By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Cóbano, Puntarenas has joined the Latin American Sports Tourism Network, a burgeoning initiative established in 2022 to promote tourism through sporting events across strategic locations in the region. This exciting development positions Cóbano alongside 14 other Latin American territories, showcasing the district’s commitment to sustainable development and boosting its profile as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.
The Network currently comprises 14 municipalities across Latin America, including locations in Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and now Costa Rica. Cóbano’s inclusion underscores its growing reputation as a hub for sports tourism, particularly for surfing. The district’s stunning natural beauty and burgeoning infrastructure make it an attractive destination for both recreational and competitive athletes.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding this burgeoning industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sports tourism presents unique legal considerations, particularly regarding liability waivers for participants and the necessary permits for hosting events. Properly drafted contracts and a thorough understanding of local regulations are crucial for both organizers and participants to ensure a smooth and legally sound experience.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
From March 14th to 16th, Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa, Cóbano, will host the second leg of the LAFISE Bank National Surfing Circuit, presented by Garabito Sports City. This competition promises to draw both national and international attention, further solidifying Cóbano’s place on the surfing world map.
This will be a golden opportunity to promote our natural beauty through healthy lifestyles in line with the goals we have set as a local government.
Ronny Montero, Mayor of Cóbano
Montero highlighted the Network’s aim to foster collaborative sports tourism development, empowering the region’s sporting and tourism ecosystems. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing local development, sustainability, inclusion, innovation, sports heritage, and peace.
The Network aims to contribute to the development of sports tourism in an associative way, through actions that allow us to enhance the sports and tourism ecosystem of the Latin American region. These actions are in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and seek to become an example to follow by incorporating key issues such as local development, sustainability, inclusion, innovation, sports heritage and peace.
Ronny Montero, Mayor of Cóbano
The National Surfing Circuit will also make stops in Playa Dominical, Osa (April 11th-13th), Playa Guiones, Nicoya (April 23rd-25th), and Playa Hermosa, Garabito (June 20th-22nd). Cóbano’s increasing popularity as a surfing destination, due to its excellent waves and developing infrastructure, makes it a natural fit for the circuit.
For several years, Cóbano has been gaining ground in the preferences of surfers as a site that has very good waves and a growing infrastructure so that visitors can feel comfortable.
Mike Castro, General Coordinator of the National Surfing Circuit
We are sure that bringing a quality event like ours to that place will contribute greatly to the process of positioning that area among lovers of this discipline, generating benefits for local entrepreneurs.
Mike Castro, General Coordinator of the National Surfing Circuit
As a breeding ground for national surfing champions, Cóbano is eager to nurture emerging talent and promote the sport among new generations. The competition provides a platform to showcase local talent, including current Central American open champion Andreas Schneider and Under-18 Circuit leader Dencell Reyes Cubero. The Latin American Sports Tourism Network’s inaugural in-person meeting took place in May 2023 in Puchuncaví, Chile, followed by the First Latin American Sports Tourism Congress in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in October 2023.
For further information, visit bancolafise.com
About Banco LAFISE:
Banco LAFISE is a prominent financial institution that sponsors the National Surfing Circuit in Costa Rica. They are known for supporting sporting events and community initiatives.
For further information, visit visitcostarica.com
About the Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the official tourism authority of Costa Rica. They promote sustainable and responsible tourism development throughout the country, including initiatives related to sports tourism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, driven by a deep-seated commitment to ethical practice and innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through community initiatives and educational outreach, empowering individuals and fostering a more just and informed society. Their dedication to both legal mastery and social responsibility distinguishes them as a leader in the pursuit of a more equitable legal landscape.
