[CS] Tourism in Costa Rica (Impact on Locals)

[Intro] What is Costa Rica, and how does tourism impact them?

• An upper-middle income country in Central America

• Tourism has been one of their fastest growing sectors

→ bringing positive and/or negative impacts to locals

[Benefit 1] How has tourism contributed to improved services?

P: Tourists spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, & activities which generate revenue for the country

E: Tourism contributes 8.2% to Costa Rica’s GDP.

→ projected to increase USD 2.04 billion from 2024 to 2029

E: This allows government to upgrade public services, e.g. healthcare & education → improving living standards of citizens

[Benefit 2] How has tourism contributed to increased job opportunities?

P: As the tourism industry expands, more workers are required to fill different positions to enhance tourist experience

E: Currently, ~188,000 people are employed in the sector

E: Allows citizens to find jobs catering to skills & provides a source of income, reducing risk of poverty

[Benefit 3] How has tourism contributed to increased cultural exchange?

P: Tourists come from diverse countries, fostering cultural exchange with locals through festivals & student exchange

E: 60.8% of tourists come from Europe & North America → locals teach Costa Rica’s multicultural heritage & traditions

E: Locals can improve language skills via interactions (e.g. English)

[Problem 1] How has tourism increased housing prices for locals?

P: The rise in tourists prompted property owners to convert long-term rentals into Airbnbs → price of long-term rentals & houses increase

E: E.g. in Norsara, cost per square metre for buying property is ~USD 3,400

E: This makes it difficult for locals to afford houses & increases their financial burden

[Problem 2] How has tourism increased air pollution & respiratory issues?

P: Greenhouse gases from car exhausts & particulate matter during construction of tourism infrastructure are released → air pollution

E: Between 2013 and 2023, GG emissions from transportation increased by over 30%

→ led to poor air quality in cities like San José

E: Poor air quality lead to respiratory issues (e.g. asthma) & cardiovascular diseases (e.g. lung cancer)

[Problem 3] How has tourism increased traffic congestion?

P: Currently, Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle densities in Latin America (231 cars per 1,000 residents)

→ traffic congestion exacerbated by tourism

E: During peak hours, 20-minute journeys can take up to 2 hours (San José to Alajuela)

E: This wastes time & can impact locals’ wellbeing, (e.g. stress & anxiety)