Beach, mountain hotels report 88 percent occupancy for the holidays

The Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH) on Wednesday reported that bookings for Christmas and New Year’s holidays at beach and mountain hotels is averaging about 88 percent.

Data are from a survey conducted by the chamber of its associates and show a 4 percent increase over the same period in 2013-2014. Christmas and New Year’s holidays take place during Costa Rica’s dry season, which runs from December to April.

Beach hotel owners were the most optimistic in the survey, reporting that they expect at least 91 percent occupancy in the Central Pacific, 89 percent occupancy in the Northern Pacific (Guanacaste), 85 percent in the Southern Pacific and 69 percent in the Caribbean.

City hotels in the Central Valley reported the lowest numbers at 60 percent expected occupancy, an increase of 5 percent compared to 2013.

“Beach destinations still are the favorite among tourists. Christmas and New Year’s are very attractive periods for families to go on vacation, although mountain and city lodging also are offering very attractive promotions for the season,” CCH Executive Director Flora Ayub said.

Although beaches attract the most tourists, the survey indicates that hotels in the Northern Region expect the highest occupancy, at 96 percent, because beach locations are distributed among three provinces.

Tourism businesses currently are offering promotional packages for lodging, including discounts, two-for-one offers, and added-value packages.