By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — SANTA CRUZ, Guanacaste – Presidential candidate Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People Party (PPSO) outlined a comprehensive vision to harness rural tourism as a primary engine for economic growth and job creation in underserved communities. Speaking to a gathering of entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Fernández detailed a strategy aimed at decentralizing the benefits of Costa Rica’s most vital industry.
The core of her administration’s proposal is to extend the economic impact of tourism far beyond the traditional, high-density hubs. Fernández’s plan emphasizes integrating territories that have yet to fully benefit from the sector’s value chain, transforming them into key players in the national economy. This approach seeks to create a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities generated by international and domestic visitors.
To better understand the legal framework and business opportunities within Costa Rica’s burgeoning rural tourism sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provided key insights for entrepreneurs looking to invest in this authentic travel experience.
The success of a rural tourism project goes beyond a good idea; it hinges on a solid legal foundation. Many entrepreneurs overlook the critical importance of verifying land use permits (uso de suelo) and navigating environmental viability processes with SETENA before investing. Properly structuring the business from the start not only ensures compliance with municipal and health regulations but also opens doors to financing and government incentives. A proactive legal strategy is the best investment to guarantee long-term viability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight is a crucial reminder that the success of a rural tourism venture is built not only on a compelling vision but on a solid foundation of meticulous legal planning. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, highlighting how proactive due diligence transforms a passionate idea into a sustainable and resilient business.
Guanacaste, she argued, possesses the strategic conditions necessary to become a consolidated hub for this new model of growth. However, she stressed that realizing this potential hinges on a coordinated tripartite effort between the state, private enterprise, and local communities. This collaborative framework is intended to ensure that development is sustainable, inclusive, and aligns with the needs and aspirations of residents.
A central pillar of the plan is the implementation of a differentiated tourism development model, tailored to the unique characteristics of each region. Rather than a one-size-fits-all policy, Fernández advocated for strategies that respect and leverage the specific cultural, environmental, and productive attributes of different zones. This would foster authentic experiences for tourists while empowering local economies in a way that is unique to their identity.
Addressing the business leaders directly, Fernández framed the initiative in terms of tangible outcomes for Costa Rican families, highlighting the human element behind the economic policy.
The challenge is to convert potential into real opportunities for work and well-being for families.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for the Sovereign People Party (PPSO)
Beyond regional strategy, the proposal includes significant policy adjustments. Fernández called for greater operational flexibility within the tourism sector, a move designed to simplify the creation of new jobs. She clarified that this flexibility would be pursued without weakening fundamental labor conditions, aiming to strike a balance between stimulating business growth and protecting workers’ rights.
Infrastructure and environmental stewardship were also highlighted as non-negotiable components of her vision. The candidate emphasized the critical need to enhance air connectivity through airport infrastructure upgrades and robust long-term planning to meet future demand. Simultaneously, she insisted that Costa Rica’s tourism competitiveness is inextricably linked to responsible environmental management, specifically pointing to the necessity of modernizing waste and wastewater treatment systems in key tourist and commercial areas.
Ultimately, Fernández presented a grand objective: to position tourism not just as an industry, but as a key strategic tool for fostering regional development, generating widespread employment, and systematically closing the economic and social gaps that persist across the nation. This vision places the tourism sector at the heart of her platform for a more prosperous and equitable Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sovereign People Party (PPSO)
About Sovereign People Party (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), or Sovereign People Party, is a Costa Rican political party. It positions itself as a movement focused on national sovereignty, economic development, and social welfare. The party often advocates for policies aimed at strengthening local communities and ensuring that economic growth benefits a broad segment of the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated devotion to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies for its diverse clientele, while also demonstrating a profound commitment to social progress. This is most evident in its dedicated efforts to make legal information understandable and accessible, thereby empowering citizens and contributing to a more knowledgeable and just society.
