🌴 Tourism in Costa Rica: The Small World of Big Groups

Costa Rica makes people dream. Volcanoes, beaches, wildlife, freedom.

But behind the postcard lies another truth — that of a tourism industry built on imbalance, where the biggest voices often silence the small ones.

💰 Big Groups, Small Fairness

Over the years, massive Facebook communities like The Quebecers in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Lovers, and other francophone groups have become digital empires.

They were once about sharing and helping travelers — today, they’re pay-to-play platforms.

Local small businesses — independent travel agents, guides, small lodges, artisans — were the first to share their expertise, make posts, and help these groups grow.

Then, once the audience reached tens of thousands, the tone changed:

> “You want to post? Pay.”

“You want visibility? Pay more.”

“You want to help for free? Blocked.”

Some admins don’t even post or help anymore — they just collect payments and moderate competition out of the picture.

🇫🇷 The French Playbook: Every Six Months, the Cycle Repeats

Among French groups in Costa Rica, the pattern repeats. Every six months, a wave of “clean-up” sweeps through: small business owners suddenly find themselves banned or deleted.

Those who worked hard to help the community grow disappear, while posts from “partners” — usually paying ones — fill the feed.

Meanwhile, travelers think they’re reading neutral advice, when most of it is paid content disguised as recommendations.

🌀 Fear and Competition

Behind this, there’s often a simple motive: fear.

Fear of losing followers, clients, or space in a crowded market.

Instead of collaboration, we get gatekeeping.

Instead of solidarity, silence.

And yet, most of us came here to share something real — not to play algorithms and control visibility.

🌿 A Different Way: Transparent, Human, Fair

That’s why I chose another path.

Yes, I ask for a fair contribution, because I work: I create promotions, design content, connect travelers with locals, and keep my network active every single day.

It’s not “posting for free.” It’s tourism work done with heart and professionalism.

But here’s the key difference:

Those who want visibility benefit from my promotion, my audience, and my network.

Those who prefer to post independently can do so with a simple subscription — fair, transparent, and without favoritism.

No hidden deals. No “buddy system.”

Just a community where everyone has a place, according to what they invest.

🌺 The Real Costa Rica Doesn’t Need Algorithms

Because the real Costa Rica isn’t online.

It’s in the smile of a local guide, the warmth of a small family lodge, the laughter shared over a soda lunch, the calm of a fisherman at dawn.

You won’t find that in sponsored posts.

You’ll find it in people.

✍️ Voyagez Futé au Costa Rica

🌿 Transparency • Fairness • Connection