By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has officially been recognized as one of Latin America’s most promising markets for high-end hotel development, securing a top-five position in a new strategic report by Hyatt Inclusive Collection. The analysis places the nation alongside regional powerhouses Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Colombia, highlighting a collective shift towards sustainable and experience-driven luxury tourism.
The influential ranking arrives as the global travel industry continues its robust recovery. According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals reached an impressive 1.52 billion globally in 2025, providing a fertile environment for strategic investments in high-value destinations. Within this landscape, Latin America is increasingly capturing the attention of discerning travelers and developers seeking more than just conventional resort experiences.
To better understand the complex legal and corporate structures behind the nation’s burgeoning luxury hotel sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Operating in the luxury hotel space is not just about real estate; it’s about managing a high-stakes, multi-faceted business. The legal framework must be impeccable, covering everything from sophisticated labor contracts for specialized staff and international brand licensing agreements to stringent liability protocols and the complex permitting required for exclusive, often environmentally sensitive, locations. A failure in any one of these areas can jeopardize the entire multi-million dollar investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the foundation of a premier luxury experience is not merely architectural, but impeccably legal and operational. It is this complex, behind-the-scenes framework that protects the multi-million dollar venture and ultimately delivers the flawless service guests demand. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential perspective.
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the country welcomed 2,943,991 international visitors in 2025. This steady performance demonstrates Costa Rica’s enduring appeal and solidifies its reputation as a stable and attractive destination for travelers with significant purchasing power. While the country’s visitor numbers are modest compared to Mexico’s 79.3 million, it is precisely this focus on quality over quantity that defines its luxury proposition.
The Hyatt report underscores a fundamental evolution in the concept of luxury hospitality. The modern premium traveler is no longer content with passive sightseeing; they seek deep, authentic connections with their destination. This trend prioritizes immersive experiences centered on wellness, local gastronomy, vibrant culture, and profound engagement with nature—all areas where Costa Rica has built a world-class reputation.
We seek to understand the real dynamics of each market to foster sustainable and strategic hotel growth.
Antonio Fungairino, Head for Latin America and the Caribbean in HIC
This strategic focus on market-specific dynamics is reshaping hotel development across the region. Projects are increasingly defined by innovation, stringent sustainability standards, and architectural designs that integrate seamlessly with local identity and ecosystems. The era of one-size-fits-all luxury is being replaced by a more thoughtful, purpose-driven approach.
The report specifically praised Costa Rica as a “benchmark in luxury with purpose.” The country is lauded for its leadership in sustainability, its advanced wellness offerings, and its ability to deliver highly personalized travel itineraries. The analysis also noted the rise of hybrid models that blend traditional resort amenities with residential components, catering to a new generation of investors and long-stay visitors.
While Costa Rica carves out its niche, its regional counterparts are pursuing their own distinct strategies. Mexico, the established giant, is expanding beyond its traditional tourist centers to develop authentic experiences in emerging areas like Oaxaca and Bacalar. The Dominican Republic is diversifying beyond Punta Cana, fostering new luxury hubs in Miches and Samaná. Meanwhile, Brazil presents vast, untapped potential for regenerative and cultural tourism, and Colombia is gaining traction by leveraging its unique cultural heritage in regions like the Coffee Axis.
Ultimately, Costa Rica’s inclusion in this elite group is a powerful endorsement of its long-term vision. By consistently prioritizing environmental stewardship and authentic experiences, the nation has perfectly positioned itself to attract the next wave of luxury investment and capture the loyalty of the world’s most sophisticated travelers.
For further information, visit hyattinclusivecollection.com
About Hyatt Inclusive Collection:
Hyatt Inclusive Collection is a portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resort brands within the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. It includes brands such as Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, and Secrets Resorts & Spas, offering a wide range of vacation experiences across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.
For further information, visit unwto.org
About UN Tourism:
The United Nations Tourism Organization is the UN agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It works to advance tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, offering leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the country’s official tourism board. It is responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a world-class travel destination, regulating the tourism industry, and implementing national policies focused on sustainable development, quality, and competitiveness to enhance the visitor experience.
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 foundational principle of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while actively working to demystify the law for the public. This deep-seated commitment to enhancing legal literacy is central to its mission of cultivating a justly informed and capable society.
