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Insights & Legislative Analyses
Sector insights and analysis. Trends & Perspectives for market signals and management; Draft Laws · Tourism-Related for legislative initiatives impacting tourism.
CET’s analysis hub, organized into two streams.
Trends & Perspectives distills market signals—demand patterns, pricing and channel shifts, innovation, sustainability, and regulation—into short, actionable takeaways for tourism leaders.
Draft Laws · Tourism-Related examines legislative proposals that could affect Costa Rica’s tourism economy, translating legal text into operational implications and strategic choices. Browse both to spot risks and opportunities early, align decisions with evidence, and stay ahead of changes shaping the sector.
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The electric power system is entering a pressure zone, and tourism should take note.
The Center for Tourism Studies presents Technical Note 07-2026, an analysis of the recent evolution of Costa Rica’s electric power system, with emphasis on demand, generation by source, the growing use of thermal generation and the implications for the country’s competitiveness and tourism activity. The report analyzes data from the National Electric System for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. The evidence shows that Costa Rica is entering a new stage of pressure on its el
Víctor Umaña
May 72 min read
Costa Rica starts 2026 with the best first quarter of international arrivals in its history
Signals that require attention persist Costa Rica: International Arrivals and Tourism Revenues Technical Note 06-2026 · January–March 2026 · Series 2019–2025 Published: April 2026 | Víctor Umaña, Executive Director CET Costa Rica began 2026 with a historic result in international arrivals. During the first quarter, the country received 1,033,777 visitors, representing a year-on-year growth of 11.3% and, notably, the first time a first quarter surpasses the pre-pandemic level
Víctor Umaña
Apr 234 min read
Tourism in Guatemala and El Salvador: A Regional Corridor Already Operating with Its Own Logic
In practice, Central America is consolidating tourism corridors that deserve a more strategic reading. That is one of the main findings of Technical Note 05-2026 by the Center for Tourism Studies, which examines the dynamics of international visitors in Guatemala and El Salvador, the facilitation of movement under the CA-4 agreement, air connectivity, and spending patterns in both destinations. The data clearly show that Central America is the main source market for both coun
Víctor Umaña
Mar 212 min read
Costa Rica Begins 2026 with a Rebound in International Arrivals, but the Broader Context Still Calls for Caution
An Encouraging Start for Tourism Activity Costa Rica began 2026 with a positive sign in international arrival trends. During January and February, the country welcomed 653,959 international travelers, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.4% and making this the strongest first two-month period since the pandemic. This is an important result, not only because of the cumulative volume, but also because it confirms a recovery that is regaining momentum after a recent period
Víctor Umaña
Mar 164 min read
The IMF’s 2026 Article IV report on Costa Rica
The International Monetary Fund’s annual review raises relevant observations on monetary policy, competitiveness, public safety, pensions, the financial system, and fiscal sustainability. For tourism, several of these signals deserve immediate attention. Brief Summary The IMF’s 2026 Article IV report on Costa Rica is neither an adjustment program nor a loan, but rather an independent technical assessment of the national economy. While it acknowledges macroeconomic strengths,
Víctor Umaña
Mar 116 min read
Law on the Creation of the Protected Wild Area National Landscape Arenal Reservoir Water Mirror and the Promotion of Activities Associated with the Sustainable Use of its Buffer Zone
Bill 22.981 creates the protected wild area “National Landscape Arenal Reservoir Water Mirror” and declares the Environmental and Social Development Plan for its buffer zone to be of public interest. The initiative seeks to regulate lake use, aligning energy generation with sustainable tourism and productive activities in surrounding communities.
tadeomg
Jan 225 min read
Ley de Aeroparques Turísticos
Expediente: 24.392 · Estado: En comisión (Comisión Permanente Especial de Turismo) · Proponente: Carolina Delgado Ramírez (PLN) Comisión: Comisión Permanente Especial de Turismo (CPETUR) · Presentado: junio de 2024 · Última actualización CET: 29/10/2025 Resumen Crea un marco para autorizar y operar aeroparques turísticos (públicos, privados o mixtos) con servicios como combustible, hangaraje, apoyo a aeronaves y hospitalidad para tripulaciones y pasajeros. La apuesta e
tadeomg
Oct 30, 20253 min read
Proyectos Sobre Zona Marítimo-Terrestre (ZMT)
A continuación reunimos en una sola publicación los 8 proyectos que están en la corriente legislativa que abordan reformas y modificaciones a la Zona Marítimo Terrestre. Ley para el Desarrollo e Impulso de la Zona Marítimo Terrestre Reforma del artículo 23 de la Ley 6043 para garantizar el acceso público a las playas Adición de un párrafo final al artículo 30 de la Ley 6043 (transparencia de concesiones en ZMT) Concesión especial para compradores de buena fe en ZMT (adición a
tadeomg
Oct 30, 20259 min read
Ley Marco para la Gestión Integrada del Recurso Hídrico — Expediente 23511
Estado: Dictaminado (Comisión de Ambiente) Proponentes: Oscar Izquierdo(PLN) · Varios Diputados PLN, NR y PUSC Comisión: Ambiente · Presentado: 19/12/2022 Última actualización CET: 28/10/2025 21:30 Resumen Ley omnibus de aguas que declara el agua de dominio público y establece un marco integral de gestión (GIRH): rectoría, áreas de protección, concesiones, cánones y fiscalización. Impacta al turismo por su relación con aguas termales , captaciones, permisos y usos...
tadeomg
Oct 28, 20252 min read
Hospedaje no tradicional (Simplificación/Seguridad jurídica) — Expediente 24061
Estado: Dictaminado (Comisión de Turismo) va a segundo debate en plenario Proponentes: Carlos Felipe García (PUSC) · Diego Vargas (Ind.) Comisión: Turismo · Presentado: 28/11/2023 Última actualización CET: 28/10/2025 21:30 Resumen Busca armonizar obligaciones fiscales y de registro de anfitriones y plataformas con la normativa vigente (IVA servicios digitales transfronterizos), reducir tramitología y subsanar vacíos de la Ley 9742. Enfocado en simplificación , segurid
tadeomg
Oct 28, 20252 min read
Hospedaje no tradicional (Reforma Ley 9742) — Expediente 23766
Estado: En comisión Proponentes: Carolina Delgado (PLN) Diego Vargas (Ind.) Comisión: Turismo · Presentado: 23/05/2023 Última actualización CET: 28/10/2025 21:30 Resumen Propone reforma integral a la Ley 9742 para mejorar la regulación del hospedaje no tradicional/STR (Airbnb y similares): fortalece registro ante ICT , clarifica responsabilidades de plataformas y anfitriones , y endurece sanciones por incumplimiento. Busca nivelar competencia con hotelería formal y me
tadeomg
Oct 28, 20252 min read
Política Nacional de Turismo — Expediente 25061
Estado: En comisión Proponentes: (según expediente) · Comisión: Turismo · Presentado: 23/06/2025 Última actualización CET: 02/11/2025 14:30 Presentación proyecto de Ley 25061 Política Nacional de Turismo, Asamblea Legislativa, setiembre, 2025 Resumen Crea la Política Nacional de Turismo como instrumento de orientación estratégica, define principios y lineamientos para un desarrollo sostenible, competitivo e innovador , y crea el Consejo Nacional de Gobernanza Turística
tadeomg
Oct 28, 20252 min read
Thermal Water and Sustainability
The Living Experience of La Fortuna de San Carlos By Tadeo Francisco Morales Gómez President – Arenal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Researcher – Center for Tourism Studies (CET), Costa Rica Thermal Water as a Regenerative Resource Thermal water is not just a tourist attraction. It is a catalyst for transformation—a geological force charged with minerals, energy, and memory, capable of regenerating people, landscapes, local economies, and human-nature relationships. In Cos
tadeomg
Sep 2, 20257 min read
Tourism Prioritization Survey – August 2025
The Center for Tourism Studies (CET) presents the results of the Tourism Prioritization Survey , carried out between July 31 and August...
tadeomg
Aug 24, 20252 min read
Are We Ready to Lead the Future of Tourism in Latin America? Reflections from a Historic Crossroads
🔍 This blog is an analysis of the article published by Bary Roberts on June 20, 2025, titled At the Crossroads of Latin American Tourism , available on LinkedIn. Few voices in Latin America possess the authority, experience, and clarity with which Bary Roberts analyzes the major issues shaping regional tourism. With a career spanning both the public and private sectors—and decades of commitment to sustainability, innovation, and governance—Bary has not only witnessed the t
tadeomg
Jun 22, 20253 min read
Costa Rica’s Accord for Tourism
A Shared Roadmap to Reposition Tourism as a Driver of Well-Being, Regeneration, and Inclusion Representatives from the business,...
tadeomg
Apr 11, 20256 min read
Discover Community Based Tourism. IV - Community-Based Tourism and Its Relationship with Literature and Art
Community-based tourism is much more than just visiting a destination; it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of local communities, share their traditions, and contribute to sustainable development. Over the course of this series of four blogs, we will explore how this form of tourism allows travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and daily life of those who open their doors to offer authentic and enriching experiences. Community-Based Tourism and Its R
tadeomg
Apr 6, 20253 min read
Discover Community Based Tourism. III - Cultural Gastronomic Identity in Community-Based Tourism
Community-based tourism is much more than just visiting a destination; it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of local communities, share their traditions, and contribute to sustainable development. Over the course of this series of four blogs, we will explore how this form of tourism allows travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and daily life of those who open their doors to offer authentic and enriching experiences. Cultural Gastronomic Identity in
tadeomg
Apr 2, 20253 min read
Discover Community-Based Tourism. II - Challenges and Opportunities of Community-Based Tourism in Costa Rica
Community-based tourism is much more than just visiting a destination; it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of local communities, share their traditions, and contribute to sustainable development. Over the course of this series of four blogs, we will explore how this form of tourism allows travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and daily life of those who open their doors to offer authentic and enriching experiences. Challenges and Opportunities of C
tadeomg
Apr 1, 20253 min read
Discover Community-Based Tourism. I - Community-Based Tourism as the Pillar of "Pura Vida"
Community-based tourism is much more than just visiting a destination; it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of local communities, share their traditions, and contribute to sustainable development. Over the course of our next four blogs, we will explore how this form of tourism allows travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and daily life of those who open their doors to offer authentic and enriching experiences. Community-Based Tourism as the Pillar o
tadeomg
Mar 31, 20253 min read
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