In the BEGINNING, there was the Juan Santamaría International Airport aka, the San José Airport. Then came the Daniel Oduber International Airport aka, the Liberia International Airport, so tourist types could hit the beaches of the northern pacific coast without the hassle of navigating the shitty roads Costa Rica is known for- I get that. Now, the powers that be, mainly Costa Rica’s President Oscar Arias Sánchez, and his Panamanian counterpart, Ricardo Martinelli, have decided it would be a good idea to build another international airport in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica (in Palma Sur), which would benefit both countries. Costa Rican officials are hoping a southern zone airport will have the same developmental impact that the Dan Oduber Airport in Liberia has had on the pacific coast. I have NO doubt.
Personally, I think this is a GREAT idea. I’m a HUGE advocate of progress, development and modernization, especially when it attracts the TOURIST dollar for the overall economic betterment of the country. Businesses and specifically ones connected to the tourist industry (which is pretty much EVERYONE) will benefit BIG time- this of course is all that matters.
I’ve always argued that Costa Rica should be more accessible to Joe Schmo tourist. If I were running the show, I would build International Airports in Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio and even in Penas Blancas on the Nicaraguan border (we don’t want our neighbors to the north to feel left out). For example, it’s ridiculous to have to rent a car and navigate the shitty roads or figure out the bus system in order to visit the leatherback sea turtles in Tortuguero when a strategically built airport and hotel shuttle could put anyone at a Leatherback nesting site in short order. 
And an International Airport in Manuel Antonio/Quepos is just sound LOGIC, since it’s a TOP Costa Rican destination and included in just about anyone’s travel itinerary- HELLOOO…who doesn’t go THERE? MY International Airport in Puerto Viejo, located in the Southeastern part of the country, would complete the 4-corners, making Costa Rica much more ‘USER’ friendly.
On a somewhat related note: Upon exiting the plane in Puerto Viejo, tourists would be entertained by authentic Caribbean locals belting out popular reggae tunes… as well as given some sort of foo-foo Coconut drink…. i think it's a nice touch.
I applaud Arias, do you know how much time will be saved with an International airport close to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula… DAMN IT, people want their wilderness areas more ACCESSIBLE. Seriously, even I haven’t visited Corcovado yet because it’s such a pain in the ass to get to. But not only accessible, like most Americans, I want what I want when I want it… and for the record I don’t DO tents or hostels, so I better have access to nice hotels, resorts, restaurants...
and of course a plethora of souvenir shops in order to pick out the perfect wooden toucan which BEST represents MY Costa Rican experience. Oh, and I really don’t care for rice and beans, a Burger King would be nice. (I think this is the positive developmental impact they’re talking about). Actually, even a handful of all ‘inclusive’ resorts scattered about might bring in some folks who wouldn’t normally visit a country like Costa Rica, that way they could have a wilderness experience in LUXURY, if you know what I mean. Everyone should have an opportunity to visit the ‘Happiest’ and ‘Greenest’ country on the planet. Including Heidi and Spencer from 'I'm a CELEBRITY, Get me out of HERE'The best part is, EVERYONE will be HAPPY, businesses will prosper, land values will increase in the International Airport areas, and foreigners will have yet another reason to relocate and purchase a little piece of paradise… and of course tourists will be happy they EXPERIENCED Costa Rica without too much effort.
Actually, I have a few other IDEAS Costa Rican officials should consider:
*All National Parks should have a monorail system in place so they can be observed and experienced in a timelier, more eco-friendly manner.
This also shows we care about our handicapped brothers and sisters. All Costa Rican wildlife should be placed (STOCKED like fish in a pond) in these parks so animal and bird sightings are GUARANTEED. It would also be a nice touch if at the end of the monorail there was a sort of petting zoo, where tourists could actually hold a sloth, pet a kinkajou or ride on the back of a giant Leatherback sea turtle. Then everyone would have a perfect photo opp.*It should be mandatory for ALL Costa Ricans to learn the English language. We gringo’s should feel comfortable when traveling abroad.
*ANY major tourist destination should have at least 1 of the following located in close proximity to its central area: WalMart, Home Depot, Borders Books, Target, Starbucks, Office Depot, Costco, Radio Shack, Payless Shoes and of course some kind of indoor MALL area (just in case it happens to be raining a lot and/or the kids get bored), complete with movie theater and food court.
*It goes without saying that Costa Rica should have at least 3 or 4 amusement/water parks- with PURA VIDA type themes.
I have more, but this would be a nice START.
I’m all about progress… I’m 21st Century (Digital) Boy.
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