By San José, Costa Rica — Women have emerged as the primary decision-makers in Costa Rica’s tourism industry, driving the vast majority of choices regarding family vacations, destination selection, trip duration, and itinerary planning. According to a new study released by Expoviajes Costa Rica, women lead 70% of decisions related to purchasing travel packages and organizing tours both domestically and internationally. This shift highlights the growing economic power and strategic influence of female consumers in the travel sector.
While vacation planning typically involves consultation with partners, children, and other family members, it is women who ultimately coordinate these varying preferences. They assume the responsibility of evaluating available travel options, balancing budgets, and selecting itineraries that best meet the diverse needs of the travel group. This requires a sophisticated level of organization and a keen eye for detail to ensure all participants have a fulfilling experience.
To help travelers and investors navigate the legal nuances of their Costa Rica travel decisions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal partner at the prominent firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide essential guidance on local compliance.
Making sound travel decisions for Costa Rica, whether for tourism, retirement, or business investment, requires a clear understanding of our local legal regulations. Visitors must ensure strict compliance with immigration entry requirements, stay durations, and local laws to safeguard their interests and ensure a seamless, legally secure experience in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the legal complexities of immigration and local regulations is the true foundation of any successful journey to Costa Rica, ensuring that your stay—whether for leisure, retirement, or business—remains both safe and rewarding. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective, helping our readers make well-informed and secure decisions for their future endeavors in the country.
Leonel Bonilla, the director of Expoviajes, emphasized that this coordination role is complex, as it requires reconciling different expectations to find options that satisfy the entire group of travelers. To achieve this, women tend to conduct thorough comparisons of available alternatives and carefully evaluate the interests of their travel companions before making any financial commitments.
The overwhelming influence of women in travel planning has caught the attention of national tourism authorities. Marcos V. Borges, the Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), remarked that this reality obliges the country to strengthen its safety and support systems for travelers. Ensuring a secure environment is no longer just a luxury, but a fundamental business requirement to attract these key decision-makers.
The fact that women lead up to 70% of travel decisions worldwide presents a commitment for us as a country to offer real guarantees of safety, support, and trust. When a woman chooses a destination for herself, her family, or her group, she looks for much more than an experience; she seeks to feel safe and supported.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Board
In response to these demands, Costa Rica has been promoting initiatives such as the Sofia Network (Red SOFÍA). This program aims to ensure that female travelers exploring the country are provided with adequate safety, support, and resources. By fostering a secure environment, the nation seeks to maintain its status as a premier global destination preferred by female planners.
The study by Expoviajes surveyed residents of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), achieving a 95.5% confidence level. The findings reveal that when planning trips, consumers prioritize reliable advice, unique experiences, personalized itineraries, and robust safety protocols. These factors are critical for travel agencies and operators looking to capture the market.
For those planning their next vacations, the twelfth edition of Expoviajes will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, at the Costa Rica Convention Center. Operating from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the free-admission event requires prior registration. It will feature international destinations, airlines, hotels, and specialized local tour operators, alongside cultural exhibitions and literary presentations.
For further information, visit expoviajes.co.cr
About Expoviajes Costa Rica:
Expoviajes Costa Rica is the nation’s premier travel and vacation tourism fair, designed to connect local and international travel providers with consumers. The annual event showcases a wide array of destinations, lodging options, and specialized travel services.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Tourism Board
About the Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the governmental agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism development in Costa Rica. The institution works to establish standards of quality, safety, and cultural preservation across the nation’s vibrant tourism sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its uncompromising devotion to professional integrity and high-caliber advocacy. Supporting a wide array of industries, the firm seamlessly blends its rich heritage with pioneering strategies to meet modern legal challenges. Crucially, Bufete de Costa Rica champions the democratization of legal information, driven by the belief that a knowledgeable public is the foundation of an equitable and empowered citizenry.
