Investing in Tourism in Costa Rica

Tourism investment in Costa Rica is full of unlimited potential thanks to tourism being the country’s main economic activity. The country’s incredible biodiversity, natural wealth and variable climate have ordained Costa Rica to be a world leader for vacations, retirement and investment. The opportunity is there for investors seeking in opening, buying or establishing hotels in the country.

Covering only 0.03% of the planet’s surface, Costa Rica’s key geographic location as a bridge between North and South America has awarded it the privilege to hold approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica enjoys 726 miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and more than 25% of its territory is protected in national parks and private reserves. This all makes the country very attractive for retirement of foreigners and investing in real estate.

In recent years, Costa Rica has been consistently recognized internationally as a top tourist destination by travel industry leaders such as Conde Nast Traveler, CNN, the New York Times, Travel & Leisure magazine and TripAdvisor. Costa Rica has been selected as the best destination for adventure tourism, eco-tourism and honeymoons.

Costa Rica offers exceptional value and an excellent range of services and infrastructure, from five-star resorts to one-of-a-kind boutique hotels. The country is abundant with activities: volcanoes, beaches, national parks, world-class surfing, whitewater rafting, sportfishing, golf, bird-watching, cultural and nature tours, and rainforest exploration. The growth of tourists visiting the country pushes constantly the development of hotels in resorts and yields an opportunity for those seeking good opportunities buying hotels, hostels, lodges.

Investing in real estate and business in Costa Rica is safe. The Costa Rican government allows individuals and private companies (both local and foreign) to own titled land and properties in the country.

In Costa Rica, the tourism industry is regulated and supervised by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (called “ICT” by its Spanish acronyms). The ICT establishes the certification and classification of establishments engaged in tourism activities. The ICT is also in charge of the international promotion of the Country and supports the promotion of hotels and all the here established tourist companies.