Characteristics of Tourist Wooden Crafts in Costa Rica: Manufacture, Wood Species, Products and Market Channel

The unique biodiversity of Costa Rica and development of tourist-centric infrastructure have not only spurred tourism in the country but also generated economic benefits for the handicraft sector. Handicrafts embody the symbolic values of culture, showcase artisans’ manual skills, and utilise a variety of raw materials, including wood. This study characterises the wood material used in the handicraft industry of Costa Rica by examining the species used, their characteristics, the products developed, and the marketing and distribution channels employed by the vendors. A qualitative, descriptive-complementary methodology was utilised, involving in situ data collection through semi-structured interviews, supplemented by insights acknowledged as an important tool for development by evaluators. The findings reveal that most workshops are small manufacturers, employing fewer than five people, and primarily use small-dimension sawlogs, lumber, and end-boards as raw materials. Nearly 29 different timber species are utilised, the most common being Cedrela odorata, Bombacopsis quinata and Dalbergia retusa. The predominant products manufactured are functional items like spoons, cups, toys and vases, followed by decorative and ludic (playful) products. These items often feature motifs that reflect the region’s rich biodiversity, religious themes, and cultural heritage, which are appealing to tourists. Some workshops distribute their handicrafts to local tourist shops, while others sell directly to these establishments or operate their own retail outlets. For this purpose, they employ four main marketing and distribution channels: dealers, websites, social media and direct sales.