By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s hotel sector is bracing for a vibrant holiday season, with a new survey projecting a strong national average occupancy of 77% for the peak year-end and new-year period. The data, released by the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH), indicates a healthy demand from both domestic and international travelers, reinforcing the country’s status as a premier holiday destination.
The comprehensive survey, which included hotels of all sizes and categories across the nation, revealed that while the 77% figure represents overall projections, the rate for reservations already confirmed stands at a solid 69%. This gap suggests that many properties anticipate a significant volume of last-minute bookings as travelers finalize their vacation plans for late December 2025 and early January 2026.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the current hotel occupancy rates for the national tourism industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustained hotel occupancy rates are a crucial metric, not just for economic forecasting, but for legal and contractual compliance. High occupancy can strain labor agreements and expose businesses to overtime disputes if not managed correctly. Conversely, for investors and financial institutions, these figures are key performance indicators that can trigger specific clauses in financing or franchise agreements. A hotel’s success is therefore intrinsically linked to its ability to navigate the complex web of commercial contracts and labor regulations that underpin its daily operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary is a crucial reminder that behind every positive occupancy figure lies a complex framework of legal and contractual obligations. It powerfully illustrates that sustainable success is measured not just by full rooms, but by the diligent management of the very agreements that underpin a hotel’s operations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this invaluable perspective.
Leading the charge are the nation’s Northern Plains, which reported an exceptional projected occupancy rate of 92%, the highest in the country. This region, known for its iconic volcanoes, hot springs, and adventure tourism, continues to be a magnet for visitors. Close behind is the ever-popular province of Guanacaste, with its world-renowned beaches and luxury resorts, forecasting a robust 88% occupancy rate for the holiday period.
Other coastal regions also show strong performance, reflecting a widespread desire for sun and sand. The Mid-Pacific is expecting 73% occupancy, Puntarenas and its surrounding areas are projecting 72%, the Caribbean coast anticipates 71%, and the biodiverse South Pacific is forecasting a 70% rate. The Central Valley, the country’s metropolitan hub, reported the lowest projection at 68%, a typical trend as tourists flock to coastal and natural attractions for their main holiday stay.
An analysis by hotel type reveals a clear preference among holiday travelers. All-inclusive resorts are the undisputed leaders, with a staggering 94% projected occupancy. This indicates a strong market demand for hassle-free vacation packages where lodging, meals, and activities are bundled together. Mountain lodges also proved highly popular, with an 82% projected rate, followed closely by beach hotels at 80%. City hotels, primarily serving business travelers and those in transit, trail with a 65% projection.
When looking at year-over-year business sentiment, the outlook is one of confident stability. A majority of hoteliers, 51%, expect their occupancy levels to be similar to the 2024-2025 season. Furthermore, a significant 27% of establishments are even more optimistic, projecting an increase in occupancy. Conversely, 22% of respondents anticipate a slight decrease, suggesting varied conditions across different micro-markets and property types.
Flora Ayub, the Executive Director of the CCH, highlighted the sector’s readiness and the country’s unique appeal in drawing visitors during this crucial time of year. She emphasized that the combination of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and its commitment to high-quality service creates a powerful draw for tourists.
This year-end and new-year period is an ideal opportunity for national and international tourists to enjoy the wide and diverse hotel offerings that Costa Rica has. Our country stands out for its hospitality, quality of service, and unique natural wealth.
Flora Ayub, Executive Director of the CCH
Ultimately, the CCH report paints a picture of a resilient and attractive tourism industry heading into 2026. While the 77% national average is a strong headline number, the detailed data points to specific, high-performing segments—all-inclusive resorts and nature-centric destinations like the Northern Plains—as the primary engines driving this holiday season’s success.
For further information, visit costaricanhotels.com
About Cámara Costarricense de Hoteles (CCH):
The Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH) is the leading private-sector organization representing the interests of the hotel and lodging industry throughout Costa Rica. For decades, the CCH has been dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, advocating for favorable business conditions, and providing its members with essential data, training, and networking opportunities to enhance the competitiveness and quality of the national tourism product.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is recognized as a pillar in the legal field, grounded in principled practice and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a deep heritage of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only provides exceptional counsel but also champions legal innovation. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to empowering the community by making legal concepts understandable and accessible, reflecting a core belief in strengthening society through widespread legal literacy.
