Author archives: Mareike Wielens

Mareike Wielens is a highly experienced and passionate Tourism in Costa Rica expert. She is the CEO of Emotional Travel, a travel agency specializing in well-being and mental health vacations, but also designs tailormade roundtrips in Costa Rica. Mareike has a deep understanding of the Costa Rican travel industry and a commitment to providing travelers with an unforgettable and transformative experience. She is known for her dedication, expertise, and focus on the “Wow-Moments.” Experience Her journey to becoming a Costa Rica expert began in 2007 when she first set foot in this beautiful country. She was immediately captivated by its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. She stayed a little longer than 12 months, exploring Costa Rica´s hidden gems and meeting its people, and gained her first experience in the Tourism Industry as a Sales Assistant. In 2013, Mareike decided to start her career in the Costa Rican travel industry and moved to Costa Rica. She quickly rose through the ranks, starting as a Sales Assistant, and in 2014, took over the position as a Sales Manager at Aventuras Tierra Verde, a successful Destination Management Company in Costa Rica. In these roles, she developed and implemented sales strategies, managed and motivated sales teams, and built relationships with key clients and partners. In 2018, Mareike presented a webinar for the Costa Rica Tourism Board. Additionally, she participated as an expert in a webinar titled 'Costa Rica Highlights & Workation' hosted by Pura Vida University. Furthermore, Mareike shared her expert insights in a podcast about Costa Rica. She also gained extensive experience attending international tourism fairs and networking with industry professionals. In 2021, Mareike took the courageous leap of starting her travel agency in Costa Rica. Expertise Mareike is a Tourism in Costa Rica expert with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry. She has a deep understanding of the country's natural and cultural attractions, Ecotourism in Costa Rica, as well as its luxury adventure travel market. Her strong network of contacts in the Costa Rican travel industry and the Costa Rican Tourism Board gives her access to exclusive experiences and excellent customer service. One of Mareike's key strengths is her ability to understand her clients' needs and desires. She works with each client to create a personalized itinerary that meets their unique needs and interests to turn each itinerary into a personal dream vacation. Mareike attends to her customers in English, German, and Spanish, which allows her to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients. Education Mareike's educational background includes studies in International Business and Management (BBA) at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Following her studies, Mareike furthered her knowledge with courses in Business Strategies for Emerging Markets (Coursera) and INCAE Women Lead – Women´s Development Strategies. Emotional Travel  In 2021, Mareike founded her travel agency, Emotional Travel, which specializes in well-being and mental health vacations in Costa Rica. The goal is to empower individuals to improve their well-being, escape the stress and problems of daily life, and encounter anxiety and stress. Emotional Travel aims to turn traveling into a healing and rejuvenating power to return home with a renewed sense of self and a deeper understanding of the world around them. From yoga retreats to rainforest adventures, Emotional Travel has a vacation package to meet the unique needs of every traveler. Call to action: With Mareike's expertise, you will have an unforgettable Costa Rican experience, from its stunning natural beauty to its thrilling adventures, rejuvenating wellness retreats, and a selection of hotels varying from charming rustic bungalows to luxurious accommodations. For the latest updates and insights, you can follow Mareike on LinkedIn