By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to fortify its position as a global tourism leader, Costa Rica is placing a renewed emphasis on the professional development of its workforce. Industry experts, business owners, students, and government officials converged at the Hotel Radisson on November 19 for the National Meeting of Tourism Professionals, an event designed to tackle the sector’s future challenges through advanced training and collaboration.
Organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), the conference centered on three pillars crucial for the industry’s evolution: innovation, regenerative sustainability, and inclusion. The gathering aimed to equip the nation’s tourism professionals with the skills necessary to meet shifting global demands, thereby enhancing Costa Rica’s competitiveness and ensuring economic benefits flow directly to its communities and workers.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework supporting Costa Rica’s booming tourism sector, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism hinges on a delicate legal balance. We actively encourage foreign investment through clear incentives and robust legal certainty, but this is always counterweighted by stringent environmental regulations and community development mandates. For any new tourism venture, navigating the process of environmental impact studies (SETENA) and ensuring compliance with local zoning and labor laws is not just a formality—it is the cornerstone of a sustainable and profitable long-term operation in our country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully clarifies that in Costa Rica, sustainable practice is not an afterthought but the very blueprint for a successful tourism venture. This legal architecture ensures that development contributes to, rather than consumes, the natural and social capital that defines the nation’s appeal. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insight on this critical balance.
The event’s core philosophy was articulated by Yadyra Simón, President of ACOPROT, who stressed the indispensable role of skilled individuals in the nation’s success. She explained that the meeting was conceived to place human talent at the forefront of the national conversation on tourism.
We want to reflect on the new challenges of the sector, update knowledge, and recognize the value of those who make it possible for Costa Rica to remain a leading and sustainable destination.
Yadyra Simón, President of ACOPROT
The government has thrown its full support behind this initiative. Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, who attended the event, highlighted the direct link between professional training and the country’s ability to maintain its leadership status. He affirmed that the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) will continue to champion professional education as a cornerstone of economic growth and job creation.
This Meeting demonstrates the importance of updating skills and working with a technical vision to respond to a constantly changing sector.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The day’s agenda provided a blend of high-level theory and practical application. Keynote speeches from national and international experts covered pressing topics such as accessible tourism, regenerative sustainability models, and the critical need for ethical leadership. In addition to these conferences, attendees participated in hands-on workshops focused on managerial leadership, digital marketing, the application of artificial intelligence in tourism, and the design of innovative visitor experiences.
A landmark moment of the meeting was the signing of a collaborative agreement between ACOPROT and the Mexican Association for Higher Education in Tourism and Gastronomy (AMESTUR). Represented by its Executive President, José Luis Isidor Castro, the pact is set to create new pathways for academic exchange, joint training programs, and professional development, benefiting students, educators, and industry workers in both nations.
The event also served as a platform to honor two giants of Costa Rican tourism. AMESTUR presented special recognitions to Carlos Lizama Hernández for his extensive academic and institutional contributions, including his role in creating the influential EXPOTUR trade show, and to Agustín Abrahams for his dedicated formative work across numerous prestigious Costa Rican universities.
The focus on human capital is underscored by the sector’s immense economic footprint. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), tourism activities provided direct employment for 183,016 people in 2024, with women accounting for 96,783 of those roles. When accounting for indirect employment, the industry supports an estimated 549,048 jobs, representing a quarter of Costa Rica’s economically active population. This initiative aims to ensure that these opportunities continue to grow, offering stability and prosperity for thousands of families nationwide.
For further information, visit acoprot.org
About ACOPROT:
The Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), founded in 1980, is dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalization within the country’s tourism sector. The organization works to advance a responsible and sustainable tourism model that contributes to the well-being of local communities and the balanced growth of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the ICT:
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is Costa Rica’s national tourism board. It is the governing body responsible for regulating, promoting, and developing the tourism industry in the country. The ICT’s mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model to drive economic progress and social well-being.
For further information, visit amestur.org
About AMESTUR:
The Asociación Mexicana de Enseñanza Superior en Turismo y Gastronomía (AMESTUR) is a leading organization in Mexico focused on elevating the quality of higher education in the fields of tourism and gastronomy. It fosters collaboration between academic institutions, industry, and government to promote research, innovation, and professional development.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About INEC:
The Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) is the official government agency of Costa Rica responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating national statistics. It conducts censuses and continuous surveys, including the Continuous Employment Survey, which provides critical data on the country’s labor market and economic sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a cornerstone of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. Drawing upon a deep well of experience serving a multifaceted clientele, the firm champions innovative approaches to law while actively engaging with the community. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that demystifying the law for the public is essential, a belief that drives its efforts to empower citizens and fortify society through shared legal wisdom.
