuals.”

Archeologists say the findings are of vital importance to understanding the vision these groups had over life and death and their funeral habits.

The skeletons were buried together with ceramic pieces such as vessels, pots and plates - most likely as an offering to the deceased.

[Maritza Gutierrez, archeologist, Costa Rica’s National Museum]:
“According to the comparison of ceramic styles found here, together with those established for the Central Valley of Costa Rica, we are talking about 1,000 - 1,200 years after Christ. Samples of vegetal carbon will be sent in one or two months to specialized laboratories abroad and they will return the data with precise dates.”

A group of archeologists will remain at the site for two more weeks.

Immediate Corporate English Positions in San Jose, Costa Rica

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Full-time Corporate positions available to start in August, September and October 2010 in San Jose, Costa Rica!

We are Idioma Internacional, a language school celebrating 10 years of quality instruction and communicative solutions located in a vibrant downtown neighborhood in San José, Costa Rica. We have a Corporate division where our teachers travel around the Central Valley and deliver top-quality business English to both local and international corporations. Additionally, our INA division is involved in an enormous government project aimed at helping all Costa Ricans achieve a high-intermediate level of English over the next several years. All Corporate teachers work in San Jose and the surrounding areas while our INA teachers are based in either San Jose or Liberia (Guanacaste Province). We offer an incredible experience to broaden professional and personal skills in an exciting work environment as well as make a real impact on the lives of Costa Ricans across the country.

Our requirements for hire are as follows:

* North American
* TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification
* Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
* One year contract and commitment
* Work visa document: 5-year standard criminal background check authenticated by Secretary of State and the Costa Rican Consulate in the US or Canada
* At least 1 year experience teaching (preferred)
* Some Spanish (preferred)
* Work/Living experience abroad (preferred)

All teachers (Corporate and INA) earn between $650-$900 per month working on average 20-30 hours a week. We offer many benefits to our teachers:

* Legal Work Visa
* Competitive pay, quarterly performance bonuses, travel reimbursement for classes
* Access to private health insurance and the Costa Rican “Caja” national insurance
* Extensive Training and Mentor program
* Internet service and phone in our office
* Assistance in finding housing, opening a bank account and cell phone line
* International Experience

We are interviewing and hiring for immediate Corporate positions in San Jose. Send your resume, a recent photo, and contact information (email and phone numbers) for three professional references if you meet the requirements above. Once received, all interested candidates will be required to fill out a Candidate Fact Sheet in order to be considered for employment.

Send information to the Academic Director, Brendan Mulhall at: jobs@idiomacr.com

For information about the company, please visit our website (currently being updated) at: www.idiomacr.com

Medical Tourism In Costa Rica Has A Seal

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Tourists coming to Costa Rica, attracted by the medical offers now have the ability to differentiate between the services offered.

That’s because on Wednesday, the Consejo para la Promoción Internacional de la Medicina de Costa Rica (International Council for the Promotion of Medicine Costa Rica) introduced the label called” “ProMED”.

The seal indicates the quality standards required in the United States, providing tourists security for the services they are purchasing.

Companies who want to obtain the label must comply with national and international legislation with a cost ranging from us$400 to us$7.000 annually.