TORONTO — “Costa Rica is a destination that will help you get your sanity back.”
Now that’s a pitch almost guaranteed to resonate deeply with clients these days.
The Central American country, always been a strong seller from Canada, has seen its popularity soar as Canadian travellers seek out new destinations – and a break from the political rhetoric.
Porter’s new Costa Rica flights to LIR start Dec. 4 from Toronto and Dec. 17 from Ottawa
“We knew Costa Rica was going to benefit. We just didn’t know how much,” said Gustavo Inciarte, Account Manager, Costa Rica Tourism Board.
Represented by VoX International in the Canadian market, the Costa Rica Tourism Board hosted an industry event last night for Toronto and GTA travel advisors, serving up “inspiration, networking and destination updates” – along with a delicious Costa Rican-inspired buffet dinner – plus a presentation by Porter Airlines.
This past summer Porter announced its upcoming new flights to Costa Rica (LIR) from Toronto and Ottawa.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board and Porter Airlines treated agents to a night of inspiration, networking and destination updates at The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto
“THAT PURA VIDA MOMENT”
“Everyone who goes to Costa Rica has that Pura Vida moment. It’s feeling relaxed and transformed with a sense of well-being,” Inciarte told agents at last night’s event.
He noted that Costa Rica “practically invented the concept of sustainable tourism” and has been promoting its wonderful ‘Pura Vida’ for years, long before other destinations caught up to the wellness and wellbeing movement.
“Wellness is very trendy right now. But in Costa Rica, wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle. It’s incredible how this country makes you feel better about yourself,” said Inciarte.
“The ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle means you’re having the best life that you can,” he added.
The destination offers not just beach getaways but active options including water rafting and surfing, and cultural attractions, coffee and chocolate tours, and nature and wildlife. “Everyone wants to see the sloths,” he said with a smile.
Costa Rica’s compact size also makes it easy to navigate: “Visitors can see two to three regions in a one-week stay.”
Costa Rica is also a safe destination and an easy one for clients looking to explore on their own with a rental car.
That can benefit travel advisors, said Inciarte.
“You can make a lot of money selling Costa Rica. It’s a highly profitable destination,” he noted. “No one goes to Costa Rica for a weekend. They go for a week, or two weeks, or more. They drive, they rent a car, and they often stay at more than one hotel.”
That said, “there is a misconception that Costa Rica is expensive. It’s not. There’s a wide range of product, especially with accommodation.”
PORTER’S NEW COSTA RICA FLIGHTS
Porter Airlines’ account manager Andrea Di Profio took to the podium last night to share more details about Porter’s new flights to Costa Rica.
Porter’s departures to LIR take off Dec. 4 from Toronto, and Dec. 17 from Ottawa.
“This is the first time we’ll be leaving North America and flying to South America,” said Di Profio to cheers.
The Costa Rica flights could someday expand to some of Porter’s other Canadian gateways as well, he added.
For the uninitiated, Di Profio outlined Porter’s value proposition for travellers: “An elevated version of Economy so you’ll actually enjoy yourself.”
All Porter passengers benefit from a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware, plus no middle seats, and also fast WiFi, on the airline’s E195-E2 jet aircraft. Travellers can choose between PorterClassic and PorterReserve airfares.
Speaking to Porter’s popular inclusions, like those free snacks, beer and wine, Di Profio said: “Some our competitors have mimicked this but we always say you can’t mimic the charming feel you get when you fly with us.”
He noted that Porter “is really proud to offer competitive price points, which we’ve been doing for the past 19 years. We also have enhanced commission offers.”
COSTA RICA FAM TRIPS
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, said Inciarte. “Proof of that is we have year round flights. There’s no specific time, just go and enjoy it. From April – May through September, that’s the ‘green season’, it will pour rain for an hour or two and then that’s it.”
Learning more about Costa Rica is easy with the Costa Rica Specialist Program. Inciarte listed the benefits of joining the program: “You’ll be in our database and get invites to events like this and more. You’ll learn more about the destination. You’ll find videos and tools to help you feel more equipped to sell Costa Rica.”
The all-important question: are there fam trips too? “Yes we do have fam trips. We typically take two to three groups of 10 agents each year, and we go to different parts of the country,” he said. “We do see product on these fams but generally our trips are more focused on the experiences you and your clients will enjoy. We want you to see sloths!”
Also online, the tourism board’s ‘Pathways to Living Life’ immersive 3D portal lets clients explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes right from their phones.
More details are at VisitCostaRica.com.
Inciarte also encouraged agents to reach out with any inquiries, if clients want to know more about Costa Rica. “Email us with any questions,” said Inciarte. The email address is costarica@voxinternational.com.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board’s Adalberto Rodriguez was clearly pleased with last night’s event – and with the new lift from Porter.
“On behalf of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, thank you for coming and thank you to our friends at Porter for making this a reality,” he said.
