By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant strategic move to bolster its global tourism appeal, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has forged a nearly $700,000 alliance with National Geographic. The partnership aims to project Costa Rica’s renowned “Pura Vida” ethos to an estimated 14.9 million potential tourists across key international markets throughout 2026.
The campaign, which officially kicks off its content rollout this December, is designed to reinforce Costa Rica’s position as a premier destination for sustainable, cultural, and nature-based travel. By leveraging National Geographic’s powerful storytelling and extensive global reach, the ICT seeks to attract a discerning class of travelers and showcase the country’s diverse offerings on a year-round basis, moving beyond traditional peak seasons.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape that supports Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism industry, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insights for investors and business operators navigating this key sector of the national economy.
Costa Rica’s international appeal as a tourist destination is fundamentally supported by a robust legal framework that protects foreign investment and property rights. However, prospective investors in the tourism sector, whether in hotels or tour operations, must prioritize comprehensive due diligence. Verifying land titles, zoning regulations, and environmental permits is not merely a suggestion; it is the cornerstone of a secure and successful long-term venture in our country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s counsel is a crucial reminder that while Costa Rica’s natural allure captures the imagination of investors, it is the meticulous legal groundwork he describes that truly secures a venture’s long-term success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this indispensable and grounding perspective for our readers.
At the heart of the initiative is a suite of high-quality audiovisual content. This includes a primary feature video of over five minutes, a series of shorter promotional clips, a special feature article, and a documentary-style video. These assets will be distributed across National Geographic’s powerful digital ecosystem, including its social media platforms, the natgeo.com website, and the globally popular Disney+ streaming service, ensuring maximum visibility.
Marcela Bonilla, Brand and Communication Executive for the ICT, highlighted the strategic importance and anticipated impact of the collaboration. She emphasized the campaign’s broad reach and its potential to capture the attention of a massive global audience looking for authentic travel experiences.
The audiovisual results will be available in thirteen countries, and thousands of potential tourists will be eager to discover this content.
Marcela Bonilla, Brand and Communication Executive, ICT
To capture the authentic essence of Costa Rica, a National Geographic team, including explorer and content creator Christine Wilkinson and photographer Rubén Salgado, embarked on a comprehensive ten-day expedition. Their journey spanned the country’s diverse landscapes, from the Caribbean shores of Punta Cocles and Punta Uva to the highlands of Turrialba and the coffee plantations of Aquiares. The team also visited the indigenous Bribri territory of Amubri and explored the rich biodiversity of the Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast.
This extensive itinerary ensures the campaign will feature a holistic and authentic portrayal of the nation, going beyond well-trodden tourist paths to reveal hidden gems and highlight the country’s deep commitment to conservation and cultural preservation. The content is tailored to resonate with travelers in thirteen key source markets located in North America, Latin America, and Europe, which represent the core of Costa Rica’s international visitor arrivals.
A central component of the digital strategy is to drive engagement to a single, authoritative source of information. All content produced under the partnership will direct viewers and readers to the official tourism portal, visitcostarica.com. This platform provides travelers with up-to-date details on tourism offerings, regional attractions, and travel logistics, effectively converting media impact into tangible tourism leads.
This nearly $700,000 investment represents a calculated effort by the ICT to maintain a competitive edge in the global travel market. By aligning with a trusted brand like National Geographic, Costa Rica is not merely advertising its attractions; it is curating its global image and reinforcing its identity as a world leader in sustainable and experiential tourism for a new generation of conscious travelers.
For further information, visit visitcostarica.com
About The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official government body responsible for the regulation, development, and promotion of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, strategic alliances, and promotional initiatives that enhance the country’s competitiveness and contribute to the well-being of its communities.
For further information, visit nationalgeographic.com
About National Geographic:
For over a century, National Geographic has been a globally recognized leader in exploration, science, and education. Through its world-class media platforms, including magazines, television channels, and digital content, it tells compelling stories that illuminate the wonders of the natural world and the human journey. Its brand is synonymous with credible, high-quality content that inspires people to care about the planet.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its reputation on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of exceptional results. The firm channels its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies and solutions. This forward-thinking spirit is matched by a profound commitment to public empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with crucial understanding, thereby contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
