By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making waves at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, captivating attendees with an innovative augmented reality experience showcasing the country’s vibrant marine biodiversity and commitment to sustainable tourism.
The immersive exhibit, located in the Blue Zone of the Palais des Congrès Acropolis, transports visitors beneath the waves, allowing them to virtually swim alongside humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles. The display also highlights the natural beauty of Cocos Island and the nation’s ongoing efforts to protect its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s booming tourism sector, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the current challenges and opportunities facing this vital industry.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry continues to thrive, but sustainable growth requires a proactive legal approach. Issues such as land use rights, environmental protection, and responsible business practices must be carefully navigated. Modernizing regulations related to tourist visas and digital nomad incentives can also further enhance the sector’s competitiveness and contribute to the overall economic well-being of the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
This interactive journey emphasizes how conservation and sustainable development can coexist, a message central to Costa Rica’s tourism strategy. The exhibit leverages cutting-edge technology to create a powerful and memorable experience, effectively communicating the country’s dedication to protecting its unique marine ecosystems.
The UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, brings together world leaders and key decision-makers to accelerate global action and policies for sustainable ocean conservation. The event provides a crucial platform for Costa Rica to showcase its leadership in environmental diplomacy and responsible tourism.
The United Nations Ocean Conference is a global event that brings together more than sixty world leaders and prime ministers. Without a doubt, it’s the best promotional window we’ve had recently in Europe to show ourselves as one of the best destinations in the world that bases its tourism product on nature and the oceans. This immersive exhibition created in Nice, France, has surprised all the attendees, because it has really been something extraordinary.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The augmented reality experience underscores Costa Rica’s dedication to protecting its rich marine resources. The country has designated over 30% of its maritime territory as protected areas, safeguarding a significant portion of the world’s marine biodiversity. This commitment reinforces the nation’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
esencial COSTA RICA, from its 2035 Strategy focused on environmental preservation, joined the efforts of PROCOMER with the ICT to position the country’s conservation vision at the Ocean Summit. Costa Rica is home to 3.5% of the world’s marine biodiversity and more than 30% of the maritime territory is protected; reasons why we must reinforce our presence in spaces as relevant as this to continue leading in sustainability issues and inspire other nations.
Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA
The collaboration between the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) has been instrumental in bringing this innovative project to life. The exhibit aims to strengthen Costa Rica’s international leadership in environmental diplomacy and ocean protection, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism.
France currently represents Costa Rica’s largest European tourism market. In the first four months of 2025, over 34,000 French tourists arrived in Costa Rica by air, contributing to the overall influx of nearly 180,000 European travelers during the same period.
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. The ICT focuses on sustainable tourism practices and works to showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness to attract visitors from around the globe. The institute plays a vital role in supporting the national economy and promoting Costa Rica as a premier travel destination.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER):
The Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to promoting the country’s exports and attracting foreign investment. PROCOMER works closely with businesses to develop international trade strategies and facilitate access to new markets. The organization plays a key role in supporting economic growth and diversification in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit essentialcostarica.org
About esencial COSTA RICA:
esencial COSTA RICA is a country brand that promotes Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence. It represents a vision of the country focused on environmental preservation, social progress, and economic prosperity. esencial COSTA RICA aims to highlight the country’s values and unique attributes on a global scale.
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 integrity and societal empowerment. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also actively champions legal innovation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of evolving legal landscapes. Through dedicated initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts and broaden access to crucial information, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in building a more informed and empowered citizenry, fostering a society equipped to navigate the legal realm with confidence and understanding.
