Costa Rica beaches are expected to be booming as people from all over the world are planning to travel to Costa Rica this December. Costa Rica hotels are filling up fast as a boost in Costa Rica tourism, especially along the Pacific Coast, stems from a growing demand and interest by foreign investors, improved infrastructure across the nation, and even an increased number of local Costa Ricans are planning to spend their holiday in hotels.
While it seems this Latin American country is growing in popularity year-round, the holidays are flooding the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica with tourists and locals alike. Hotel owners in Costa Rica expect 8 of every 10 rooms to be occupied. Last year, occupancy numbers barely reached 50%. A recent survey by the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) in Costa Rica showed beach lodging to be at 87% occupancy this Christmas season, making the numbers of those traveling to Costa Rica up almost 40% from last year. Improved roads, expanding airports with increasing numbers of flights and easier access to regions across Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast have led to a greater demand for Pacific-region destinations.
Local Tourists add to the Number of People Traveling to Costa Rica’s Beaches this Holiday
Even Ticos are planning to travel to Costa Rica’s beaches to spend their holiday. According to CANATUR President Isabel Vargas, as reported by the Tico Times, “A large number of local tourists plan on taking advantage of the holidays. We noted a greater willingness to spend money on travel and recreation.” The CANATUR survey showed that most Ticos prefer the beach to the mountains and regions from the Nicoya Gulf and Guanacaste to the Central and South Pacific are expecting occupancies of around 70%.
While owners of Costa Rica hotels expect average occupancies of 78% by December 24th, that number is expected to increase as the holiday approaches. The increased number of those traveling to Costa Rica this holiday is yet another indicator of the improving tourism and real estate market, especially along the Pacific Coast. The tourism sector can certainly expect a Merry Christmas as the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica booms this holiday.