Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the top tourism destination in Central America. The natural beauty, diversity of amenities, and prime location have propelled the nation onto everyone’s bucket list. The frenzy has obligated airlines to offer direct flights to Costa Rica from major cities in Europe and North America. And the country has responded positively to the demand:  two international airports, entertainment for all ages and walks of life, and some enticing tax breaks for foreign investors, and seemingly more on the way. All these things have made Costa Rica a prime destination for foreign investors, especially in tourism.

Diversity of Landscapes

Unlike many other tourist destinations, Costa Rica offers a diversified range of entertainment. It has coastlines on the Pacific and the Caribbean, which host some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Lush mountain ranges and volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and hot springs. There are sophisticated coastal towns like Playas del Coco, Manuel Antonio, and Los Suenos, world-class surfing in Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa, as well as nature retreats like Dominical. Towns like La Fortuna and Monteverde which are ideal for thrill-seekers and adrenaline lovers. Culture districts like San Jose: filled with theaters, centenary houses and buildings, and pre-Columbian museums, and archeological and historical sites like the Monumento Nacional Guayabo in Cartago. Costa Rica is also widely popular for destination weddings, corporate events and retreats, and research centers. 

How Profitable is the Tourism Industry in Costa Rica

Tourism remains the driving force of Costa Rica’s economy, even surpassing other industries like the exportation of agricultural products and even revenues from free trade zones. Historically, tourism in Costa Rica has always been one of the principal sources of income. The tourism industry has represented up to 17% of direct foreign investments and has reached historic contributions to the GPD of 12.5%.

Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Without a doubt, ecotourism is one of the biggest trends driving tourists to the country. More than 25% of Costa Rica’s total surface area is protected in the form of conservation areas and national parks. The country is also known for having a geographically privileged location, which allows it to harbor roughly 6% of the world’s biodiversity. This richness in biodiversity along with the diversity of destinations make it a magnet for tourists worldwide. Not only that; it also makes it the best country to invest in tourism in Central America and third in the entire continent according to the CEO World Magazine.  To assure the demand of investors would develop the country sustainably, the government has implemented different strategies to encourage nature-based solutions, such as the Blue Flag Program, and the tourism Sustainability Certificate (Certificación para la Sostenibilidad Turística). As the world shifts towards a more sustainable way of experiencing nature, ecotourism has proven to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry and has garnered the attention of environmentally sensitive investors seeking to contribute to the $333.8  billion it is expected to amass worldwide by 2027. 

Investing in Tourism in Costa Rica

At 2Costa Rica Real Estate we possess the finest portfolio of luxury properties, hotels, and developments in the country. Proven track records, legacy properties, and established businesses are some of the exclusive listings we have to offer our clientele. But we go further from offering just any listing; we listen to your needs and carefully tailor the lifestyle you envision when investing in Costa Rica. Make sure to contact us if you’re thinking about purchasing real estate in Costa Rica.