Save for shopping trips to South Florida and family outings to the amusement parks in Orlando, Tico tourists are mostly content with exploring their own country. Although rural tourism has… Read more » Continue reading →
Save for shopping trips to South Florida and family outings to the amusement parks in Orlando, Tico tourists are mostly content with exploring their own country. Although rural tourism has picked up considerably in Costa Rica over the last few years, families in Costa Rica are increasingly looking for upscale, all-inclusive resorts when they go on vacation, and hoteliers in Jaco Beach and Guanacaste are ready to welcome them.
The days of packing canned tuna and refried beans along with tortillas to enjoy an affordable beach cottage or cabin are over for many Tico families. Fueled by prosperity in the form of credit cards, domestic tourists in Costa Rica are booking all-inclusive experiences ranging from $120 to $194 per person, according to a recent report by Marvin Barquero of national newspaper La Nacion. The prices and level of interest vary according to various factors such as distance from the Central Valley, the amenities offered and just how much of an upscale experience is provided.
Luxury resorts such as the Double Tree by Hilton in Puntarenas and Hotel Chantel in Guanacaste report that 75 percent of their guests are from Costa Rica, and more than 70 percent are returning guests. One major draw to these properties seems to be their swimming pools; Ticos enjoy the giant lagoon-shaped resort pools with separate splash areas for the children. For this reason, hotels such as the Riu in Guanacaste are typically full after Christmas -despite their reputation for alleged endangerment of sea turtles in Costa Rica.
Foreign tourists who have not yet booked luxury hotel rooms for their stay in Costa Rica will see prices increase in the next few weeks as the high tourist season matures. Some hotels in Jaco Beach are including one or two meals with their packaged deals; other hotels in Guanacaste are upping the ante with three full meals, including the afternoon coffee snack that seems to be hardwired in most Ticos, and a certain amount of alcoholic beverages. These hotels are courting domestic tourists since they seem to be outspending their foreign counterparts.