Costa Rica looks to improve access for disabled travelers.

Costa Rica – home of ecotourism and thrilling adventure tours – is not usually the first vacation destination people think of for travelers with disabilities. However, the country's tourism industry is working to change that image and make Costa Rica's famous attractions more accessible.

So far, reports are positive from tourists who have enjoyed accessible vacations in Costa Rica. Several of Costa Rica's national parks and tour attractions either have fully accessible designs or have added elements that are wheelchair-friendly and designed for people of all abilities.

Carara National Park opened the country's first "universal access" trail in the rainforest in May this year. The trail is made of permeable concrete and provides easy access for persons in wheelchairs and elderly visitors, with special ramps and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. There are information signs in Braille, along with wooden sculptures of animals, for visually impaired visitors to touch at nine stations along the 1.2 km (3/4 mile) loop trail; an audio guide also is available.

Poás Volcano National Park, in the Central Valley, is also completely accessible with paved walkways, ramps and information aids. You can freely go right to the volcano's immense 1.7-kilometer-wide crater and viewpoint. Irazú Volcano National Park is mostly accessible due to its relatively flat terrain by the main crater and concrete walkway leading from the parking area to the first crater viewpoint; there are plans for more improvements.

Since national parks are public places, and Costa Rica's Equal Opportunities Law for Persons with Disabilities requires disabled access in hotels and other public places, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is investigating how they can make more of Costa Rica's national parks accessible to people of all abilities. There are plans to improve Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast, Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, and Guayabo National Monument in Turrialba.

Some of the top Costa Rica tours that are wheelchair-friendly include Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram near Jacó Beach, Monteverde Cloud Forest Train in Monteverde, Lankester Botanical Garden near Cartago, and Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure near Limon in the Caribbean region.

Getting around Costa Rica with disabilities is more difficult on your own than if you seek travel assistance from a reputable travel agency. Costa Rica travel expert Team CRT has experience helping disabled travelers with special needs requirements. They can arrange transportation, hotels, tours, etc. that are accessible to wheelchairs, disabled and elderly visitors. Team CRT organizes nature tours, beach vacations, adventure tours, family vacations, relaxation vacations, honeymoons and golf vacations.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica positioned as world leader with country brand.

Costa Rica is known for its rainforests, beaches, nature and biodiversity. True, indeed.

But do you know that Costa Rica is the most innovative country in Latin America? Or that the Central American nation has celebrated well over a half-century of peace with no military forces? Or that it is home to a highly-educated society with thriving export and technology industries, and fast-growing foreign investment?

Costa Rica's newly launched country brand, "Essential Costa Rica" (Esencial Costa Rica), centers on a complete image of the country – from its "peaceful, down-to-earth" people who proudly preserve their environment and happily enjoy a high quality of life, to a modern world of technology, trade and commerce, all set in the world's premier ecotourism destination of rich biodiversity.

"This new country brand, well positioned and managed, will allow us to express a consistent and articulate central idea of the country, differentiating it from its competitors. This is the key to enhance attracting foreign direct investment, promoting exports and tourism," remarked Costa Rica Foreign Trade Minister, Anabel González, at the official brand unveiling on September 3.

Costa Rica's new country brand replaces the previous "Costa Rica: No Artificial Ingredients" trademark that was immensely successful in promoting the country as an ecotourism and adventure travel destination.

"We had a destination brand for 16 years, with very positive results, and that experience allows us to evolve and follow global trends. Now we will have a complete brand which will enhance all promotional efforts," commented Costa Rica Minister of Tourism, Allan Flores.

"Essential Costa Rica" was created by global marketing company FutureBrand to embody the attributes of Costa Rica's people and country – friendliness, happiness, solidarity, authenticity, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and sustainability. The new logo's shades of green reflect Costa Rica's reputation for preserving its natural resources and biodiversity. The bold letters and casual script above are meant to convey Costa Rican's (known as Ticos) friendly, open demeanor, as well as the strength and stability of its political institutions and democratic tradition, reported the Tico Times.

Costa Rica's country image ranks impressively on the global level. Costa Rica currently is positioned 25th worldwide and No. 1 in Latin America in the 2012-2013 Country Brand Index (CBI), presented by FutureBrand. In the company's newly specialized 2013-14 Latin American Country Brand Index, Costa Rica leads Latin America in the No. 3 position (after Brazil, #1, and Argentina, #2). The Country Brand Index assesses countries on their image, brand strength, trends, quality of life, environmental laws, business climate, and views on investment, environment, and tourism.

According to FutureBrand, Costa Rica occupies three number one positions that clearly mark consistency with its vision: first in "Natural Beauty", first to be "Environment Friendly", and first in "Hotels and Resorts". It also scores well on "Freedom of Expression", "Political Freedom" and "Tolerance," reflecting the country's long-standing democratic tradition – one of the oldest in Latin America.

Costa Rica not only has a pleasant climate, but also a growing and well-developed health system for locals and foreigners, and positive indications for investment, notes FutureBrand in its Latin American CBI report. "Costa Rica is to be recognized as a country with a value that integrates optimally to tourism, promoting exports and attracting investment," FutureBrand informs.

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By Shannon Farley