Gang violence and tourism: Costa Rica’s security illusion

Costa Rica’s claim that gang violence has no impact on tourism is misleading and poses potential risks to both locals and international visitors.

Known for its lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Costa Rica is often seen as a haven for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility. However, recent statements from Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco suggest a disturbing discrepancy between perceived safety for tourists and the reality of escalating gang violence fueled by the drug trade.

Security issues in Costa Rica

At a recent event in Spain, Minister Tinoco acknowledged that the number of murders in Costa Rica has escalated from one to approximately 2.5 murders per day. This increase is attributed to conflicts between Mexican and Colombian drug gangs. Although Tinoco emphasized that these violent clashes are limited to the criminal underworld and do not spread to ordinary citizens or tourists, this perspective is overly optimistic and potentially dangerous.

The minister’s reassurances are based on the assumption that violence within the drug trade can be neatly contained. Yet the nature of such violence is neither predictable nor incisive. Gang wars do not respect the lives of bystanders and can break out in public areas often visited by tourists, such as markets, roads and even resorts. Declaring public spaces safe amid such unrest reflects not only an underestimation of the problem, but also a misunderstanding of the nature of violent crime.

Moreover, the minister’s informal walk through San José without fear of harm paints a picture of safety that may not be realistic for everyone. It is one thing for a high-ranking government official to feel safe, but quite another for ordinary citizens and tourists who do not have the same level of information or security.

Drug trafficking and corruption

Tinoco also pointed out that Costa Rica has become a major storage point for cocaine due to its role as a major exporter of agricultural products. The intertwining of legitimate trade with illicit drug trafficking at major transport hubs such as ports inevitably increases the risk of corruption and violence, which can impact areas visited by tourists. While efforts to improve security at these ports with new scanners are commendable, they do not address the broader problem of drug-related violence pervading society.

It is important to note that the infiltration of drug cartels into a country can corrupt several sectors, including law enforcement and local government, leading to a compromised security environment. When up to $100,000 can be offered to a police officer to look the other way, as the minister himself noted, the reliability of the police in protecting citizens and tourists alike becomes questionable.

By comparison, neighboring Panama, with a smaller population, has significantly more police officers, underscoring Costa Rica’s inadequate police resources. Despite plans to strengthen the police force, the current situation leaves much to be desired in terms of public safety.

In addition to the risk of violence, drug trafficking often involves other crimes, such as theft and extortion, which can have a direct impact on tourists. The economic desperation that such environments bring can lead individuals to commit crimes against tourists, who are seen as easy targets for theft.

Furthermore, Latin America’s history of violence at the hands of drug cartels shows that no country is immune to its effects, which spill over into the general population and impact areas related to tourism. Countries such as Mexico and Colombia have long struggled with the perception of safety as a result of cartel violence, which has undoubtedly impacted their tourism industries.

Addressing safety issues

Costa Rica’s economic dependence on tourism means we must recognize and address these security concerns regarding protecting visitors and securing the country’s financial future. Tourists can choose from a wide range of destinations, and safety is of paramount importance when making travel decisions. Pretending that gang violence doesn’t affect tourists doesn’t make the problem go away; it only undermines efforts to actually improve safety.

To truly protect both its citizens and tourists, Costa Rica needs a more robust approach to policing and security, one that goes beyond current measures. This includes not only increasing police presence, but also increasing their capabilities through training and better resources. International cooperation, such as that with the United States on maritime surveillance, should be expanded to improve intelligence and prevent the flow of drugs.

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While Costa Rica remains a beautiful and welcoming destination, both government officials and potential tourists must recognize and address the reality of drug-related violence. Recognizing the problem is the first step toward creating a safer environment for everyone. Ignoring the impact of gang violence on tourism not only misleads potential visitors, but also hinders effective solutions to a growing national crisis.