Delta Vacations Sets ‘Companion Flies Free’ Promo on Europe & Costa Rica Packages
January 30, 2007 03:47 PM Eastern Time
Delta Vacations Sets ‘Companion Flies Free’ Promo on Europe & Costa Rica Packages
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Delta Vacations has re-launched its popular “Companion Flies Free” promotion, this time offering savings on packages to Europe and Costa Rica. As its name implies, the “Companion Flies Free” promotion rewards consumers with 2-for-1 savings on the air portion of select air/hotel vacation packages. This can add-up to big savings of up to $750 per package to London or $600 per package to Costa Rica based on dual occupancy.
Europe
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Europe packages to a choice of more than 200 hotels in 16 countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Participating hotels include some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, including Fairmont, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Le Meridien, Radisson and more. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through May 18, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Costa Rica
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Costa Rica packages to a choice of 11 resorts featuring the popular Allegro, Barcelo, Fiesta, Marriott, Melia, Occidental and Paradisus chains. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through August 31, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
In addition to offering travel agents a great consumer incentive to drive early 2007 sales, Delta Vacations also pays up to 15% commission on all Europe and Costa Rica bookings.
The Delta Vacations “Companion Flies Free” promotion is valid on new bookings for air-inclusive travel to select destinations and resorts within the Delta Vacations Europe and Costa Rica product lines. Fly/drive packages, group bookings and bookings made with SkyMiles benefits are not eligible. Additional booking, ticketing and travel restrictions apply.
“Companion Flies Free” reservations are available exclusively by calling Delta Vacations at 1-800-221-6666 .
About Delta Vacations (www.deltavacations.com)
Delta Vacations has a long and distinguished history of providing value-priced vacation packages to the world’s most popular destinations. Starting more than 50 years ago with some of the first-ever air-inclusive packages to Florida and the Caribbean, the Delta Vacations product line has grown to include 350+ destinations worldwide. Delta Vacations packages are operated by Certified Vacations Group, Inc. One of the world’s foremost providers of wholesale vacation packages, Certified Vacations is a member of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) $1 Million Traveler’s Assistance Program and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Contacts
For Delta Vacations, Fort LauderdaleSBPR Corp., Travel + Lifestyle PRSteve Bennett, 954-760-5740 steve@SBPRcorp.com
home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070130006274&newsLang=en
Delta Vacations Sets ‘Companion Flies Free’ Promo on Europe & Costa Rica Packages
January 30, 2007 03:47 PM Eastern Time
Delta Vacations Sets ‘Companion Flies Free’ Promo on Europe & Costa Rica Packages
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Delta Vacations has re-launched its popular “Companion Flies Free” promotion, this time offering savings on packages to Europe and Costa Rica. As its name implies, the “Companion Flies Free” promotion rewards consumers with 2-for-1 savings on the air portion of select air/hotel vacation packages. This can add-up to big savings of up to $750 per package to London or $600 per package to Costa Rica based on dual occupancy.
Europe
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Europe packages to a choice of more than 200 hotels in 16 countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Participating hotels include some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, including Fairmont, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Le Meridien, Radisson and more. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through May 18, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Costa Rica
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Costa Rica packages to a choice of 11 resorts featuring the popular Allegro, Barcelo, Fiesta, Marriott, Melia, Occidental and Paradisus chains. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through August 31, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
In addition to offering travel agents a great consumer incentive to drive early 2007 sales, Delta Vacations also pays up to 15% commission on all Europe and Costa Rica bookings.
The Delta Vacations “Companion Flies Free” promotion is valid on new bookings for air-inclusive travel to select destinations and resorts within the Delta Vacations Europe and Costa Rica product lines. Fly/drive packages, group bookings and bookings made with SkyMiles benefits are not eligible. Additional booking, ticketing and travel restrictions apply.
“Companion Flies Free” reservations are available exclusively by calling Delta Vacations at 1-800-221-6666 .
About Delta Vacations (www.deltavacations.com)
Delta Vacations has a long and distinguished history of providing value-priced vacation packages to the world’s most popular destinations. Starting more than 50 years ago with some of the first-ever air-inclusive packages to Florida and the Caribbean, the Delta Vacations product line has grown to include 350+ destinations worldwide. Delta Vacations packages are operated by Certified Vacations Group, Inc. One of the world’s foremost providers of wholesale vacation packages, Certified Vacations is a member of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) $1 Million Traveler’s Assistance Program and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070130006274&newsLang=en
Delta Vacations Sets ‘Companion Flies Free’ Promo on Europe & Costa Rica Packages
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Delta Vacations has re-launched its popular “Companion Flies Free” promotion, this time offering savings on packages to Europe and Costa Rica. As its name implies, the “Companion Flies Free” promotion rewards consumers with 2-for-1 savings on the air portion of select air/hotel vacation packages. This can add-up to big savings of up to $750 per package to London or $600 per package to Costa Rica based on dual occupancy.
Europe
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Europe packages to a choice of more than 200 hotels in 16 countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Participating hotels include some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, including Fairmont, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Le Meridien, Radisson and more. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through May 18, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Costa Rica
Travelers can take advantage of “Companion Flies Free” savings on Costa Rica packages to a choice of 11 resorts featuring the popular Allegro, Barcelo, Fiesta, Marriott, Melia, Occidental and Paradisus chains. Eligible bookings must be made by February 12, 2007 for travel through August 31, 2007. A minimum five-night stay is required, and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
In addition to offering travel agents a great consumer incentive to drive early 2007 sales, Delta Vacations also pays up to 15% commission on all Europe and Costa Rica bookings.
The Delta Vacations “Companion Flies Free” promotion is valid on new bookings for air-inclusive travel to select destinations and resorts within the Delta Vacations Europe and Costa Rica product lines. Fly/drive packages, group bookings and bookings made with SkyMiles benefits are not eligible. Additional booking, ticketing and travel restrictions apply.
“Companion Flies Free” reservations are available exclusively by calling Delta Vacations at 1-800-221-6666 .
About Delta Vacations (www.deltavacations.com)
Delta Vacations has a long and distinguished history of providing value-priced vacation packages to the world’s most popular destinations. Starting more than 50 years ago with some of the first-ever air-inclusive packages to Florida and the Caribbean, the Delta Vacations product line has grown to include 350+ destinations worldwide. Delta Vacations packages are operated by Certified Vacations Group, Inc. One of the world’s foremost providers of wholesale vacation packages, Certified Vacations is a member of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) $1 Million Traveler’s Assistance Program and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Contacts
For Delta Vacations, Fort LauderdaleSBPR Corp., Travel + Lifestyle PRSteve Bennett, 954-760-5740 steve@SBPRcorp.com
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070130006274&newsLang=en
Costa Rica - A Paradise In Central America
Submitted by Adrian Dunbaker on January 26, 2007 - 7:52pm. Home and Leisure Travel
Costa Rica - A Modern Day Paradise
Costa Rica, a small country filled with sun, beaches, vulcanos, buses, good food and party!
No one will leave Costa Rica feeling they did not have a good time.
Family Vacation in Costa Rica
You will not have any problem visiting Costa Rica even with small children. Costa Rica is a country where most families have more then 1 child. The food is good and the number of tropical diseases found in Costa Rica is no problem.
There are som many beaches where the waves are smaller in size and the hotels and cabins have pools, that choosing a place to have fun is no problem.
Vacations for Couples
A tropical paradise. A couple can go anywhere in the country and enjoy tranquility, serenety as well as the party side of life.
Many hotels and hostels have special romantic deals, tours and packages to make your stay something even more special. If you choose a smaller, more secluded and private place to stay, talk to the owner and explain that you’re a couple looking for some quality time, hand in hand, and they will most often do their best to help you out in any way they can.
Honeymoon in Costa Rica
The same goes for a wedding and/or honeymoon. Religion is important in Costa Rica and you can most likely find a church and priest for a wedding in almost any bigger religion.
And the honeymoon?
You can find special honeymoon packages in most hotels, and resorts. One of the best is a very romantic stay in playa Hermosa where you can go on sunset sailings at night. Or go full out with a moviestar expensive vacation in Four Season Hotel in Guanacaste.
Singles
As in all parts of the world can singles have a good time. Party all night long and let your feet do the talking to the rythm of salsa.
Many bars, nighclubs and places where there are fiestas almost everyday can be found under every rock!
So take a look at Costa Rica for your next vacation, as it will never let you down!
By: Kenth Nasstrom
Kenth Nasstrom, Learn more about Costa Rica at www.Costa-Rican-Information.com
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=012607_paradise_costa_rica.htm
Costa Vista Land Acquires Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates
Costa Vista Land Acquires Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates
Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.
Investors are the real winners at Costa Vista Land's Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates. Right now, Costa Vista Land clients can purchase developed property at pre-development prices, and get a lifetime membership to the 18-hole championship golf course with their slice of paradise.
Sabanilla, San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWeb) January 25, 2007 -- Costa Vista Land (CVL) announces the purchase of Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, a partially developed 1,006 acre project located on Costa Rica's west coast. The company estimates between 300 - 325 lots will be available for investors looking to purchase Costa Rica property.
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.costavistaland.com/" alt="Link to website">We are an investment company first and a land sale company second.
has been in development for the past year. John Dorsey, CVL's Developer, stated, "We decided to buy the entire parcel, because we like it so much. The previous Costa Rica developer did a good job, but we've taken over this project with the intention of bringing a real pre-development, affordable price to the table.
"By investing in Costa Rica real estate at the Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, investors are ensured of receiving the property title and deed quickly, because the roads, water and legal work are already complete. Power will be connected within a few months. "We are looking at an eight month window for the project to be sold out," commented Dorsey.
Located in Guanacaste, Bagaces on Costa Rica's west coast, Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates is primarily flat, but has sweeping views of three volcanoes - Miravalles, Tenorio and Rincon de la Vieja. The Guanacaste region is an ecological area with rich vegetation and exotic animals and birds. The area is known for its abundance of beaches, national parks, biological reserves, resorts and fishing. And, with a new International Airport in nearby Liberia, Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates is an ideal location for investors. An added perk is the lifetime membership at the championship golf course (valued at $35,000), which is included with the Costa Rica land purchase.
About Costa Vista Land:Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is 'developing paradise' in Costa Rica. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their properties at discount prices and develops them in less than 18 months. Hence the unique program in which you can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company President, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee. Everyone is encouraged to visit Costa Rica, stand on their property and see the beautiful country they have invested in. While visiting, the company pays for your accommodations, meals and transportation.
For more information contact 1-877-55-COSTA. And, grab your Free 50 minute CD now, by clicking here: http://www.developingparadisecd.com###
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/1/emw500117.htm
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Exclusive Resorts(R) Opens Doors to First Members-Only Resort
Exclusive Resorts(R) Opens Doors to First Members-Only Resort
Exclusive Resorts' new Poro Poro resort in Costa Rica feature cliff-side residences boasting 4,000 square feet, luxurious amenities and infinity-edge pools overlooking the Pacific.
(PRNewsFoto/Exclusive Resorts) DENVER, CO UNITED STATES 01/24/2007
New $75 Million Costa Rica Development Represents Club's Largest Project
Yet, Three Years of Planning and a First for Destination Clubs
DENVER and WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Exclusive Resorts raises
the bar again for luxury destination clubs as it opens the industry's first
members-only resort, complete with 21, 4,000-square-foot luxury residences
and a 20,000-square-foot member club house. Located at Peninsula Papagayo,
a 2,300 acre residential resort community on the north Pacific coast of
Costa Rica, the Club's "Poro Poro" development was created by Exclusive
Resorts from the ground up for its members, with a new standard of custom
homes, luxurious amenities and personalized service.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070124/LAW052)
"Our Poro Poro development shows clearly why Exclusive Resorts is a
dramatically better way to vacation," said Donn Davis, CEO of Exclusive
Resorts. "At Poro Poro, our members can spread out with large groups of
family and friends in the private, cliff-side infinity pool of their
residence, enjoy a special dinner from a local private chef on their
ocean-front terrace, or experience nearby activities such as a zip-line in
the jungle to twilight golf arranged by their on-call concierge."
Named after a native Costa Rican tree, Poro Poro is a $75 million,
20-acre destination community nestled into the oceanfront bluffs of
Peninsula Papagayo. Ten of the glass-front homes in the Poro Poro
development are available to the club's 2,500 members this month, with the
remaining 11 scheduled to open this summer.
Each of the free-standing, ocean-facing residences sits on almost one
acre of land and offers expansive views of the ocean and forest. The
four-bedroom, four-bath homes are equipped with every imaginable luxury and
include generous outdoor living spaces with outdoor showers and private,
infinity-edge pools and whirlpools. The architecture and design for the
development, featuring arching rooflines, indigenous materials and work of
local artisans, was a collaborative effort between Exclusive Resorts and
Costa Rican firms Zurcher Arquitectos and Fusion Interior Design, S.A.
The centerpiece of Poro Poro is the 20,000-square-foot member club
house, which features casual grill dining, a French-trained chef, adult's
and children's pools, a game room for kids, a fitness facility and a member
lounge. Terraces and expansive decks that wrap around the club house
provide an ideal spot for Exclusive Resorts members to relax and soak up
ocean breezes and dramatic scenery.
Poro Poro is one of seven premier resort developments scheduled to open
for Exclusive Resorts members in 2007 and 2008. Each project was carefully
selected by Exclusive Resorts management and will expand the company's
portfolio to more than 400 luxury residences. The developments are:
Exclusive Resorts Private Enclave at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The
Arrabelle at Vail Square, Vail, Colorado; Kapalua Bay, Maui; Ho'olei,
Wailea, Maui; Viceroy Resort, Anguilla, British West Indies; and continued
expansion in Tuscany, Italy.
"While the opening of Poro Poro is a spectacular achievement for our
club, we are not resting," added Davis. "Exclusive Resorts is developing
over 120 new residences around the world exclusively for our members, and
the best is yet to come. Because of our financial strength and commitment
to excellence, Exclusive Resorts is uniquely positioned to seek out real
estate gems like this one early and develop them into dream destinations
for our membership."
About Exclusive Resorts
Exclusive Resorts is the leader in the new consumer segment of
destination clubs. Named 'Best of the Best' by Robb Report in 2006,
Exclusive Resorts offers its members unprecedented access to a portfolio of
hundreds of the finest luxury vacation residences in dozens of the world's
most desirable destinations. With an average value of approximately $3
million, each residence combines the spaciousness and elegance of a private
home with the services, amenities and conveniences of a five-star resort.
Membership in Exclusive Resorts eliminates the burdens of owning a second
home, the limitations of fractional real estate, and the uncertainties of
renting a villa. Members of Exclusive Resorts pay a one-time membership fee
that is 80 percent refundable upon resignation, plus annual dues. Exclusive
Resorts is the partner of choice in the destination club segment, with
strategic alliances with leading companies including American Express,
Neiman Marcus, Marquis Jet, YPO and Merrill Lynch. The company is based in
Denver and Washington. Membership is subject to the terms and conditions of
the club membership agreement. For more information on membership, please
call 800.447.8988 or visit http://www.exclusiveresorts.com.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Rachel Neumann
303-493-6106
rneumann@exclusiveresorts.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-24-2007/0004511929&EDATE=
Costa Vista Land Acquires Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates
Costa Vista Land Acquires Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates
Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.
Investors are the real winners at Costa Vista Land's Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates. Right now, Costa Vista Land clients can purchase developed property at pre-development prices, and get a lifetime membership to the 18-hole championship golf course with their slice of paradise.
Sabanilla, San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- Costa Vista Land (CVL)
announces the purchase of Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, a partially developed 1,006 acre project located on Costa Rica's west coast. The company estimates between 300 - 325 lots will be available for investors looking to purchase Costa Rica property.
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.costavistaland.com/" alt="Link to website">We decided to buy the entire parcel, because we like it so much. The previous Costa Rica developer did a good job, but we've taken over this project with the intention of bringing a real pre-development, affordable price to the table.
Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates has been in development for the past year. John Dorsey, CVL's Developer, stated, "We decided to buy the entire parcel, because we like it so much.
The previous Costa Rica developer did a good job, but we've taken over this project with the intention of bringing a real pre-development, affordable price to the table.
"By investing in Costa Rica real estate at the Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, investors are ensured of receiving the property title and deed quickly, because the roads, water and legal work are already complete. Power will be connected within a few months. "We are looking at an eight month window for the project to be sold out," commented Dorsey.Located in Guanacaste, Bagaces on Costa Rica's west coast, Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates is primarily flat, but has sweeping views of three volcanoes - Miravalles, Tenorio and Rincon de la Vieja.
The Guanacaste region is an ecological area with rich vegetation and exotic animals and birds. The area is known for its abundance of beaches, national parks, biological reserves, resorts and fishing. And, with a new International Airport in nearby Liberia, Visa Volcanoes Golf Estates is an ideal location for investors. An added perk is the lifetime membership at the championship golf course (valued at $35,000), which is included with the Costa Rica land purchase.
About Costa Vista Land:Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is 'developing paradise' in Costa Rica. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their properties at discount prices and develops them in less than 18 months.
Hence the unique program in which you can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company President, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property.
This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee. Everyone is encouraged to visit Costa Rica, stand on their property and see the beautiful country they have invested in. While visiting, the company pays for your accommodations, meals and transportation. For more information contact 1-877-55-COSTA. And, grab your Free 50 minute CD now, by clicking here: http://www.developingparadisecd.com###
http://www.prweb.com/releases/Costa-Rice/Costa-Rica-Property/prweb500117.htm
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Russia Signs Costa Rica Deal
Thursday, January 25, 2007. Issue 3582. Page 6.
Russia Signs Costa Rica DealCombined Reports
Russia has only Georgia in its way to accession to the World Trade Organization after it signed a trade agreement with Costa Rica on Wednesday.
An Economic Development and Trade Ministry spokeswoman said Russia signed the agreement with Costa Rica in Geneva on Wednesday, two months after it struck a milestone deal with the United States on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
The bilateral deal is one of a series that Russia must conclude on its path to membership in the 149-member WTO, which sets global trade rules. Any member can demand a bilateral deal with an applicant.
Georgia withdrew its signature from an earlier deal after Russia imposed a ban on its wine and mineral water last spring.
Relations between Moscow and Georgia worsened in the fall as Moscow slapped a sweeping transport and postal blockade on the country in retaliation for the brief arrest of four Russian officers in Tbilisi accused of spying.
A tentative way out the impasse was hinted at Tuesday, when the country's chief epidemiologist said a ban on Borjomi mineral water could soon be lifted.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/01/25/047.html
Bahia Escondida Continues Sales Success at Boat Shows
Bahia Escondida Continues Sales Success at Boat Shows
Costa Rican Development Reports Tremendous Sales Volume at San Diego Boat
Show
GOLFITO, Costa Rica, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ --
Bahia Escondida, a world-class sport fishing and mega yacht marina-village development in Golfito,Costa Rica, continued its tremendous success by recording more than $7
million in sales at the recent four-day San Diego Boat Show.
Sports fishermen and yacht owners at the annual boat show were
presented with dozens of spectacular fishing locations and exclusive
yachting destinations, but Bahia stood out to many as the perfect ownership
opportunity for the Californian fishing and boating lifestyle.
"We anticipated a strong market in Southern California, but were taken
aback that 90% of the visitors to our booth had visited Costa Rica, and
some 70% of those had been to Golfito," explained Phil Perko, president of
Digital Capital Group, the exclusive sales partner. "They were already
familiar with the area's environmental and sports fishing attributes, and
couldn't wait to own there."
Sales at the San Diego Boat Show ran the gamut from residential
condominiums to 50- to 120-foot marina slips. The positive response to the
development has led Digital Capital to plan a return to California from
March 7 to 11 for the Fred Hall Boat Show in Long Beach.
Bahia Escondida's reception in yachting and sports-fishing circles has
been strong since its introduction in 2006. In fact, the initial
overwhelming response led developers Jim Lynskey and Great American Capital
to redesign phase I of the project in order to incorporate more residences.
Weeks earlier at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the Bahia sales team
secured more than $5 million in sales. Continuing strong demand prompted
Digital Capital to plan for a price increase, effective January 29.
"Owning a slip in Golfito makes a lot of sense for Southern California
boaters," says Richard Cipriano, vice president of Digital Capital.
"Traditionally, yachters and sports fishermen from this area will spend
about a third of the year at home in Southern California, a third of the
year taking advantage of the fishing season in Cabo, and then a good three
or four months in Costa Rica. Golfito has always been one of Costa Rica's
'hidden gems,' as well as one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet,
and this development allows buyers to make it their own."
Bahia Escondida's marina, on which construction began in late October,
will provide access to one of the world's greatest untapped fisheries, with
the possibility of catching "granders" and offering plentiful Blue, Black
and Striped Marlin; Pacific Sailfish; Yellowfin Tuna; Giant Dorados; and
Wahoo. When complete, Bahia Escondida will feature 217 marina slips and
approximately 400 hotel and condominium units. Phase II sales are scheduled
to launch in the third quarter of 2007.
Bahia Escondida is accessible via daily commercial flights into Golfito
from San Jose, Costa Rica. Coral Gables, Fla.-based OBM International is
the project architect.
South Florida based Digital Capital International Sales Group can be
reached on the web at http://www.digitalcapitalgroup.com.
Jim Lynskey, a Miami native, is a pioneering developer with more than
twenty years of experience creating resorts and real estate projects
throughout Caribbean and Costa Rica.
Great American Capital is a fully diversified real estate development
company experienced in all facets of development including land
acquisition, site design, entitlements, construction, leasing, and property
management. In addition to building more than 2.5 million square feet in
retail and office space, Great American provides investment capital to
joint-venture partnerships developing mixed-use projects.
For more information, call (866) 50-BAHIA or visit
http://www.bahiaescondidacostarica.com.
Related links:
http://www.bahiaescondidacostarica.com
http://www.digitalcapitalgroup.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-22-2007/0004510370&EDATE
How Latin America Might Help Solve America's Health Care Crisis
How Latin America Might Help Solve America's Health Care Crisis
By Coley Hudgins : BIO 18 Jan 2007
Discuss This Story! (14) Email Print Bookmark Save
The problems with America's Medicare system are well known. Late last year U.S. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke cautioned that reform of entitlement programs such as Medicare -- the $342 billion U.S. health insurance program for people age 65 or older -- should be the nation's top priority since a wave of retirees is coming Medicare's way.
One partial solution to the problem would be Medicare portability.
Currently, the Social Security Act of 1964 prohibits Medicare payments for most medical care received abroad. Medicare portability would change the rules to allow U.S. retirees to be reimbursed by Medicare for medical expenses incurred in other countries.
The precedent for Medicare portability was established nearly a decade ago by Professor David Warner with LBJ's School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas who proposed a pilot program to permit U.S. residents living in Baja, California to be reimbursed by Medicare for health care treatments received in Mexico. In that case, a research and demonstration project waiver from the U.S. Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA), which oversaw Medicare payments, was required. Today, HCFA is known as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Dr. Warner's work suggested that if medical procedures could be performed in countries with lower administrative costs, salaries and medical malpractice insurance costs than the U.S., Medicare portability might offer a solution to the program's skyrocketing costs.
One country well positioned to benefit from such a change to US law would be Panama. The country is already a leading "medical tourism" destination with its first-world medical infrastructure and a close relationship with the United States.
With a growing number of American ex-pat retirees, Panama could easily capitalize on a wave of "retirement outsourcing" by expanding health care treatment opportunities for retirees from the United States. Retirement outsourcing is premised on the belief by economists and demographers that a large number of baby boomers from the U.S., Canada and Europe will seek to retire in countries with a more affordable cost of living. The precedent is already well-established in Central American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico, which are capitalizing on the trend by offering retirees generous incentive packages, mild climate and affordable real estate.
Estimates of the ex-pat community here in Panama vary from 20,000 to 50,000, but that number could be dwarfed in the years ahead with two innovative "outsourcing" approaches to retiree health care. One is already occurring organically -- Panama's growing leadership in expanding affordable health care options for overseas patients through a burgeoning medical tourism industry that by some estimates will be a $40 billion industry worldwide by 2010. The other is Medicare portability.
Today, companies like Panama's Pana-Health offer a real-time snapshot of what Medicare portability could mean for Medicare savings. Pana-Health costs for a hip or knee replacement are $12,000 according to information on the company's website, while similar procedures in the U.S. would cost $20,000 or more.
A thoughtful approach to Medicare portability could guarantee that ex-pats would still receive top-quality and affordable health-care through accreditation by U.S. CMS or the Joint Commission on International Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations of overseas facilities such as Panama's Johns Hopkins-affiliated Punta Pacifica Hospital. Countries with accredited Medicare-eligible facilities would likely see large increases in ex-pat retirees, who tend to be both larger consumers of health care services as well as more price-sensitive health-care consumers.
Indeed, a Migration Policy Institute study this past summer on U.S. retirement migration to Mexico and Panama suggested that Medicare portability across borders would likely have strong effects on the future flow of U.S. retirees abroad.
It's time for Panama to think creatively about the next big phase of retirement outsourcing -- retiree health care services. Panama has a once-in-a-lifetime first-mover advantage because of its role as a first class provider of health care services and its physical proximity to the U.S., the largest consumer of health care services in the world.
The author is a Managing Director of Latin American Venture Partners, a real estate investment firm founded in Washington, DC in 2005 and based in the Republic of Panama.
http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=112806F
Longtime US Real Estate Developer Sets Sights on Costa Rica
Pacifico offers a combination of 350 condominiums, townhomes (shown in artist rendering), villas and apartments, along with 150 single-family home sites.
(PRNewsFoto/The Jack Parker Corporation) FORT MYERS, FL UNITED STATES 01/03/2007 Pacifico Offers Condos from $150,000 and Home Sites from $90,000 FORT MYERS, Fla., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 52 years, The
Jack Parker Corporation has used phrases such as "luxury living,"
"breathtaking views" and "waterfront paradise" to entice buyers to purchase
its high-rise condominiums in New York and residential projects along both
coasts of Florida. But a slowing real estate market, runaway home prices,
and the disappearance of land have prompted the privately-owned real estate
development company to take these phrases elsewhere -- approximately 1,200
miles south to where CNBC called "the hottest real estate market on the
planet." And they are betting U.S. buyers will follow.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070104/CLTH032 )
Sales begin January 6 for Pacifico, the company's 175-acre, mixed-use
development in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, located along the Northwest
Pacific coast 22 miles from the international airport in Liberia, which
offers non-stop flights daily to and from major U.S. cities including
Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston.
"Costa Rica offers what many consider no longer available in Florida
and other popular second home markets -- available land at an affordable
price," states Kerry Trowbridge, senior vice president for The Jack Parker
Corporation. "Combined with lower construction costs, ample labor, and a
welcoming government, it seems only logical that U.S. home builders and
buyers are being lured to this less expensive paradise."
The 500 residences within Pacifico -- a collection of 350 condominiums,
town homes, and villas; 20 rental apartments, and 150 single-family home
sites -- combine Mediterranean architecture with coastal design elements
and are being built to U.S. standards, offering custom cabinetry, Kohler
fixtures, Whirlpool appliances, and pre-wired for phone, cable and Internet
access. Floor plans are available with one, two, three or four bedrooms,
and prices start from the $150s. Home sites, most with Pacific Ocean views,
range from the $90s-$400s. Construction of the initial 56 units is
underway, with completion scheduled to begin in March.
Inclusive of home ownership is membership to the Pacifico Beach Club,
which will offer an indoor restaurant and bar, and to the onsite Health
Club & Spa with tennis facilities. Additional amenities include a Members
Club, sunset bar, waterfall pavilion, resort pools with sun deck, toddler
pool & splash fountain, and a children's play area.
A 15,600 square foot Village Center located at Pacifico's entrance will
house Costa Rica's only Robb & Stucky Design Studio, and other retail
conveniences which may include a post office, coffee shop, art gallery,
tour operator, and business services center. Also located in the Village
Center will be a 20,000 square foot Auto Mercado, Costa Rica's premier
grocery store, with additional retailers such as a dry cleaner, pharmacy
and eateries.
"While the natural beauty of Costa Rica is the key selling point, we
realize that in order to attract American buyers, modern conveniences and
services are essential," says Trowbridge.
Costa Rica -- long a haven for American retirees and home to an
estimated 50,000 American residents, according to the U.S. Embassy of Costa
Rica -- is touted as the birthplace of eco-tourism and has become Latin
America's most popular destination. A temperate climate, low cost of
living, stable government, first-rate medical services, an English-speaking
population, and direct U.S. flights are key factors that have lead to the
country's phenomenal growth.
The Pacifico Sales Gallery, located within the Beach Club, opens
January 6. For more information about Pacifico or to arrange an onsite
visit, call 877-444-1222 or go to http://www.pacifico-costarica.com.
About The Jack Parker Corporation
Pacifico is the vision of The Jack Parker Corporation, a
privately-owned, U.S.-based real estate development company founded in
1955. Today, The Jack Parker Corporation's portfolio includes world-class
hotels such as Le Parker Meridien in New York City and Le Parker Meridien
in Palm Springs, California; restaurants; fitness centers and spas; and
retail, office and industrial complexes stretching from New York to
Florida. The company's Florida division, with headquarters in Fort Myers,
has built commercial and residential projects throughout the state,
including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale,
Miami, Tampa, Sarasota, Hallandale and Boca Raton.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-04-2007/0004499446&EDATE=
Buying in Central America
Home Away
Buying in Central America
By AMY GUNDERSON
Published: January 10, 2007
When Steve Carl steps out of his three-bedroom beach house in Ambergris Caye in northern Belize, snorkeling at one of the largest barrier reefs in the world is just a short swim away and going to dinner means leaving footwear behind.
“Everything is barefoot here,” Mr. Carl said. “There are fantastic restaurants nearby and I can walk in there with bare feet for white-linen service.”
Mr. Carl visits his vacation home in Belize with his family four or five times a year. The cost of labor in the country is low enough that he and the five other homeowners in his community can house two full-time caretakers in the development to keep watch over the homes and manage renters. Also, property taxes are “virtually non-existent,” Mr. Carl said.
Low real estate prices combined with the allure of life at a tropical retreat have long drawn second home buyers to Costa Rica, but increasingly other countries in Central America, from Panama to Belize and even Nicaragua, are seeing foreigners snap up oceanview condos and beachside homes.
Buying a home overseas requires navigating what are often complicated rules on foreign ownership. The good news is that more real estate agencies in Central America are catering to international buyers with English-speaking staff. They readily refer buyers to local lawyers who can assist home buyers through the closing process.
While Mexico is well known for restricting land ownership of beachfront homes and property near the coast, the rules in some Central American countries are less restrictive. In Belize foreign buyers can purchase property without restriction, while in Nicaragua, land, even beachfront property, can either be leased or purchased depending on the local municipality.
Real estate agents in Nicaragua, however, caution buyers to secure a good lawyer to guide them through the title process.
“The title history here can be more complicated than in the States,” said Zach Lunin, an agent with Aurora Beach Realty, in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. Because of the political history in the country, there is the danger of purchasing a property that may have been confiscated during the Sandanista era; the original property owner may never have received compensation.
In Panama, property falls under two legal definitions: “titled” or “right of possession.” Foreigners can buy titled property but cannot purchase right of possession property, which is legally owned by the government, said Frank Morrice, a broker at Century 21 Semosa Realty in Panama. However, on Panama’s mainland, right of possession property can be changed into a titled property. This is a year-long legal process that then enables non-Panamanians to buy the land.
On Panama’s islands, however, this transfer process is not allowed, and since the majority of property on the islands is right of possession, foreigners can not purchase it. But, change is on the horizon. Last year a law was passed in Panama that could be implemented as soon as this summer, that will make it possible for foreigners to begin purchasing island property.
In Costa Rica, international buyers encounter restrictions only near the coast, where the country requires the majority of an investment to come from Costa Rican residents. But even with restrictions near the coast, Costa Rica is booming among foreign buyers.
Chris Simmons, who owns two Remax real estate agencies in Costa Rica and recently purchased the franchise rights for two more, is seeing the high end of the market grow even loftier to include properties selling for $4 million.
And while real estate prices have no doubt jumped in Costa Rica, property taxes remain low, at just a quarter of one percent: The buyer of a $500,000 house would pay $1,250 a year in taxes.
Mortgages can be difficult or impossible to obtain from a local bank — there is only one bank in Belize, for instance, that will lend to foreigners — so buyers often buy with cash or secure financing through the developer at higher rates of interest than a traditional mortgage.
Panama and Nicaragua have some of the lowest prices in the region. A two-bedroom oceanview condo in Panama City averages $250,000, while a house just outside of the city, but still close to the beach, may run closer to $350,000. In Nicaragua the high end is around $500,000, but most second-home buyers are looking to spend $200,000 to $300,000 for a house, Mr. Lunin said.
Developers in Nicaragua are selling quarter-acre beachside lots in Costa Dulce from $90,000. Two-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot fully furnished homes at the Villas de Palermo, a development just outside of San Juan del Sur, are going for $249,000.
But perhaps the biggest draw to this region is simple tranquility. “A lot are buying surf investments,” Mr. Lumin said. “They are buying to be on the perfect wave. And the perfect wave is the empty wave.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/10/realestate/greathomes/10gh-home.html?ex=1169182800&en=de4503ea7c100afd&ei=5070
Hilton Hotels signs hotel management agreements in Costa Rica
Hilton Hotels signs hotel management agreements in Costa Rica
NEW YORK (AFX) -
Hilton Hotels Corp. has signed multi-year management agreements with the Caribbean Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2005 for two resorts in Costa Rica.
Financial details were not given.
Beginning in Dec. 2007, the company will manage a 202-room property in Guanacaste and a 410-room property Puntarenas as the first Hilton and Doubletree branded resorts in the country.
In an effort to implement all brand standards, both resorts will undergo extensive renovations to all areas including guestrooms, leisure facilities, lobby, meeting rooms, and restaurants.
The Premier Fiesta Resort and Spa in Papagayo will be renamed Hilton Papagayo Resort and the Fiesta Resort in Puntarenas will be renamed the Doubletree by Hilton Puntarenas Resort.
newsdesk@afxnews.com
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2007/01/10/afx3317814.html
International community marks 2007 with upsurge
International community marks 2007 with upsurge
These are busy times for South Florida's international business community, with new alliances, business groups and real estate deals.
Some developments:
Fort Lauderdale-based consulting firm Maritime Transport & Logistics Advisors added John Jamian, former acting chief for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration, to its roster of affiliate consultants.
Jamian is a partner in Jamian Fahmy LLC, based in Washington, D.C., and Michigan. He also is president of the Seaway Great Lakes Trade Association.
For information, check www.maritimeadvisors.com.
Yet another African business group has joined the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce in Florida: the Cameroon USA-Chamber of Commerce.
It joins fellow African groups in the association from Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Congo and Togo.
Ariel Ngnitedem, president of the new Cameroon group, also becomes a director of the association, known as ABiCC.
For information, check the Cameroon chamber's Web site at www.cam-usa.us.
Ram Management Co., based in Scarborough, Maine, said it bought two cold-storage facilities in Miami and leased them to Agriflora Group, a fresh flower trading company.
The properties span 80,000 square feet and handle flowers flown into Miami International Airport, the top entry point for flowers into the United States.
Ram has developed properties in Maine, England and Israel, among other locales.
Miami-based Agriflora imports flowers mainly from Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica for U.S. distribution.
Cosmetics maker Palladio Beauty Group of Hollywood was named U.S. Exporter of the Year in the health and beauty category by the U.S. Commerce Department's export promotion magazine.
Commercial News USA gives exporter awards in 15 categories a year.
Palladio reported $1.9 million in exports in 2005, up 60 percent from the previous year. Exports now account for one-quarter of sales. For information, check www.exporteroftheyear.com.
Riviera Beach attorney Wayne M. Richards is the new chairman of the Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners, elected to a one-year term by fellow members of the five-member port board.
Events
The World Trade Center-Palm Beach is organizing a seminar on import-export from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 at Lincoln College of Technology, 2410 Metrocentre Blvd., Room 113 in West Palm Beach.
For information, call 561-1712-1443 or check www.wtcpalmbeach.com
Miami-Dade Aviation Director José Abreu and Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson will discuss the "State of the Ports" at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.
For information, call organizers at the World Trade Center-Miami at 305-871-7910 or check www.worldtrade.org.
Updates
Global economic growth has peaked, the U.S. dollar will decline sporadically, and U.S. export demand will grow at a moderate pace, according to a new quarterly report from the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, based in Arlington, Va.
MAPI economist Cliff Waldman predicts the dollar will remain flat against currencies of industrialized countries in the first quarter 2007 and then decline 7 percent during the second and third quarters.
For information, check www.mapi.net.
Peruvian President Alan Garcia met with U.S. senators Jan. 2 to push for approval of the U.S.-Peru free trade agreement, already passed by Peru's legislature.
Doreen Hemlock can be reached at dhemlock@sun-sentinel.com or 305-810-5009.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-ybintl15jan15,0,1350019.story?coll=sfla-business-headlines
Hilton Hotels Corporation signs agreements to manage two resorts ...
Hilton Hotels Corporation signs agreements to manage two resorts ...Barbados Advocate - Barbados... has announced that it has signed multi-year management agreements with the Caribbean Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2005 for two resorts in Costa Rica. ...
Hilton Hotels Corporation signs agreements to manage two resorts in Costa Rica;
Web Posted - Mon Jan 15 2007Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that it has signed multi-year management agreements with the Caribbean Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2005 for two resorts in Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2007, the Company will manage a 202-room property in Guanacaste and a 410-room property, Puntarenas, as the first Hilton and Doubletree branded resorts in the country, respectively.
In an effort to implement all brand standards, both resorts will undergo extensive renovations to all areas including guestrooms, leisure facilities, lobby, meeting rooms, and restaurants. These additions solidify our expansion efforts in Central America and support our growth strategy to bring the Hilton Family of Hotels into the region, said Danny Hughes, area vice president, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation.
Costa Rica is one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the world, with visitor arrivals growing more each year. We want to support the country's tourism growth and welcome guests to experience the biodiversity that makes Costa Rica such an amazing place to be.
The Premier Fiesta Resort and Spa in Papagayo will be renamed Hilton Papagayo Resort. With 202 rooms, including 71 private bungalows, guests enjoy plush accommodation with panoramic views surrounded by nature. The hotel, located on a private beach on the Bay of Papagayo in Guanacaste, just 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport, features two outdoor swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, kid's club, three restaurants, two bars, casino, and nightly entertainment.
With an area of 6 933 square miles, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is home to a world of natural surroundings, including white, black, and pink shell beaches, national parks and wildlife refuges, coral reefs, deciduous and tropical forests, and volcanoes. The province is perfect for fishing, diving, biking, hiking, and more.
This management agreement in Guanacaste is a terrific example of Hilton Hotels commitment to expanding its guest offerings by partnering with diverse hoteliers, who believe in the strength of our global brand, said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president - brand management & marketing for Hilton Hotels. Through this agreement, the property will now offer unique, local experiences alongside the standard upscale amenities our guests have come to expect and love.
The Fiesta Resort in Puntarenas will be renamed the Doubletree by Hilton(tm) Puntarenas Resort. The 410-room all-inclusive resort, located one and a half hours from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport and two hours from Liberia International Airport, offers four dining outlets, seven bars, pool, beach, fitness center, tennis courts, kid's club, non-motorized water sports, casino, nightly entertainment, and easy access to nearby national parks and biological reserves, rainforests, volcanoes and beaches. Puntarenas, the largest province of Costa Rica, and formerly known as the country's main fishing port, is the perfect place to enjoy a day of fishing. The coast, decorated by islands and beaches, offers visitors a chance to experience pristine nature. Tourists can also enjoy a range of attractions, as Puntarenas is the starting point for many excursions.
Doubletree Hotels continues to expand its upscale, full-service hotel portfolio at a solid pace. This newest management agreement in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, reinforces our pride in Doubletree being recognised by hotel owners and developers as a dynamic, credible and lucrative hotel brand for hoteliers across the Western Hemisphere and around the world, said Dave Horton, senior vice president - brand management for Doubletree Hotels. We are delighted to announce that our first two resorts in Costa Rica will become part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, said Kenneth Blatt, principal of Caribbean Property Group. Ruben Pacheco, president of Enjoy Group added, With such a strong marketing, sales and technology infrastructure, as well as the value added benefit of the highly acclaimed Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, we believe our new Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton affiliations will lead to great recognition and success for our resorts, both domestically and internationally. Caribbean Property Group is the managing partner of the Fund and Enjoy Group is a minority partner in the venture.
http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=29514
Latin America Real Estate: Continued Growth
Latin America Real Estate: Continued Growth
Latin Business Chronicle - Miami,FL,USA"Mexico and Costa Rica should continue to be in the real estate forefront, along with other markets in the Caribbean such as Bahamas and the Turks and ...
Latin America Real Estate: Continued Growth
U.S. baby boomers are still attracted to Costa Rica (picture above), Mexico and other countries in Latin America. (Photo: ICT)
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US baby boomers and European investors are helping spur the market. But growth and prices are slowing down.
BY CHRONICLE STAFF
Despite growing political tension in some countries, the real estate sector in Latin America continues to see strong growth.
"The fundamentals of the region continue to be sound, despite some concern on the potential collateral effect of the slowdown in the U.S. real estate market in other regions of the globe," says Rogerio Basso, an analyst at Ernst & Young's real estate advisory services. "The baby boomer generation will continue to retire in large numbers in the next coming years and they will have a substantial amount of disposable income available to them. Many of these individuals are looking for opportunities to purchase second homes that they can use either for vacation or retirement purposes, and as such Latin America will continue to be an attractive proposition."
Apart from the real estate brokers, title insurance companies like First American are also seeing strong growth. "We issued more than twice as many title insurance policies in 2006 compared to 2005 and the insured amount tripled in value," says Turalu Brady Murdock, vice president at U.S.-based First American Title Insurance Company.
BETTER THAN U.S.
Basso expects a reduced rate of appreciation in second-home prices in the year ahead relative to 2006, but it should still be superior to the United States, thereby attracting baby boomers wishing to make investments in second homes in Latin America. "Though we should also anticipate a slow down in sales pace, this will be short-lived, and will mostly impact the upper-end of the market," he says. In general, there will continue to be a high level of interest for highly-amenitized, branded, beach-front developments, according to Basso.
Mexico and Costa Rica are expected to be the main drivers behind the growth, due to proximity to the United States, Basso says. "Given that a substantial amount of demand in the second-home market is driven by US buyers, there should be continued interest in coastal locations within proximity to the US," he says. "Mexico and Costa Rica should continue to be in the real estate forefront, along with other markets in the Caribbean such as Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. South America has yet to explode as a vibrant real estate market as a result of its distance to the main source market, the US." Mexico is the top Latin American market for First American, according to Murdock.
PANAMA AND NICARAGUA
In Central America, Panama, Guatemala and Nicaragua are seeing increased real estate activity, Basso points out. "However, the volumes are still relatively small to make them significant players in the region," he says. Nicaragua and Panama are the two fastest-growing markets in Latin America outside of Mexico for First American.In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is developing several projects that are anchored by upscale lodging brands (Westin Rokoki and Cap Cana), and is a place to watch, according to Basso. The northeast coast of Brazil (Bahia, Pernambuco), which features some of the most beautiful beaches in South America, has seen an increased level of interest from Spanish and Portuguese developers to develop mixed-use projects, mainly focusing on a European-based buyer.Murdock expects Brazil, along with Nicaragua and Panama, to account for her company's strongest growth in the region this year.
Destinations that do not offer convenient access to the United States, both in terms of availability of flights and flight length, will not expand their secondary real estate markets, Basso warns. Countries that already lack a vibrant second home market to begin with - for example Ecuador and Bolivia - will be affected by the slowdown in the United States and increasing competition elsewhere, he adds.
DECREASED PRICE AND SALES GROWTH
Overall, he doesn't expect any declines in the top markets, but a decrease in appreciation rate and sales pace. "Given the significant appreciation in land prices in the past three years, profit margins are reducing," Basso says. "Buying land now is significantly more expensive than before...As such, the same project that made sense five years ago may not pencil out today." Meanwhile, the development quality is also changing. "Developers are being forced to offer highly-amenitized branded projects to differentiate themselves from the competition," Basso says. "Although there are significant benefits to this strategy (marketing, quality of finishes, awareness, etc) it also increases development costs. Projects that do not feature these characteristics will be at a disadvantage."
http://www.latinbusinesschronicle.com/app/article.aspx?id=727
Hilton Hotels Corporation Signs First Hilton® And Doubletree® Costa Rica Management Agreements
Hilton Hotels Corporation Signs First Hilton® And Doubletree® Costa Rica Management Agreements 1/5/2007 11:28:50 AM
Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) has announced that it has signed multi-year management agreements with the Caribbean Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2005 (the "Fund”) for two resorts in Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2007, the Company will manage a 202-room property in Guanacaste and a 410-room property Puntarenas as the first Hilton and Doubletree branded resorts in the country, respectively. In an effort to implement all brand standards, both resorts will undergo extensive renovations to all areas including guestrooms, leisure facilities, lobby, meeting rooms, and restaurants.
"These additions solidify our expansion efforts in Central America and support our growth strategy to bring the Hilton Family of Hotels into the region,” said Danny Hughes, area vice president, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "Costa Rica is one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the world, with visitor arrivals growing more each year. We want to support the country's tourism growth and welcome guests to experience the biodiversity that makes Costa Rica such an amazing place to be.”
The Premier Fiesta Resort and Spa in Papagayo will be renamed Hilton Papagayo Resort. With 202 rooms, including 71 private bungalows, guests enjoy plush accommodation with panoramic views surrounded by nature. The hotel, located on a private beach on the Bay of Papagayo in Guanacaste, just 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport, features two outdoor swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, kid's club, three restaurants, two bars, casino, and nightly entertainment.
With an area of 6,933 square miles, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is home to a world of natural surroundings, including white, black, and pink shell beaches, national parks and wildlife refuges, coral reefs, deciduous and tropical forests, and volcanoes. The province is perfect for fishing, diving, biking, hiking, and more.
"This management agreement in Guanacaste is a terrific example of Hilton Hotels' commitment to expanding its guest offerings by partnering with diverse hoteliers who believe in the strength of our global brand,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president – brand management & marketing for Hilton Hotels. "Through this agreement the property will now offer unique, local experiences alongside the standard upscale amenities our guests have come to expect and love.”
The Fiesta Resort in Puntarenas will be renamed the Doubletree by Hilton(TM) Puntarenas Resort. The 410-room all-inclusive resort, located one and a half hours from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport and two hours from Liberia International Airport, offers four dining outlets, seven bars, pool, beach, fitness center, tennis courts, kid's club, non-motorized water sports, casino, nightly entertainment, and easy access to nearby national parks and biological reserves, rainforests, volcanoes and beaches.
Puntarenas, the largest province of Costa Rica, and formerly known as the country's main fishing port, is the perfect place to enjoy a day of fishing. The coast, decorated by islands and beaches, offers visitors a chance to experience pristine nature. Tourists can also enjoy a range of attractions, as Puntarenas is the starting point for many excursions.
"Doubletree Hotels continues to expand its upscale, full-service hotel portfolio at a solid pace. This newest management agreement in Puntarenas, Costa Rica reinforces our pride in Doubletree being recognized by hotel owners and developers as a dynamic, credible and lucrative hotel brand for hoteliers across the Western Hemisphere and around the world,” said Dave Horton, senior vice president – brand management for Doubletree Hotels.
"We are delighted to announce that our two first resorts in Costa Rica will become part of the Hilton Family of Hotels,” said Kenneth Blatt, principal of Caribbean Property Group. Ruben Pacheco, president of Enjoy Group added, "With such a strong marketing, sales and technology infrastructure, as well as the value added benefit of the highly acclaimed Hilton HHonors guest reward program, we believe our new Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton affiliations will lead to great recognition and success for our resorts, both domestically and internationally.”
Caribbean Property Group is the managing partner of the Fund and Enjoy Group is a minority partner in the venture.
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Detects Stable U.S. Hiring Plans With Cautious Undertones for Q1 2007
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. employers are set to enter the new year with a steady hiring pace similar to the past two years, according to the seasonally adjusted results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc.
"Although the U.S. employment outlook remains stable, hiring managers are leaning toward a softened job pace, which you can see by the subtle decline in confidence in the last two quarters of survey results," said Jonas Prising, President of Manpower North America. "This is by no means a dramatic shift in employer sentiment, but it does indicate that companies are giving more thought to posting help wanted notices."
Of the 14,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 23% expect to add to their payrolls during the first quarter of 2007, while 11% expect to reduce staff levels. Sixty percent expect no change in the hiring pace, and 6% are undecided about their hiring plans.
The seasonally adjusted survey results show that employers in the Non- Durable Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale/Retail Trade and Services sectors remain confident and foresee little change in the hiring pace compared to the fourth quarter. Hiring is expected to improve slightly in the Education and Public Administration sectors, and Mining employers foresee a more notable, albeit modest, improvement in the employment landscape.
In four of the 10 industry sectors surveyed, employers expect weaker hiring activity in the first three months of 2007 versus the final quarter of 2006. These sectors include Construction, Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities and, especially, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate.
"The Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sector was one of the strongest performers in the survey throughout most of 2006, but the first quarter forecast for 2007 indicates a significant change in attitude. Employers in this sector reported the weakest hiring expectations, making job prospects much tighter than in recent years," said Prising.
The quarter-over-quarter hiring outlook for the four U.S. regions is consistent with fourth quarter results in the Northeast, Midwest and South. Employers in the West are slightly less optimistic than they were in the final months of 2006. Compared with last year at this time, employers in the South and West have slightly weaker hiring plans. Job prospects in the Midwest are expected to be about the same, while a brighter jobs picture is predicted for the Northeast. Employer optimism is most apparent in the South, while companies in the Midwest are most reserved about their hiring plans in the new year.
In addition to the United States, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted in 26 other countries and territories. The quarterly report from Manpower Inc. is the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world, gathering data from nearly 50,000 employers across the globe each quarter.
International survey results show that employers are optimistic about adding to their workforces in the first quarter of 2007, with those in 20 of 23 countries and territories reporting more robust hiring plans than one year ago.
"The global labor market looks set for a positive start to 2007 with employers in most of Europe and Asia planning to increase hiring compared to the first quarter of 2006, and the U.S. job market continuing to plug along at a steady pace," said Jeffrey Joerres, Chairman & CEO of Manpower Inc. "The German labor market appears to be gaining momentum with a second consecutive quarter of healthier job prospects ahead, while employers in Singapore and India are set to accelerate hiring considerably from 12 months ago.
"The most optimistic hiring expectations for the first quarter are in Peru, Singapore, India, Argentina, South Africa, Costa Rica, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Employers in Belgium, Costa Rica, Peru, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and South Africa are reporting their most positive hiring plans since the survey began in these countries. In addition, the survey was expanded to Argentina this quarter, where hiring expectations are among the strongest in the survey.
Of the six countries surveyed in the Americas, Peruvian employers are the most optimistic about adding to their workforces, while employers in the remaining countries expect continued positive hiring activity.
Across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, job prospects are strongest in South Africa, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Belgium, while Italian employers report the weakest regional hiring expectations.
In Asia Pacific, hiring prospects remain strong but are slightly weaker than three months ago. Compared to first quarter of 2006, hiring is expected to improve in seven of eight countries and territories surveyed. Hiring expectations are strongest in Singapore and India, and weakest in Taiwan.
The next Manpower Employment Outlook Survey will be released on March 13, 2007, to report hiring expectations for the second quarter of 2007.
About the SurveyThe Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted quarterly to measure employers' intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter. It is the most extensive forward-looking survey of its kind, unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area of focus. The Survey has been running for more than 40 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment activity in the world.
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on interviews with nearly 50,000 public and private employers worldwide and is considered a highly respected economic indicator.The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is currently available for 27 countries and territories: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The program began in the United States and Canada in 1962, and the United Kingdom was added in 1966. Mexico and Ireland launched the survey in 2002, and 13 additional countries were added to the program in 2003. New Zealand joined the program in 2004, China, India, Switzerland and Taiwan were added in 2005, and Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica and South Africa joined in 2006.
For more information, visit the Manpower Inc. Web site at http://sev.prnewswire.com/workforce-management/20061212/CGTU00312122006-1.html# and enter the Research Center.
About Manpower Inc.Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The $16 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting.
Manpower's worldwide network of 4,400 offices in 73 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management.
More information on Manpower Inc. is available at http://sev.prnewswire.com/workforce-management/20061212/CGTU00312122006-1.html# and http://www.us.manpower.com/ .
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U.S. trade deal passes Costa Rica congress hurdle
U.S. trade deal passes Costa Rica congress hurdle
San Jose, Costa Rica (Reuters) -
A Costa Rican congressional committee has approved a Central American free trade deal with the United States, months after the rest of the region put the pact into force.
The government, which hopes the Central American Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA, will now pass through Congress in February, complained at the delays.
"In no other country in the world is there so much debate in commission before voting on it," the government's chief of staff, Rodrigo Arias, said on Wednesday.
The pact was passed in the foreign affairs commission by six votes to three on Tuesday night, more than 13 months after it was introduced into Congress.
Costa Rica is the only country among those signing the agreement, including the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, not to ratify the accord.
Costa Rica's government has been struggling against strong opposition to CAFTA in Congress and from labor unions. Protesters demonstrated outside Congress on Tuesday.
They fear the trade deal will lead to the privatization of the state-run telephone company, hurt the social security system and damage farmers.
Even if CAFTA is passed, a series of 13 other laws need to be approved for the treaty to take effect in Costa Rica.
http://www.truthabouttrade.org/article.asp?id=6725
Survey detects stable U.S. hiring plans going into 2007
Survey detects stable U.S. hiring plans going into 2007
Author: RP news wiresU.S. employers are set to enter the new year with a steady hiring pace similar to the past two years, according to the seasonally adjusted results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc.
"Although the U.S. employment outlook remains stable, hiring managers are leaning toward a softened job pace, which you can see by the subtle decline in confidence in the last two quarters of survey results," said Jonas Prising, president of Manpower North America.
"This is by no means a dramatic shift in employer sentiment, but it does indicate that companies are giving more thought to posting help wanted notices.
"Of the 14,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 23 percent expect to add to their payrolls during the first quarter of 2007, while 11 percent expect to reduce staff levels.
Sixty percent expect no change in the hiring pace, and 6 percent are undecided about their hiring plans.
The seasonally adjusted survey results show that employers in the non-durable goods manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade and services sectors remain confident and foresee little change in the hiring pace compared to the fourth quarter.
Hiring is expected to improve slightly in the education and public administration sectors, and mining employers foresee a more notable, albeit modest, improvement in the employment landscape.
In four of the 10 industry sectors surveyed, employers expect weaker hiring activity in the first three months of 2007 vs. the final quarter of 2006.
These sectors include construction, durable goods manufacturing, transportation/public utilities and, especially, finance/insurance/real estate.
The quarter-over-quarter hiring outlook for the four U.S. regions is consistent with fourth quarter results in the Northeast, Midwest and South.
Employers in the West are slightly less optimistic than they were in the final months of 2006. Compared with last year at this time, employers in the South and West have slightly weaker hiring plans.
Job prospects in the Midwest are expected to be about the same, while a brighter jobs picture is predicted for the Northeast.
Employer optimism is most apparent in the South, while companies in the Midwest are most reserved about their hiring plans in the new year.In addition to the United States, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted in 26 other countries and territories.
The quarterly report from Manpower Inc. is the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world, gathering data from nearly 50,000 employers across the globe each quarter.
International survey results show that employers are optimistic about adding to their workforces in the first quarter of 2007, with those in 20 of 23 countries and territories reporting more robust hiring plans than one year ago.
"The global labor market looks set for a positive start to 2007 with employers in most of Europe and Asia planning to increase hiring compared to the first quarter of 2006, and the U.S. job market continuing to plug along at a steady pace," said Jeffrey Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc.
"The German labor market appears to be gaining momentum with a second consecutive quarter of healthier job prospects ahead, while employers in Singapore and India are set to accelerate hiring considerably from 12 months ago.
"The most optimistic hiring expectations for the first quarter are in Peru, Singapore, India, Argentina, South Africa, Costa Rica, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Employers in Belgium, Costa Rica, Peru, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and South Africa are reporting their most positive hiring plans since the survey began in these countries.
In addition, the survey was expanded to Argentina this quarter, where hiring expectations are among the strongest in the survey.
Of the six countries surveyed in the Americas, Peruvian employers are the most optimistic about adding to their workforces, while employers in the remaining countries expect continued positive hiring activity.
Across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, job prospects are strongest in South Africa, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Belgium, while Italian employers report the weakest regional hiring expectations.
In Asia Pacific, hiring prospects remain strong but are slightly weaker than three months ago. Compared to first quarter of 2006, hiring is expected to improve in seven of eight countries and territories surveyed. Hiring expectations are strongest in Singapore and India, and weakest in Taiwan.
http://www.reliableplant.com/article.asp?pagetitle=Survey%20detects%20stable%20U.S.%20hiring%20plans%20going%20into%202007&articleid=3823
Costa Rica, Considered Peaceful and Environmentally Friendly by ...
Costa Rica, Considered Peaceful and Environmentally Friendly by ...
Costa Rica, Considered Peaceful and Environmentally Friendly by the New York Times, Receives Over One Million Visitors
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Online agencies such as Vacations Costa Rica have helped to make Costa Rica the desired travel destination for many Americans seeking the ultimate getaway in tropical paradise.
Miami, FL (PRWEB) December 26, 2006 -- Online agencies such as Vacations Costa Rica have helped to make Costa Rica the desired travel destination for many Americans seeking the ultimate getaway in tropical paradise.An recent article published in the Real Estate section of the New York Times stated that Costa Rica has the advantages of an active tourism board, as well as a reputation for being environmentally friendly and peaceful. The New York Times article goes on to say that an increasing number of Americans love the unspoiled jungle landscapes and warm seas of Costa Rica, referred to as "a beachhead for luxury". Online agencies such as vacationscostarica.com have helped to make Costa Rica the desired travel destination for many Americans seeking the ultimate getaway in tropical paradise.Planning a Costa Rica holiday is a dream come true for many, as evidenced by the statistics of their tourism board. According to recent figures, over a million visitors arrive in Costa Rica each year, representing a quarter of their population. Additionally, more than half the annual visitors to Costa Rica every year are from the United States. Savvy travelers have also discovered that a completely customized Costa Rican vacation can be conveniently planned online. Scheduling a Costa Rican vacation rental on the Internet is a secure and simple way for travelers to arrange an ideal, cost effective trip in less time and with minimal effort. Casey Halloran, owner of Vacations Costa Rica, states that, "We have a full website with great photographs of Costa Rica and will arrange your perfect Costa Rica travel experience. Whether choosing a hotel, vacation rental or tour, we offer only the best of Costa Rica. We have images of all our hotel partners and tours and specialize in customized travel planning, focusing on only top vacation products. We are in Costa Rica, possess invaluable local knowledge and are proud members of the Costa Rican National Tourism Chamber. We love Costa Rica and to help keep it beautiful, we donate a percentage of our profits to the Organization of Tropical Studies (OET), one of the Costa Rica's oldest and most respected non-profit scientific and conservation organizations."Conservation concerns, respecting the environment and practicing ecotourism are top priorities in Costa Rica. Ecotourism is a vehicle to sustainable development that makes it possible to receive tourists without compromising the quality of the land and its valuable resources. At the Third International Conference of Ecotourism in November, 2006, Costa Rica was recognized as one of the world leaders in ecotourism. As a result of ecotourism, travelers can secure first class accommodations that include amenities such as spas and golfing while still experiencing the raw beauty and peace of tropical paradise. Because of its lush, unaffected environment, Costa Rica is more alluring than ever as a luxury vacation destination. For decades, the Pacific Coast of northern Costa Rica has been a haven for hikers, backpackers and surfers. Although slightly less remote today, Costa Rica adventure travel is still extremely popular because of the incredible surf and picturesque, natural terrain. The 762 miles of coastlines in Costa Rica offer endless waterfront experiences, such as boating, fishing and water sports. Along the coastlines, the existence of unusual fauna and wildlife create opportunities for unprecedented nature excursions. Mr. Halloran says, "Our highly trained team of travel experts are here in Costa Rica to help you plan your adventure. We arrange your perfect Costa Rica travel experience and tailor every vacation package to fit you like a fine suit. We even meet you at the airport and are on call during your stay to deliver first class service. Our goal is to provide you a comfortable and memorable vacation in this paradise we call home."Costa Rica luxury vacations are the perfect choice for many Americans looking to escape the harried pace of everyday life and feel the relaxing pleasure of coastal paradise. The wonder of nature, scintillating culture, lovely tropical beaches and limitless opportunities for adventure make Costa Rica an ideal pla
