ENTERTAINMENT AND TOURISM

Cattle farming has historically been a large economic contributor to the area, as there are plenty of small patches of forest and large pastures of grasses on which the cattle can feed. As worldwide demand for beef has dropped recently, cattle farming has been less dominant as an economic activity here, and some pastures are reverting back to their natural state or are becoming tree plantations. Other agricultural activities in the area include the production of sugar cane, cotton, and rice. Tourism is fast becoming the major industry in Guanacaste, particularly in the coastal communities.

Accommodations, restaurants and bars, shops, tourism outfitters, tourist attractions, and other service-based businesses have been growing significantly and attracting even more tourists to the area. With the influx of tourists has been an increase in the real estate and development/construction industries to help keep up with the demand for amenities, infrastructure, and rental properties. Many ex-pats here are retired, but some do work remotely for businesses or own businesses locally that they operate. Guanacaste’s unemployment rate tends to be higher than the country’s overall rate (8%), at around 10%.