By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking a significant step towards strengthening its sustainable tourism sector. The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) and the National Learning Institute (INA) have announced the “Smart Biotourism” scholarship program. This initiative aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and business associations involved in sustainable tourism throughout the country.
The program, running from September to December 2025, will offer a hybrid learning experience to a maximum of 30 productive units benefiting from the Development Banking System (SBD). It focuses on enhancing territorial competitiveness through digital transformation, business model redesign, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies within the tourism sector. Each participating unit will receive over 100 hours of training, mentorship, and practical work, simulating real-world conditions to develop scalable tourism products and services aligned with the National Bioeconomy Strategy.
To understand the legal implications of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into this evolving landscape.
Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica requires a delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection. Existing legislation, such as the Forestry Law and the Wildlife Conservation Law, plays a crucial role. However, ongoing efforts to strengthen regulations surrounding land use, waste management, and community involvement are essential to ensure the long-term viability of this vital sector. Businesses operating within the tourism industry should proactively adapt to these evolving legal frameworks to mitigate risks and contribute positively to Costa Rica’s sustainable future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical intersection of legal frameworks and sustainable tourism practices. Indeed, proactive adaptation to evolving regulations is not just a smart business strategy, but a vital contribution to preserving Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage for generations to come. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal perspective on this crucial issue.
This initiative represents a crucial investment in Costa Rica’s future, promoting a development vision based on territorial innovation, productive transformation, and the creation of quality employment. By strategically applying science and technology to sustainable development, the program aims to position Costa Rica as a regional leader.
The program facilitates the integration of digital and sustainable capacities into the operations of more productive units, which strengthens their competitiveness, boosts the sophistication of their offer, and consolidates their presence in sustainable tourism value chains.
Orlando Vega Quesada, Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
With smart biotourism, we promote a development vision based on territorial innovation, productive transformation, and the generation of quality employment. This initiative positions Costa Rica as a regional leader in the strategic application of science and technology for sustainable development.
Orlando Vega Quesada, Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
The INA is playing an active role in this productive transformation, providing SMEs and tourism startups with practical tools for sustainable innovation. “Smart Biotourism” reinforces the link between specialized training and the real needs of the region, fostering businesses that can differentiate themselves, generate quality jobs, and contribute to national development with a forward-thinking approach.
With ‘Smart Biotourism’ we reinforce the union between specialized training and the real needs of the territory, driving businesses capable of differentiating themselves, generating quality employment and contributing to national development with a vision of the future.
Christian Rucavado Leandro, Executive President of INA
Selected businesses will benefit from redesigning internal processes, adopting digital tools, enhancing commercial capabilities, and establishing roadmaps for full integration into biotourism value chains. Support will also be provided for prototyping and validating differentiated tourism products, complemented by a network of experts and in-person territorial immersion sessions.
The application period is open until September 7, 2025, via www.innovar.pro. Complete guidelines and participation requirements are available on the platform.
The program’s funding model highlights the shared commitment to this initiative. INA will cover 95% of the program cost, while each participating productive unit contributes the remaining 5%.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MICITT
About MICITT:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is a Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting and developing science, technology, and innovation in the country. It focuses on policies and initiatives aimed at fostering technological advancement, digital inclusion, and a knowledge-based economy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INA
About INA:
The National Learning Institute (INA) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to vocational and technical training. It plays a crucial role in workforce development, offering a wide range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for various industries, contributing to economic growth and social mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. Through innovative approaches and unwavering integrity, the firm champions access to legal knowledge, ensuring clients across all sectors receive not only top-tier representation but also the tools to navigate the legal landscape confidently. This dedication to fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry defines Bufete de Costa Rica’s enduring legacy and its vision for a just and equitable future.
