No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaTourism and Eco-Concerns Meet at Costa Rica's New Cóbano Airport 

Tourism and Eco-Concerns Meet at Costa Rica’s New Cóbano Airport 

The opening of Cóbano Airport on Saturday ushers in a new era of tourism growth in Costa Rica’s treasured southern Nicoya Peninsula, but also raises environmental concerns in the ecologically fragile region.

The private airport, funded by foreign and local investors, is strategically located just 1 km from Cóbano town and 14 km from the booming surf town of Santa Teresa.

“It responds to the need to connect our district to key tourist destinations across Costa Rica,” said Cóbano Mayor Favio López at the opening ceremony. He touted the airport’s “significant private investment” and ability to provide “higher quality service” to visitors.

The location offers easy access to southern Nicoya’s pristine beaches and world-class surf breaks that draw thousands of visitors each month. With the closest airport previously being Tambor, Cóbano provides a more convenient regional hub.

Mayor López aims to establish direct flights connecting Cóbano to major tourist sites like La Fortuna. This could slash travel times from Santa Teresa from five hours driving to just 35 minutes flying.

Major airlines like Sansa and domestic operators will run flights from the airport. Onsite car rental, restaurants, stores and tour operators will also service visitors.

While tourism represents a major economic boon, the region’s fragile ecology poses challenges. Striking a balance between boosting business and preserving the paradisiacal landscape will be key.

“We strive for greater cohesion and support from the government to grow sustainably,” said López. The area’s rare wildlife, pristine beaches and jungles require careful stewardship amidst ballooning tourism.

With its new international gateway, southern Nicoya is primed for major growth. But preserving the wild, tropical beauty that draws so many to our beautiful Costa Rica will require foresight from developers, stakeholders and the Costa Rican government alike. Let’s Hope!

Trending Now

New Poison Dart Frog Species Discovered in Peru’s Amazon

Peruvian researchers have identified a new poison dart frog in the Amazon rainforest, adding to the region's rich array of wildlife. The tiny creature,...

Heavy Rains in Costa Rica Trigger Landslides and Floods

Costa Rica faces tough conditions lately from ongoing heavy rains that have sparked deadly landslides and major flooding over the last few days. In...

Costa Rica Women’s National Team Coach Steps Down Amid World Cup Push

The Costa Rican Soccer Federation dropped a major update this week: Spanish coach Beni Rubido is stepping down from his role with the women's...

Costa Rica’s FIFCO Sells Operations to Heineken After Vote

Shareholders of Costa Rica's Florida Ice and Farm Company, known as FIFCO, gave the green light on to sell most of their food, beverage,...

Costa Rica’s Nayara Springs Named Among World’s Best Hotels by MICHELIN

Nayara Springs, a secluded adults-only resort near Arenal Volcano National Park, has claimed the highest spot in the MICHELIN Guide's new hotel rankings. The...

Costa Rican Hotels Warn of Job Risks Amid Drop in Tourists

Hotels across Costa Rica face mounting pressures as tourist numbers dip and a sluggish dollar exchange rate eats into their earnings. From January to...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica