The Costa Rican government has implemented a plan to utilize mandatory holidays as a means of promoting domestic tourism. By strategically aligning holidays around weekends, they have created a five-day weekend, offering residents ample time to explore local attractions and support the tourism industry.
Combining Holidays to Create Extended Weekends
The Five-Day Weekend Concept
The Costa Rican government devised a plan to merge Holy Thursday and Good Friday with the weekend, followed by the celebration of the Battle of Rivas. Typically commemorated on April 11th, the Battle of Rivas was moved to the 10th this year, resulting in a five-day weekend.
Law 9875: Encouraging Long Weekends
Law 9875 mandates the transfer of holidays to the nearest Monday, generating long weekends that enable residents to travel and enjoy local attractions. This tourism-boosting strategy will also be implemented in the coming years.
Upcoming Long Weekends to Boost Domestic Tourism
Costa Rican residents can look forward to more extended weekends in the future, as the government’s strategy will be applied to various holidays, including:
- May 1 (Labor Day)
- July 25 (Annexation of Nicoya)
- August 15 (Mother’s Day)
- September 15 (Independence Day)
- December 25 (Christmas)
A Proactive Approach to Supporting Local Tourism
The Costa Rican government’s decision to strategically combine holidays and create extended weekends demonstrates a proactive approach to promoting domestic tourism. By providing residents with additional opportunities to travel and explore their country, this strategy fosters economic growth, supports local businesses, and contributes to the overall well-being of the nation.
