UAE and Costa Rica sign MoU to boost exchanges and investments in the field of tourism

The UAE Ministry of Economy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute to promote collaboration in the field of tourism strategies and support bilateral efforts to increase tourism movement between the two countries. The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Rodolfo Solano, Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship.

H.E. Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE is keen to promote its partnership with promising Latin American markets at all levels, noting that Costa Rica is a significant destination in Central America and that the cooperation between the two countries is witnessing continuous growth. He added that the UAE looks forward to expanding its economic, trade, and tourism partnership to reach higher levels while also exploring promising opportunities in the Costa Rican markets. This is set to serve the developmental agendas of both countries and promote fruitful economic partnerships between the business communities of both sides.

H.E. added: “Tourism is a powerful incentive to our partnership with Costa Rica. Through this agreement, we aim to promote investments in this sector, including those in the areas of tourism infrastructure and services and product development. It will also help us facilitate exchange of knowledge and best practices related to sustainable tourism, and the adoption of innovation, technology, and digital solutions to promote services and products.”

H.E. Al Zeyoudi further noted that the agreement will play a significant role in promoting the UAE’s position as a leading tourism destination for Costa Rican and Latin American tourists. It also falls in line with the objectives of the national strategy for tourism development, the principles of the 50, as well as the country’s ambition to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP by 15 per cent and attract more than 40 million tourists by 2030.

Meanwhile, H.E. Rodolfo Solano said: “Costa Rica is invested in promoting cooperation with the UAE, and the diversification of the existing economic partnerships between the two countries in the next stage. We look forward to benefitting from the unique geographical location of the UAE, its strategic position as a gateway to new tourism markets in the GCC countries and MENA, while also promoting Costa Rican tourism destinations in these markets.”

He added: “This MoU will help boost the work environment in the tourism sector, develop bilateral cooperation, promote the flow of tourism investments between both sides, and enhance cooperation in the aviation sector to increase the number of direct flights, enhancing connectivity between the two destinations.”

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will promote tourism cooperation and activities to enhance tourism movement between the two countries. They further agreed to encourage mutual participation in international tourism fairs, conferences, forums, and other tourism activities organized in both countries. The two sides will also work together to promote tourism sites, flights, and adoption of digital technologies and innovations to develop tourism services. The agreement further entail the formation of a joint committee to boost governmental and private sector collaboration and coordination between both parties and oversee the implementation of the terms of the MoU in the upcoming stage.