Costa Rica to Lead Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization

The Country Recognized for Its Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Development
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica--(Business Wire)--
Costa Rica, the leader and pioneer of sustainable tourism, has
been chosen to head the United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) Executive Council starting this year. The UNWTO met in Madrid
in October 14 - 15 and appointed Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of
Tourism of Costa Rica, to lead the Executive Council of this
international organization.

This designation is a major milestone and it confirms it's image
as a world leader in the tourism arena. The country has been a member
of the Council for three years and is a member of the World Committee
on Tourism Ethics, as well as the Sustainable Development Committee.
Since 2001, the UNWTO had not appointed the chairmanship title to a
representative from the Americas, and it is the first time that Costa
Rica serves as such.

Carlos Ricardo Benavides will take office immediately and serve
throughout 2009. Benavides assumes this leading position in a
historical period when the UNWTO will be electing a new Secretary
General.

"The appointment is a high recognition of Costa Rica's efforts in
sustainable tourism. Our country has become a model and leader in this
arena," said Benavides. "This position plays an important role within
the WTO as it help to lead and approve the Executive Council's
programs. We will oversee important topics such as poverty eradication
through tourism in developing countries, fair economic distribution,
as well as conservation, protection and adequate use of natural
resources," he added.

UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the
leading international organization for the field of tourism. Created
in 1925, the organization plays a central role in promoting the
development of responsible and sustainable tourism around the world.
Its membership includes 154 countries and territories and more than
350 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational
institutions, associations and local tourism authorities.

International world tourist arrivals experienced an increase of
903 million in 2007, representing an annual growth rate of 6.6
percent. According to the UNWTO, the increase in international tourist
arrivals is projected to be around 3 percent for 2008. In the case of
Costa Rica, the increase is projected to be around 10 percent. Last
year the country closed with a total of 1.9 million international
tourist arrivals. The revenue generated by international tourists
reached a historic high of US$1.9 billion, making its tourism industry
the main generator of revenue for the country.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between
Nicaragua and Panama, and bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea
and the west by the Pacific Ocean. This small country represents only
.01 % of the planet's surface and it shelters almost 4% of the
existing world's biodiversity. It has given priority to the
conservation of its natural resources, protecting 26% of its national
territory through the creation of National Parks and other natural
areas.

The country also offers world-class eco-tourism and adventure
travel. The options are unlimited for any discriminating traveler:
horseback riding on a secluded beach; hiking through the lush
whispering greenery of a rainforest; having an exhilarating experience
on a white-water rafting trip, observing the tropical forests from a
canopy tour; surfing the blue waves of either coast; experiencing a
quite, close encounter with different species of birds and wildlife;
and enjoying the diverse culture and hospitality of the Ticos.

About the Costa Rica Tourist Board

The Costa Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous
institution of the State, responsible for regulating the tourism
activity in Costa Rica and promoting Costa Rica's tourism attractions
and destinations both at a national and international level. The Costa
Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms, regulations, incentives and
grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica's hotels, travel
agencies, rental cars and other tourism organization and service
provider.

For general travel or tourism information about Costa Rica,
contact the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 1-866-267-8274 or
visit their web site at www.visitcostarica.com.

For Press Only: For press inquiries, please contact 1-888-600-6806
or e-mail VisitCostaRicaPress@bm.com.

For The Costa Rica Tourist Board
Burson-Marsteller
Sonia Diaz, 305-347-4396
sonia.diaz@bm.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008