Published on Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is stepping up efforts to attract new hotel investment as tourism continues to expand, officials said following the country’s participation in a major regional hospitality conference.

Representatives from Costa Rica’s tourism sector attended the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Central and Latin America, known as ALIS CALA, to promote the country as a prime destination for hotel development. The event was held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.

According to the Tourism Institute (ICT), hospitality officials joined representatives from the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) to meet with investors and executives from hotel chains that are developing projects across Latin America.

ALIS CALA is an annual conference that brings together investors, developers, lenders and hotel executives to network and negotiate deals aimed at expanding tourism in the region. This year’s event drew participants from more than 35 countries.


ICT officials said Costa Rica’s participation focused on securing new hotel projects, particularly boutique developments that emphasize sustainability, operational efficiency and ties to local communities.


Authorities noted growing demand from travelers seeking accommodations that meet higher environmental and social standards.

Hermes Navarro, ICT’s head of investment attraction, said Costa Rica continues to strengthen its position as a top destination for investment due to its air connectivity with North and South America and major European capitals, its established tourism infrastructure, and its global reputation for sustainable tourism.

With a full schedule of meetings, the country aimed to position itself within the evaluation processes used by international developers and operators as they expand their portfolios in Latin America.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s main sources of foreign exchange. ICT data shows the country generated more than $5.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, while the sector supported more than 166,000 jobs.

One of the most recent investments in the country’s hotel sector is the opening of the first Waldorf Astoria property in Costa Rica, a luxury oceanfront resort located at Penca Beach in Guanacaste, marking the brand’s debut in the country.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry continues to grow. The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

Also, international airlines expanded their service. Canadian carrier Porter recently announced an expansion of its nonstop routes to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica also continues ramping up international promotion efforts. The country recently launched a “Pura Vida” tourism campaign, placing advertisements on public streetcar displays in major Canadian cities.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting tourism in Costa Rica.

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