Invest in the future: Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the top destination of everyone’s bucket lists; no doubt about it. And it is precisely this popularity that has made it a magnet for investors worldwide. While foreign investment has diversified greatly, tourism is still positioned as one of the most promising and profitable industries in the country. But more recently, Costa Rica and its responsible land management have become a hotspot for investors looking for ecotourism venues.

Reports made by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) show that a large percentage of the roughly 2,000,000 tourists coming to the country each year are motivated by ecotourism. But there is a reason beyond the natural beauty and jaw-dropping landscapes. Costa Rica offers a unique experience: an intimate experience submerged in the cultural and bioclimatic context of the region. As the typical “hallway” hotels have become less attractive to tourists in Costa Rica who seek a level of authenticity in their experience, many of the unique, boutique hotels focused on eco-tourism boast very strong occupancy rates. The potential for higher than average ADR’s and occupancy rates are brought investment into boutique resort hotels in Costa Rica to the forefront.

Ecotourism has become one of the leading tourism industries in the country. But aside from reaping the financial benefits of the industry, the trend has become one of the most significant tools that the country has to protect its geographical richness.

What is considered ecotourism?

The spectrum of ecotourism is becoming ever wider every day. From small-scale volunteering communities to large eco residential developments; all contribute to the local economy and the conservation of the environment in different ways. By protecting privately owned land, offering job opportunities, and contributing to the development of communities in a sustainable manner, ecolodges may come in different shapes and different sizes.

Both the public and private sectors are actively encouraging economic development that goes hand in hand with the preservation of the natural environment, as this responsible approach to tourism not only benefits the resources and gives tourists what they are looking for, but also they are incredibly beneficial to the local communities.

Investing in the future

Ecotourism is not only a lucrative and environmentally sound business but also a bet on our future and a commitment to our planet.  The United Nations and World Economic Forum estimate that nature-based solutions investments have to reach $8.4 trillion by 2050 if we want to timely reverse the climate crisis; a long way from our current $113 billion. 

This means that investment needs to grow exponentially over the coming decade. While governments have done their best to invest in the future, it is the private sector and particularly investors concerned about climate change that have become a hope for the conservationist movement.

The Case of Nativa

One of the most prominent examples of successful ecotourism in Costa Rica is the Nativa development in the Central Pacific. Nativa is one of the largest and most consolidated eco residential communities in the area of Jaco. It is home to a handful of luxury residences and condos, surrounded by a very unique phenomenon in the country: the merging of the dry forest and the rainforest. While the Carara National Park is largely designated to protect this one-of-a-kind ecosystem, the abutting of Nativa’s private reserve greatly contributes to the preservation of the resources that are owned outside the conservation area.

Ecotourism is a lucrative business

Investing in nature-based solutions is not only beneficial to the communities, or the environment. It is also an increasingly profitable business model. Studies from Faunalytics.org show that ecotourism is also more profitable than industrializing land in the long run. 

While tourists worldwide are predominantly opting for eco-friendly ways of living and traveling, the benefits of ecotourism are not only related to the revenue generated directly from them. Sustainable land management practices will protect the resources that will give businesses longevity. And aside from that, ecotourism has also been suggested to boost growth in local communities as well.

At 2Costa Rica Real Estate, we encourage investors to drive change and invest in green and sustainable development for the future. Check out the official website for Nativa For Sale to take an active role in fostering a sustainable economy.