The Past Few Years Have Been a Whirlwind in the Travel Industry
Post-pandemic, we witnessed a surge in “revenge travel,” where travelers sought to make up for lost time with extravagant trips. In Costa Rica, we experienced unprecedented demand, with guests consistently opting for the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences. Discounts and deals were virtually unheard of.
However, this frenzy has started to subside. Since mid-2024, we’ve observed a decline in visitation compared to pre-pandemic levels. Travelers are now more discerning, seeking value and quality at reasonable prices.
This shift has particularly impacted secondary destinations that previously benefited from the overflow of tourists visiting more popular spots. In Costa Rica, destinations like Guanacaste and La Fortuna continue to draw significant crowds, while the Caribbean Coast, the Southern Pacific and other lesser-known areas are experiencing a slight decline.
At the Cayuga Collection, We’ve Been Proactively Preparing For This Shift
Over the past three years, we’ve invested heavily in upgrading our hotels and training our staff. Cayuga University is just one of the initiatives with a big impact last year. This commitment to quality has resulted in high guest satisfaction rates at all of our hotels with an average of 94% of our guests exceeding or highly exceeding their expectations.
Looking ahead, I believe that focusing on quality and providing exceptional value will be crucial for the long-term success of any destination. We need to address the issue of overtourism by encouraging travel during the low season and spreading out visitation across different regions.
Sustainability Remains a Critical Concern
While many travelers express a desire to support eco-friendly businesses, there’s a noticeable gap between their words and actions. At Cayuga Collection, sustainability has always been a core principle. We’ve been pioneers in sustainable hospitality for nearly 30 years, and we will continue to prioritize eco-conscious practices across all our properties in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and more recently also Guatemala.
I believe that by focusing on our people, quality experiences, providing exceptional value, and prioritizing sustainability, we can navigate this evolving travel landscape and continue to create memorable experiences for our guests.
Want to Learn More?
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