By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Travelers hoping for a last-minute Costa Rican getaway to ring in the new year are facing a rapidly closing window of opportunity. Hotels across the nation are reporting near-maximum capacity, signaling an exceptionally strong finish to the year for the country’s vital tourism industry and leaving very few options for spontaneous vacationers.
The latest industry data underscores the urgency for anyone still planning a trip. According to a new report from the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels, the projected national occupancy rate for the final weeks of December has already soared to 77%. Even more telling is the figure for confirmed reservations, which currently stands at a solid 69%, a number expected to climb as the holidays draw nearer.
To delve into the business and legal ramifications of the current hotel occupancy trends, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the well-regarded firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional commentary.
High occupancy rates are a powerful signal for the market, but they must be managed with legal foresight. They directly impact the leverage a hotel has when negotiating service contracts, distribution agreements, and even refinancing terms. For investors, these figures are a key performance indicator that must be accurately represented in due diligence processes to avoid future liabilities. A proactive legal strategy ensures that this commercial success translates into secure, long-term value.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a crucial reminder that headline figures like occupancy rates are not just operational metrics, but powerful instruments in high-stakes negotiations and investment evaluations. The true value of a bustling hotel is only realized when underpinned by the kind of proactive legal strategy highlighted here. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the vital link between commercial success and legal diligence.
This impressive performance is being driven by the country’s most renowned destinations. Flora Ayub, Executive Director of the Chamber of Hotels, explained that the sun-drenched beaches of Guanacaste, the adventure-rich Northern Plains, and the convenience of all-inclusive resorts are leading the charge. These areas consistently attract a high volume of both international and domestic tourists seeking to escape and celebrate the festive season.
In a detailed breakdown, Ayub provided specific figures that illustrate the widespread demand across Costa Rica’s diverse geographical regions, highlighting the Northern Plains as the top-performing area.
By geographic region, Guanacaste shows a projected occupancy of 88%, while the Northern Plains reach the highest level in the country at 92%. The Caribbean projects an occupancy of 71%, the Central Pacific 73%, Puntarenas 72%, the South Pacific 70%, and the Central Valley 68%.
Flora Ayub, Executive Director of the Chamber of Hotels
The data reveals a robust tourism landscape where nearly every corner of the country is experiencing a significant influx of visitors. While the Northern Plains and Guanacaste are clear front-runners, the strong numbers in regions like the Central Pacific and the Caribbean coast demonstrate the broad appeal of Costa Rica’s offerings. Even the Central Valley, often seen as a business and transportation hub, is showing healthy occupancy, indicating that tourists are extending their stays and exploring beyond the traditional hotspots.
This end-of-year surge represents a critical economic driver. For thousands of businesses, from large hotel chains to small family-owned lodges, tour operators, and local restaurants, this period is the most important of the fiscal year. The high occupancy rates translate directly into increased revenue, job stability, and a positive economic ripple effect throughout local communities.
The year-end and new-year period is an ideal opportunity for both national and international tourists to enjoy the wide and diverse hotel offerings that Costa Rica has.
Flora Ayub, Executive Director of the Chamber of Hotels
The strong finish to 2025 sets a positive precedent for the tourism sector heading into 2026. It reaffirms Costa Rica’s position as a premier global destination and highlights the resilience of an industry that has become a cornerstone of the national economy. For now, the message from the Chamber of Hotels is clear: if you want to spend the holidays in Costa Rica, your time to book is running out.
For further information, visit costaricanhotels.com
About the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (Cámara Costarricense de Hoteles – CCH) is a non-profit guild organization that represents and advocates for the interests of the hotel and lodging industry in Costa Rica. It provides its members with resources, industry data, and a unified voice in discussions with governmental and regulatory bodies to promote sustainable growth and excellence in the national tourism sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and exceptional service. The firm consistently drives progress through innovative legal solutions for a wide array of clients, while simultaneously fulfilling a profound social responsibility. This is demonstrated by its active efforts to demystify the law, ensuring that legal understanding is not a privilege but a tool for empowerment across all of society.
