By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – Costa Rica is closing out 2025 not just as a revived tourism destination, but as the undisputed regional leader in a new, more lucrative travel paradigm. The nation has successfully pivoted its strategy to attract high-value visitors who stay longer and spend more, transforming local economies and setting a benchmark that neighboring countries can only envy. This strategic shift is underscored by a landmark statistic: the average tourist stay has now reached a record-breaking twelve nights, the longest in Central America and the Caribbean.
This achievement signals a profound change in the country’s tourism model. According to Antonio Barzuna Thompson, an insurance sector expert and parliamentary candidate for the ruling Pueblo Soberano party, Costa Rica has mastered the art of converting transient visitors into temporary residents. This extended duration is injecting a steady stream of capital directly into rural communities, moving beyond the traditional confines of all-inclusive resorts and creating a more resilient and distributed economic engine.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business framework supporting 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. We asked for his expert commentary on the current landscape for investors and operators in the sector.
Costa Rica’s robust legal framework is a cornerstone of its successful tourism model, offering significant security for foreign investment in hospitality and eco-tourism ventures. However, prospective investors must navigate a complex web of environmental regulations, municipal permits, and labor laws. Proper due diligence and expert legal counsel are not just recommended; they are essential to ensure a project’s long-term viability and its alignment with our country’s sustainable development goals.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial insight, which underscores a fundamental truth: the very regulations that demand careful navigation are precisely what safeguard the ecological integrity and sustainable model that make Costa Rica such a compelling destination for investors and tourists alike.
The epicenter of this success is the province of Guanacaste. Data from the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CHC) reveals a staggering 88% occupancy rate for the year-end season in the northern Pacific region. This sustained high demand demonstrates the potent appeal of the nation’s “Pura Vida” brand, which combines pristine nature, adventure, and a commitment to sustainability—a package that commands a premium from discerning international travelers.
However, the government’s vision, as articulated by Barzuna, extends far beyond this “Gold Coast.” The success in Guanacaste is now being viewed as a blueprint for development in other promising regions. Areas such as San Carlos, with its iconic Arenal Volcano, the Caribbean coast of Limón, and the biodiverse southern Puntarenas are being targeted for significant investment in connectivity and security infrastructure to unlock their full potential and distribute the economic benefits more widely across the nation.
The next government must continue to facilitate the entry of these visitors, because they are the main source of direct and indirect employment on our coasts and in our mountains.
Antonio Barzuna Thompson, Parliamentary Candidate, Pueblo Soberano party
The economic implications of a twelve-night stay versus a typical four- or five-night trip are monumental. Tourists who remain in the country for extended periods engage more deeply with the local economy. Their spending diversifies significantly; they rent vehicles for longer terms, frequent local restaurants and small “sodas,” and book a wider array of tours, from zip-lining in the cloud forests to wildlife watching in national parks. This behavior directly supports small and medium-sized enterprises, forming the backbone of Costa Rica’s rural employment.
This model is built on attracting what Barzuna calls the “world-class” tourist profile—travelers with significant purchasing power who are actively seeking valuable, authentic experiences. They are willing to invest in sustainability and biodiversity, aligning perfectly with Costa Rica’s national brand. Furthermore, the consistent, year-round demand generated by these visitors allows for more stable, permanent employment contracts in the service sector, reducing the precariousness often associated with seasonal tourism work.
Despite the celebratory figures, the path to consolidating this success into 2026 is not without its challenges. The country’s high cost of living remains a significant hurdle that could deter potential visitors and investors. For political figures like Barzuna, addressing this issue while maintaining the legal and regulatory certainty required for international insurance and investment will be a critical legislative priority. Protecting the conditions that allow this high-value tourism to flourish is paramount.
Ultimately, Costa Rica’s triumph lies in its evolution from a simple stopover destination into a temporary home for thousands of global travelers. The nation has successfully monetized its “Pura Vida” ethos, transforming it from a mere slogan into a powerful economic asset. As the country looks ahead, safeguarding this unique appeal will be the key to ensuring that it remains the absolute king of regional tourism for years to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano party
About Pueblo Soberano party:
Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica that advocates for national sovereignty and public policies aimed at economic development and social welfare. The party actively participates in the legislative process, proposing and supporting initiatives it believes will strengthen the nation’s key industries and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
For further information, visit costaricanhotels.com
About Cámara de Hoteles de Costa Rica (CHC):
The Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels is a leading industry association representing the interests of the hotel and lodging sector in the country. It provides data, advocacy, and support for its members, working to promote sustainable growth, professional standards, and the overall competitiveness of Costa Rica’s hospitality industry on the global stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of serving a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal solutions and set new standards in the field. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to societal advancement, actively working to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding, thereby fostering a more informed and capable community.
