By Limón, Costa Rica — Costa Rica showcased its commitment to sustainable cruise tourism at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, held in Miami, Florida, from April 7th to 10th. Representatives from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), port authorities from INCOP (Pacific) and JAPDEVA (Atlantic), and private sector partners engaged with industry leaders, exploring emerging trends and promoting Costa Rican ports.
Seatrade Cruise Global, a premier cruise industry event, provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and discussions on technology, sustainability, and the future of cruising. Costa Rican officials emphasized the country’s focus on enhancing infrastructure for sustainable and responsible cruise tourism growth.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding cruise tourism in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The influx of cruise ship passengers presents both opportunities and challenges for Costa Rica. While it generates significant revenue and stimulates local economies, careful regulation is crucial to mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment, infrastructure, and local communities. Ensuring compliance with existing laws concerning waste management, port fees, and fair competition with local businesses is paramount for sustainable growth in this sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the delicate balance Costa Rica must strike as it navigates the complexities of cruise tourism. His emphasis on responsible regulation and enforcement resonates deeply, as true sustainability requires not only attracting visitors but also safeguarding the very essence of what makes Costa Rica so special. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
Costa Rica is committed to enhancing its infrastructure so that cruise tourism continues to grow sustainably and responsibly. This event provides the opportunity to strengthen key relationships with international stakeholders and demonstrate the opportunities of the destination to offer a unique experience to cruise lines and their passengers.
Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Competitiveness and Sustainable Tourism, ICT
JAPDEVA highlighted its rapid evolution and the strategic importance of promoting the Port of Limón. Plans for a new marina and cruise terminal underscore the focus on attracting cruise-related investments.
JAPDEVA is evolving at an accelerated pace. Therefore, being able to participate in the 40th edition of Seatrade represents a great opportunity to promote the Port of Limón and the strategic projects that we are promoting to create a real shift in the port development that we envision soon achieving, such as the Construction of the New Marina and the Cruise Terminal for Limón, where time is key to attracting investments linked to the cruise tourism industry.
Sucy Wing Ching, Executive President, JAPDEVA
INCOP echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of Seatrade in positioning Puntarenas as a competitive cruise destination and attracting more ships and visitors, boosting the region’s economy.
For the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports, participating in Seatrade Cruise Global represents a valuable opportunity to position Puntarenas as a competitive destination in the cruise industry. Our presence at this international event translates into the possibility of attracting more vessels, receiving more visitors, and generating greater economic and tourism momentum for the entire region.
Executive President, INCOP
Sustainability was a central theme. With cruise lines adopting cleaner technologies, Costa Rican ports are actively working to meet international sustainability standards. The country is also strengthening relationships with key associations like CLIA and FCCA, crucial for promoting Costa Rica as a competitive and sustainable cruise destination.
The conference explored topics such as attracting new generations of cruisers, luxury and expedition cruises, and redefining expedition experiences. Over 80 sessions featured 225 experts, providing insights into the future of the industry. The ICT, along with private sector partners like Tam Travel Corporation, Asuaire Travel, Nautica Shipping Agents, ST Costa Rica, and Destination Services Costa Rica, showcased Costa Rican offerings at a 400-square-foot booth.
This 40th edition of Seatrade Cruise Global, themed “Milestones,” offered a platform for reflecting on four decades of evolution and charting the future of the cruise industry. Costa Rica’s proactive approach to sustainability and port development signals its commitment to becoming a leading player in this dynamic sector.
This participation in Seatrade is part of Costa Rica’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and attract a wider range of visitors. By focusing on sustainable practices and engaging with industry leaders, Costa Rica aims to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of its cruise tourism sector.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. It works to enhance the country’s image as a sustainable and desirable tourist destination, supporting initiatives related to infrastructure development, marketing, and industry partnerships.
For further information, visit incop.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (INCOP):
The Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (INCOP) is the Costa Rican institution responsible for the administration and development of Pacific ports. INCOP focuses on modernizing port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and promoting trade and tourism along the Pacific coast.
For further information, visit japdeva.go.cr
About Junta de Administración Portuaria y de Desarrollo Económico de la Vertiente Atlántica (JAPDEVA):
The Junta de Administración Portuaria y de Desarrollo Económico de la Vertiente Atlántica (JAPDEVA) is the Costa Rican port authority for the Atlantic coast. JAPDEVA oversees port operations, infrastructure projects, and economic development in the region, with a focus on promoting Limón as a key port and cruise destination.
For further information, visit cruising.org
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA):
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment and is dedicated to promoting the value and joy of cruise travel.
For further information, visit f-cca.com
About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA):
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 21 Member Lines operating over 100 vessels in Florida, the Caribbean and Latin American waters. FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector businesses to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the number of cruise passengers returning.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, distinguished by its unwavering ethical standards and dedication to client success. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with its deep commitment to sharing legal knowledge through educational initiatives, empowers individuals and communities. By fostering a greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and equitable society for all.
