For many years, Costa Rica has been touted as one of the top retirement havens in the world. With a stable democracy, growing economy government friendly to foreigners and tropical climate, as well as incredible natural beauty, it rightly earned the phrase, “the Switzerland of Latin America.”

Below are a few questions I often receive from our clients who are searching for a retirement spot or investment opportunity. The responses will suggest that Costa Rica is still a terrific place to retire, or to start new life in if you still wish to work, particularly if you choose your location and activities carefully.

Three of Spain’s biggest hotel chains have announced plans to expand in Costa Rica promising to bring more than $1 billion dollars in development. The news comes as no surprise to the ever so popular tourist destination as the number of European tourists is increasing each year as they flock to the country’s gorgeous beaches and biologically diverse rain forests. Spanish tourists, in particular, are even more common and the inclusion of these well-known Spanish brands is expected to coax more to make the cross-Atlantic voyage.

When the U.S. economy began showing signs of weakness, many speculated as to whether American tourism to Costa Rica would also begin to decline. However, in news that reassures as much as it delights all that are involved in Costa Rican tourism, statistics show that not only have visits to the country not decreased, but they have actually increased in the past year.

It’s become apparent that the ever so popular pacific beach town of Jaco is diligently doing its best to try and relinquish the title of Costa Rica’s best party surf town. Not only have many real estate projects begun to call Jaco their home, other major developments such as a new and improved Jaco water plant, and plans for a sewage system are helping to shape up the town’s image. The Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce and other major local investors are doing their part to improve the rapidly growing beach town as well.

The magical world of Disney has now expanded it’s Magic Kingdom beyond U.S. boundaries. Disney now offers all-inclusive vacations to Costa Rica. The new guided vacation tour packages have been designed for families to take the hassle out of planning a vacation that every member of the family will enjoy. Adventure’s by Disney offers vacations all over the world to countries such as China, Australia, England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Peru, Costa Rica and more. With Costa Rica tourism sky rocketing it’s no wonder that the little Latin American gem was Disney’s next choice in guided vacations.