By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – While Costa Rica has successfully branded itself globally as a leader in sustainability and warm hospitality, a significant portion of its tourism sector has operated with a silent barrier. For thousands of travelers from the deaf community, navigating hotels and tourist services has been a challenge marked by communication gaps and a lack of standardized procedures. This long-standing issue in the nation’s inclusive infrastructure is now being directly addressed by an innovative, student-led initiative.
A groundbreaking national protocol, the first of its kind in the country, has been developed to guide the hospitality industry in providing a truly welcoming and accessible experience for deaf tourists. The comprehensive framework is the creation of Estefanía Benavides, a student at the Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH) School of Tourism, who identified a critical disconnect between the country’s welcoming image and the on-the-ground reality for many visitors.
To delve into the legal framework and business implications of advancing accessible tourism in Costa Rica, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Investing in accessible tourism is not merely about complying with Law 7600; it’s a strategic business decision. Beyond the clear legal obligation to eliminate barriers, businesses that adapt their infrastructure and services open themselves to a growing and loyal market segment. This proactive approach not only mitigates legal risks but also significantly enhances a brand’s reputation, positioning it as an inclusive and socially responsible leader in the national tourism industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas perfectly articulates the modern paradigm: accessible tourism is not merely a legal imperative but a strategic advantage that builds both market resilience and brand integrity. We sincerely thank him for providing such a clear and valuable perspective on this crucial issue for Costa Rica’s future.
The proposal, which has already received endorsements from sector specialists and industry leaders, provides clear, actionable guidelines for every department within a hotel. From the front desk and concierge to food and beverage services and emergency response teams, the protocol aims to systematically dismantle the communication hurdles that have long placed the burden of adaptation solely on the traveler.
Benavides highlighted the fundamental flaw in the current system, where preparation is reactive and inconsistent rather than proactive and institutionalized. This gap has persisted despite the country’s progressive legislation.
In Costa Rica, there is no clear methodology to guide hotels on how to welcome a deaf person. Generally, it is the tourist who prepares, not the hotel.
Estefanía Benavides, Student, Universidad Hispanoamericana School of Tourism
The need for such a protocol is underscored by significant data. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. Within Costa Rica alone, the deaf community comprises approximately 70,000 individuals. Yet, a vast majority of the nation’s tourism establishments lack specific policies to serve this demographic, creating a disparity between legal mandate and practical application. Costa Rica’s Law 7600, which establishes the obligation to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities, exists on paper but often falls short in implementation due to a lack of practical tools.
The complexity of communication, involving various sign languages such as Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign (IS), often forces hotel staff into improvisation, which can lead to misunderstandings and a diminished guest experience. Benavides’ protocol is designed to address this directly.
Different sign systems exist (LESCO, ASL, IS), and that forces hotels to improvise. This protocol offers a practical and adaptable guide.
Estefanía Benavides, Student, Universidad Hispanoamericana School of Tourism
Beyond legal compliance and social responsibility, the adoption of this protocol presents a powerful business case. Hotels and tourism operators that embrace these guidelines can unlock significant competitive advantages. By positioning themselves as leaders in accessible tourism, they can enhance their brand reputation, build strong customer loyalty, and tap into new international markets where inclusivity is a key factor in travel decisions. This initiative offers a clear path for the Costa Rican tourism sector to not only meet but exceed global standards for accessibility.
The protocol’s recommendations are practical and readily implementable. Key instructions for staff include maintaining direct eye contact with deaf guests, proactively offering a range of communication options (oral, written, or visual), and strictly avoiding the improvisation of signs. To further support clear communication, the framework incorporates the use of universal pictograms, visual menus, and guidelines for handling emergency situations effectively. It also calls for periodic staff training to ensure the principles of inclusive service are consistently understood and applied, transforming a procedural document into a living culture of accessibility.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH):
Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private higher education institution in Costa Rica, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a focus on academic excellence and professional development, the university is committed to fostering innovation and social responsibility among its students, preparing them to become leaders and problem-solvers in their respective fields.
For further information, visit unwto.org
About World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
The World Tourism Organization is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation and social contribution. Its profound dedication to demystifying legal complexities serves a greater purpose: to equip the public with knowledge, thereby fostering a stronger and more capable society.
