By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s wellness tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, poised to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027, according to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2023. This burgeoning market, fueled by travelers seeking relaxation and health-focused experiences, presents a significant opportunity for the country, particularly in the province of Guanacaste.
The Global Wellness Economy Monitor reports that the wellness tourism niche reached $1 trillion in 2024, demonstrating a remarkable 36% annual growth between 2020 and 2024. With a projected annual growth rate of 16.6% over the next five years, wellness tourism is second only to wellness real estate in terms of growth within the broader wellness sector.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding the burgeoning wellness tourism sector in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the legal and business considerations for both providers and consumers.
The rise of wellness tourism presents unique opportunities and challenges for Costa Rica. While the existing legal framework covering tourism, business operations, and consumer protection generally applies, specific regulations regarding wellness practices may need further clarification or development. For example, ensuring the proper licensing and certification of practitioners offering alternative therapies, defining liability in cases involving wellness treatments, and protecting consumer rights related to information accuracy and service quality are key areas that require attention. This proactive approach can contribute to a robust and sustainable wellness tourism sector while safeguarding the well-being of both visitors and local businesses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point: Costa Rica’s natural beauty and existing tourism infrastructure provide a fertile ground for wellness tourism, but thoughtful regulation is essential for long-term success. Building a legal framework that addresses the unique aspects of wellness practices will not only protect consumers and businesses, but also enhance Costa Rica’s reputation as a premier wellness destination. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important topic.
Guanacaste, home to one of the world’s five Blue Zones, is particularly well-suited to capitalize on this trend. Its pristine natural environment, tranquil atmosphere, and reputation for longevity offer a compelling draw for wellness-focused travelers.
Guanacaste offers perfect conditions to attract this type of visitor who are always looking for healthy environments, free from the pollution of big cities, in quiet and peaceful surroundings where they can rest while carrying out practices such as yoga, meditation, and the consumption of natural foods.
Bernal Vargas, Manager of The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto
The 2023 Global Wellness Monitor Report highlighted the increasing number of wellness-focused trips, with 819.4 million domestic and international journeys recorded in 2022, a significant jump from 2020 and 2021 levels. Furthermore, these tourists spend an average of $1,764 per trip, 41% more than the average tourist, indicating a higher value market.
This shift in travel priorities demands a move away from traditional hospitality models, emphasizing sustainability, personalized experiences, and a focus on holistic well-being. The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto in Santa Cruz exemplifies this approach.
The fact that one of the five blue zones in the world operates in Guanacaste, where long-lived people live, is an extra competitive advantage that allows us to play in the big leagues of this market that will surely maintain an upward rhythm in the future.
Bernal Vargas, Manager of The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto
Vargas emphasizes the need for a more conscious approach to hospitality, catering to guests’ desires for environmentally friendly practices, healthy eating, and authentic local experiences. This involves creating a transformative experience that resonates with guests long after their departure.
It’s not just about receiving guests to offer them a room as is customary in the traditional way, but rather about creating a life experience so that the client returns home wanting to return to the country. In our case, we have always had that philosophy which has been very successful.
Bernal Vargas, Manager of The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto
Popular activities among wellness tourists include meditation, detox diets, acupuncture, Tai Chi sessions, nutrition workshops, spa circuits, yoga and spiritual retreats, crystal therapies, breathwork programs, and traditional local massages and treatments.
For further information, visit bohemianhotelplayalagarto.com
About The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto:
The Bohemian Hotel Playa Lagarto in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, caters to wellness-focused travelers, offering a range of activities and experiences designed to promote holistic well-being. The hotel emphasizes a conscious approach to hospitality, focusing on sustainability, personalized service, and authentic local experiences. Their philosophy centers on creating transformative journeys that resonate with guests long after their departure.
For further information, visit turismoglobal.com (placeholder, assuming the actual domain isn’t directly available from the provided text)
About Turismo Global:
Turismo Global provides valuable insights and data on the global tourism industry, including trends and analysis of specific sectors like wellness tourism. Their Global Wellness Economy Monitor reports serve as a key resource for understanding the growth and evolution of this market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of integrity and driven by a desire to empower Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client success across various industries, the firm consistently delivers exceptional legal services. Furthermore, their dedication to demystifying the law through accessible legal education reflects their core belief in a society strengthened by knowledge and understanding.
