The pandemic has left many facing difficult times. For the many of us here in Costa Rica who depend on tourism for our businesses and source of income, it is easy to see why so many are frustrated with the closures, restrictions, and protocols that the government has placed throughout Costa Rica, making both local and international tourism nearly impossible. Making matters worse is the uncertainty of it all. Travelers are equally frustrated. Residents, foreign property owners, foreign business owners all add to the list of people who are simply fed up and starting to wonder when they will simply be able to make a trip to Costa Rica.
I completely understand. Personally, all my businesses revolve around tourism. My community, my friends, my family are all being impacted. My travel plans, vacations, visiting family, all interrupted with really no idea on when those plans or visits can be scheduled.
But here is the good news, this will not last forever. The entire travel industry is working to figure this all out. Countries all over the world who are distressed and desperate for tourism dollars are brainstorming on how they can safely protect their citizens while welcoming foreigners who could enter and spread Covid-19 or get sick and add more strain to their healthcare system. And while some might argue that politics, corruption, manipulation all might be rearing their ugly heads in how these decisions might be made, you can be assured that the travel industry is just too big to keep down for much longer. The travel industry worldwide is nearly a $10 TRILLION dollar industry, you really think they wont eventually get this sorted? Airlines, hotels, governments, entire economies rely on travel, restrictions will eventually ease up, borders will eventually open, and protocols will improve. If you are a traveler then you fully understand the definition of a bumpy ride. Travel for the next few months very well might be just that, with inconsistencies, changes, frustrations all along the way. But at the end of the day, there is too much money involved and the industry is simply too big. The travel industry along with countries all over the world will figure out a way to make travel safe again for everyone. So just hang in there, you’ll be back in Costa Rica soon enough.
