Naturally Costa Rica launches big new green tourism campaign

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Costa Rica Tourism Board has established a partnership with UNWTO and CNN International to launch a new campaign: "essential Costa Rica. My Choice, Naturally."

Sustainability is not only engraved in Costa Rica’s infrastructure, culture and tourism offerings, it’s a way of life for its people. With a goal to be the first carbon neutral country in the world by 2021, sustainable practices are observed in every region of the country, across all industries, adopted by all citizens and embraced by visitors. This new campaign takes Costa Rica tourism to another level by positioning the country as a destination of unique experiences that celebrate the local lifestyle and improves quality of life.

Explained Mauricio Ventura, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism: This new advertising campaign will go beyond promoting traditional products, which has been the predominant approach of the past.

"We are making a breakthrough with this unique approach. It will be executed on the most diverse platforms, where we’ll reach a wide range of markets like never before. ‘essential Costa Rica. My Choice, Naturally’ is a sensorial, inspiring and aspirational campaign that shows Costa Rica as a destination that generates authentic travel experiences, which create a sense of well-being in visitors," explained Ventura.

The initiative launched on social media, digital and television platforms in mainly five markets. For the first time ever, Costa Rica will have an advertising campaign of this magnitude in Europe, specifically England and France, as well as in Mexico, Canada and the United States. According to Alejandro Castro, ICT Marketing Director, the markets were chosen for their importance in accounting for the largest number of international arrivals into the country.

In addition, the ICT in conjunction with CNN have produced a digital content hub, which will house feature articles, audio and images. New content will roll out each month for the duration of the campaign. Told through the eyes of a "social explorer," audiences will be taken on a documented personal journey through Costa Rica to discover what makes it so special. Videos will highlight the host’s journey as they speak to locals, try typical cuisine and participate in wellness and adventure activities.

The campaign’s goal is to redefine its identity and validate the position that Costa Rica is a complete destination by introducing a concept from the personal perspective of a tourist. According to Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary General, "it answers the age-old question: Where should I go on vacation? By using a declaration of trust, through a natural, cultural and personal connection, the choice to make is made obvious."

Each of the ten videos planned will highlight a different part of Costa Rica and invite users to learn more about the lifestyle that makes Costa Rica the happiest place on earth. Beyond a creative concept, UNWTO, CNN International, CNN Task (a taskforce of more than 80 experts in brands and international tourism), and the ICT identified that Costa Rica possesses what is necessary to differentiate itself from the rest of the world: an authentic product, thanks to their Model of Sustainable Tourism Development, which is a consolidated brand with its own global recognition.

Link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g7-4gf76s4 & For more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com

Valere Tjolle @ValereTjolle