~ by Perry Gladstone

It’s been a busy high-season at the Costa Ballena Chamber of Tourism and Commerce. While we continue to advance many initiatives, three areas have been our main focus: 

SECURITY - Concerns over rising crime prompted the CACOBA Security Council to research, develop, and test a combination of security programs and services, which were presented in a series of five town hall-style community meetings: Ojochal/Tres Ríos, Uvita/Ballena/Bahía, Hermosa, Escaleras / Dominicalito, and Dominical. Each region was encouraged to form a working group to hire and/or implement solutions best suited to their needs. For regional group contact info, details on services available, and approved vendors, please contact the Chamber. 

Be part of the solution! In addition to working with your regional group, help us stay safe by downloading the EYES ON THE STREET reporting app for your smartphone.

Get it from our website http://www.cacoba.org

DEVELOPMENT- In partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Costa Rica United States Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA), and key area Changemakers, CACOBA is developing a process and platform to identify, incubate, and help fund critical research, youth skills development, and social enterprise ventures. Stay tuned for exciting new announcements in this area! To enhance the planned continuation of the Dominical boulevard project, CACOBA is throwing its support behind public restrooms, a new permanent Lifeguard tower, and a young children’s playground. We hope this is just the beginning of more community facilities to come. 

TOURISM - To encourage more and longer green-season visits to the Costa Ballena region, CACOBA is working with the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), Association of Tour Guides and Tour Operators of Bahía Ballena (ASOTO), and town councils to extend the Uvita Whales and Dolphins Festival and add new Festival activities in Dominical and Ojochal.

Join us! To get the latest announcements on these and other important matters, please join our mailing list here:
http://www.cacoba.org - email: costaballenaclub@gmail.com