Jacó Fights Prostitution
Eight companies have joined forces in a crusade to halt sexual tourism in Jacó, the Central Pacific tourist town that once was a small beach community.

The initiative begins with the efforts of the Jacó Best Western hotel which does not allow prostitutes from entering its premises. 

The upscale hotel refuses entrance to ladies "working" the tourists and guests are advised that their companions will be turned away.

The  Hotels Mar de Luz and Flamboyant, Cabinas Alice, El Hicaco and Barco de los Mariscos restaurants, Barrels Pizza, and Plankton Bar have adopted a similar policy.

In years past, Jacó was a favourite for surfers and for family vacations. The community was small, there wasn't much to do at night, but the attraction was the sun and sand and it's proximity to San José.

Over the last couple of years, a wave of tourists and investments have turned Jacó from the small beach community that always was to a thriving tourist centre.

The skyline of Jacó has changed with a number of high rise condominiums under construction or planned, one of which will tower 12 storeys. At least 10 such projects will be built.

With the increased number of visitors and investment in the area, the area has also seen an increase in drug trafficking and the sex trade.

A number of local bars allow prostitutes to apply their trade and have become a favourite hang out for both nationals and foreigners alike.

The sex trade as grown such that many ladies now travel from San José to Jacó regularly on weekends, saying that business is much better there.

Some 20 or so Costa Rican, Colombian, Nicaraguan and Dominican woman apply their trade on a regular basis. At one local bar, more than 100 prostitutes are available on any Friday night to fulfill any sexual desire or fantasy.

English here is not a problem. Most say that they have learned the "basics" to understand and negotiate with their clients, most of which are North Americans, who pay us$100 or more for their services.

Local businesses are up in arms at the situation and are pressuring local officials and the police to do something.

Jacó's mayor Luis Villalobos said that the initiative is gathering strength and is widely supported because it is seen as a means for Jacó to recover its feature as a family resort.

Osvaldo Alpízar, director of the Fuerza Pública,  said that in addition to Jacó, Tamarindo, Quepos, La Fortuna y Limón have also been converted to centres of prostitution where the women are paid well, and have stepped up night patrol, especially in the areas where the most activity occurs.

In addition to the Fuerza Pública, the Policía de Migración (immigration police) have become very active in those areas, as many of the sex workers are undocumented.