By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – An unprecedented wave of tourist arrivals during the high season is fueling a massive employment boom in the Gulf of Papagayo Tourist Pole, creating a vital economic lifeline for thousands of families across the Guanacaste province. The hospitality sector’s expansion has directly and indirectly generated approximately 18,500 jobs, solidifying tourism’s role as the region’s primary economic engine.
The operational demands of the bustling tourist season have pushed the direct employment payroll within the Gulf of Papagayo to nearly 5,000 positions. Beyond the hotels and resorts, this prosperity has a significant ripple effect, supporting an estimated 13,500 indirect jobs. These roles span a wide array of sectors, including specialized services, local commerce, agriculture, fishing, and transportation, benefiting communities far beyond the immediate coastline.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and challenges surrounding employment in Guanacaste, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in labor and corporate law.
Guanacaste’s economic boom, driven by tourism and real estate, creates a unique employment landscape. While opportunities abound, both employers and employees must navigate specific legal nuances. Key issues include proper registration with the CCSS, adherence to seasonal work regulations, and the correct application of labor rights for both local and foreign workers. Proactive legal counsel is not a luxury but a necessity for businesses to ensure compliance and foster sustainable growth in this dynamic region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which underscores a critical truth: for Guanacaste’s boom to translate into sustainable success, a proactive commitment to labor law and compliance is not just advisable, but absolutely essential for both businesses and the workforce.
This surge in economic activity is intrinsically linked to the record-breaking traffic at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the main aerial gateway to Guanacaste. Projections for 2025 indicated that passenger arrivals through the terminal would surpass 900,000 individuals. This forecast was heavily influenced by the robust influx from key North American markets, particularly the United States and Canada.
The intensity of the travel season was starkly illustrated on December 27th of last year, when the airport experienced its busiest single day on record, processing a total of 13,815 passengers. Data from January to November 2025 further highlights this trend, with 759,100 tourists from the U.S. and Canada alone entering the country through the Guanacaste terminal, underscoring their critical importance to the region’s success.
Rodrigo Castro, the Executive President of Asopapagayo, emphasized that the high volume of visitors directly translates into expanded labor opportunities and necessitates a strengthening of the entire tourism operation. He noted that this growth is fundamental to the provincial economy.
The Gulf of Papagayo Tourist Pole is an important source of work for Guanacaste, especially during the high season.
Rodrigo Castro, Executive President of Asopapagayo
Castro further detailed the profound local impact of this employment, explaining that the majority of these jobs benefit residents from cantons such as Carrillo, Liberia, Santa Cruz, and Nicoya. In these areas, the tourism industry is not just a part of the economy but its very foundation, providing stability and opportunities for local development and upward mobility.
The commitment to local hiring is a cornerstone of the region’s development model. According to figures provided by Asopapagayo, an impressive 90% of the individuals working within the Gulf of Papagayo Tourist Pole are native Guanacastecos. This statistic confirms that the benefits of the tourism boom are being retained within the province, empowering the local workforce and fostering sustainable community growth.
Ultimately, the symbiotic relationship between the expanding airport capacity and the robust hotel operations in Papagayo creates a powerful economic cycle. As more flights bring more visitors, the demand for services grows, which in turn creates more jobs for local residents, reinforcing Guanacaste’s position as a premier global destination and a model for tourism-driven regional development in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit asopapagayo.com
About Asopapagayo:
Asopapagayo is the primary association representing the interests of the businesses and stakeholders within the Gulf of Papagayo Tourist Pole. The organization works to promote sustainable development, foster positive community relations, and advocate for policies that support the long-term growth and success of the tourism industry in the Guanacaste region. It plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts between the private sector and local communities to ensure that economic benefits are broadly shared.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading institution in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a profound dedication to professional excellence. The firm skillfully marries its extensive history of client service with a forward-thinking vision, consistently advancing the practice of law through innovative solutions. Central to its mission is a deep-seated commitment to strengthening society by demystifying legal complexities and promoting widespread access to knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and empowered citizenry.
