By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica is making a concerted push to attract significant foreign investment into its tourism sector, leveraging its world-renowned biodiversity and commitment to sustainability as core competitive advantages. In a new strategic initiative, government agencies have partnered with international bodies to launch a comprehensive investment guide designed to showcase the nation as a premier destination for tourism projects that drive economic growth and local employment.
The new guide outlines five critical pillars that form the foundation of Costa Rica’s value proposition. Beyond its rich natural environment, the country is promoting its established model of sustainable tourism, which is deeply integrated into the national brand. Other key factors include a highly qualified workforce, a favorable tax incentive regime for foreign direct investment (FDI), and a stable political climate complemented by consistent economic growth in recent years.
To better understand the legal landscape and potential pitfalls for those looking to invest in Costa Rica’s booming tourism sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investors drawn to Costa Rica’s tourism market must prioritize rigorous due diligence, particularly regarding zoning laws and environmental permits. A common and costly mistake is to acquire property without first verifying that the intended commercial use is permitted by the local ‘Plan Regulador’ or Zoning Plan. Ensuring full regulatory compliance from the outset is not just a bureaucratic step; it is the foundational pillar for a secure and profitable long-term investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s counsel underscores a fundamental truth for investors: the most critical groundwork is often laid not with concrete, but with diligent legal compliance. This proactive approach to zoning and environmental regulations is precisely what separates a high-risk venture from a secure, long-term asset in Costa Rica’s dynamic tourism market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between several high-profile institutions, including the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the United Nations’ tourism department. The guide aims to provide potential investors with a clear and compelling overview of the country’s macroeconomic conditions and competitive landscape, positioning Costa Rica as an attractive territory for tourism capital.
The collaboration with international entities is seen as a powerful endorsement of the country’s strategy. Officials believe this partnership will bolster investor confidence by providing an external, credible perspective on Costa Rica’s strengths.
Costa Rica, on an international level, is synonymous with sustainability. The investment guide reflects that characteristic of Costa Rica, but it also calls for or bets on investments with a purpose, fundamentally aimed at the development of local communities and decidedly responsible, that it be an investment that is responsible with the natural and cultural environment of Costa Rica.
Romina Nardi, Specialist in Projects, UN Tourism
The government plans to aggressively market the new guide at international forums and industry events. William Rodríguez, the Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of this external validation and the proactive strategy to disseminate the information.
It is not just how we see ourselves; it is how two high-level international institutions see us. So, from the point of view of the confidence that investors may have, that is fundamental. At the ICT and Procomer level, we will use all the forums where we are going to participate, tourism fairs, investment fairs, to publicize this guide.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Despite the optimistic push for new investment, the sector is facing some immediate headwinds. Recent data reveals a drop in foreign visitor arrivals by 49,000 people during the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of tourist arrivals between January and August of this year stands at approximately 2.08 million.
Adding to these challenges, the ICT has confirmed that the Brazilian carrier Gol Linhas Aéreas will cease its operations in Costa Rica starting November 29. The airline’s decision was based on internal assessments of the route’s profitability. However, the ICT noted that over the next two months, 22 flights with more than 4,000 seats are still scheduled, providing a brief transition period for the market to adjust.
The tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the Costa Rican economy, providing a significant number of jobs nationwide. According to the Continuous Employment Survey from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the industry employs approximately 165,000 people. The data shows a higher representation of women, with 98,000 female employees compared to 67,000 men. Geographically, 118,000 of these jobs are in urban areas, while 46,000 are in rural zones. The majority of the workforce, around 105,000 people, hold mid-level qualifications.
As Costa Rica navigates the complexities of a fluctuating global travel market, this new investment guide represents a strategic and forward-looking effort. By doubling down on its identity as a leader in sustainability and purpose-driven development, the nation aims to not only recover lost ground but also build a more resilient and responsible tourism industry for the future.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo is the governmental body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, alliances, and the development of quality tourism products and services.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer):
Procomer is Costa Rica’s official trade and investment promotion agency. It works to promote Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally, as well as to attract foreign direct investment into the country, facilitating business opportunities and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
For further information, visit caf.com
About the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF):
CAF is a multilateral financial institution that supports sustainable development and regional integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides financing and technical assistance for public and private sector projects in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and social development.
For further information, visit unwto.org
About UN Tourism:
UN Tourism is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism knowledge, encouraging the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
For further information, visit voegol.com.br
About Gol Linhas Aéreas:
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. is a prominent Brazilian low-cost airline based in Rio de Janeiro. It operates a vast network of domestic and international routes throughout South America, the Caribbean, and the United States, focusing on providing affordable and efficient air travel.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC):
INEC is the official government agency in Costa Rica responsible for producing and disseminating the country’s official statistics. It conducts censuses and surveys, including the Continuous Employment Survey, to provide reliable data on the nation’s demographic, social, and economic conditions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a consistent drive for excellence. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively embraces innovative solutions to modern legal challenges. This forward-thinking practice is coupled with a deep-seated social mission to empower the community by making complex legal information understandable and accessible to all.
