US tourist murder sparks unease in Costa Rica tourism industry
The murder of a US tourist in Costa Rica has sparked a debate between the Costa Rica hotel industry and the tourism ministry, each partly blaming the other.
Minister of tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo has urged hotels to be more vigilant over staff recruitment after a security guard was arrested in connection with the murder of tourist Carla Stefaniak, 36.
"Employers need to be more careful with the people they hire for security functions. The law requires verification that the person has a regular immigration status." Revelo said.
The suspect is a 32-year old Nicaraguan who entered Costa Rica illegally.
The responsibility falls on the government, said Costa Rican Hotel Chamber.
"If the country were acting consciously in its security policy for visitors, it would have clearer migration rules. It would be imprisoning criminals and providing greater protection to sites frequented by tourists," the group said in a statement.
"These basic premises are not being met."
Stefaniak was staying at the Hostel Villa LeMas complex, in the town of San Antonio de Escazú, which was booked via Airbnb.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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