Hopes to attract tourists back to Tamarindo turn to action.

The Guanacaste Chamber of Commerce (CATURGUA) announced its decision to form the Tamarindo Tourism Commission (TTC) on Monday, with the aim of promoting the popular tourism destination that has been under heavy criticism for pollution and overdevelopment in recent months.

Until recently, Tamarindo was considered one of the top beaches in the country, attracting tourists of all nationalities with varying economic backgrounds with its wide white sand beach, quality accommodations and excellent surf conditions.

However, ever since a La Nacion article revealed water test results from the National Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) last August showing unhealthy levels of fecal matter in 11 locations along the beach, the negative publicity has slowed the flow of tourists to the region. The beach’s blue flag was revoked and further investigations by the government lead to the closure of businesses in the region until they could prove their waste treatment facilities to be sufficient, and other businesses suffered from the overall lack of visitors.

While negative attention was turned further north with the temporary closure of the Allegro Papagayo Resort due to pollution, Tamarindo has since taken advantage of the official acknowledgement of this serious problem that residents had suspected for quite a while to make some real changes. In mid February a fair was held to promote improvements to the town’s sanitation featuring cycling, a surf tournament and a fashion show.

Since August’s negative water pollution results, the Mayor Jorge Chavarria ordered new tests, which showed a “resounding improvement”, blaming some of the earlier results on the rainy season which causes higher run off levels. The new TTC will use these results in much of their marketing of the region, which is one of their main goals. The TTC also hopes to promote the businesses of TTC members, create job opportunities in tourism for locals and provide training and education to prepare residents for these positions.

Before the formation of the TTC, the community itself has come together to face their problems head on. One group of residents was able to reach the goal of collecting donations and pledges totaling $5000 per month from local businesses to pay for the Tamarindo Beach lifeguards to return to their posts in early March, which had been left vacant due to lack of funding.

Many necessary road improvements were started this year as well including the road from Liberia to Tamarindo, and the main boulevard in front of the ocean which was known as the “Tamarindo Lake” due to its ability to collect water in large indentations. The boulevard is due to be completed by the end of April thanks to the help of local developers and the Municipality. Other projects include fixing the road to Langosta and widening the Los Jobos road, which is the second access route out of town.

Finally, a new police station is in the works thanks to efforts by local real estate developers. Another temporary guardhouse is currently located near the entrance of town with facilities for 16 officers, with a new car and two motorcycles.

The Tamarindo Tourism Commission will operate from the offices of CATURGUA, and can be reached from the United States by calling 011-506-8818-9311 or by emailing director@caturgua.com.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on April 3rd, 2008