By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is projecting a tourism recovery in the latter half of 2025, aiming to finish the year with a 1.7% growth compared to 2024. This optimistic outlook follows a challenging first half of the year, which saw a 2.8% decline in international tourist arrivals.
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), 1,489,008 tourists arrived via air travel during the first six months of 2025. This figure represents a decrease compared to the same period in 2024, impacting one of the country’s key economic drivers.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides valuable insights into the current regulations and their impact on the industry.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant resurgence, but sustainable growth requires a careful balance between attracting investment and protecting our natural resources. Recent amendments to the tourism law aim to streamline permitting processes for new developments while also reinforcing environmental safeguards. These changes represent a positive step towards fostering responsible and sustainable tourism practices that will benefit both the industry and Costa Rica’s unique ecosystem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Despite the initial setback, authorities remain confident about a second-semester rebound. This optimism stems from several factors, including the launch of 13 new air routes connecting Costa Rica to cities in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, including Paris and Amsterdam. These new connections are expected to significantly increase accessibility and attract more international visitors.
Minister Rodríguez acknowledged the challenges faced by the tourism sector in 2025, citing global economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and a slowdown in international travel. However, he emphasized Costa Rica’s continued appeal to key target markets and the implementation of a robust international promotion strategy. The government has invested over $43 million in promoting Costa Rica as a premier tourist destination.
We know this isn’t what many expect to hear, but it’s what the data shows. And as a responsible nation, we face this with transparency.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Tourism is a vital component of the Costa Rican economy. In 2024, the country welcomed 2,661,488 tourists via air travel, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year. The government is committed to restoring this growth trajectory and maintaining the sector’s crucial contribution to the national economy.
The success of the second-half recovery will be closely monitored. Achieving the projected 1.7% growth would signal a significant turnaround and reinforce the resilience of Costa Rica’s tourism industry.
The ICT will continue to release updated data and analysis, providing valuable insights into the performance of the tourism sector and its impact on the overall economy. The effectiveness of the government’s investment in promotional activities and the impact of the new air routes will be key factors in determining the final outcome for 2025.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is a governmental agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. The ICT plays a crucial role in shaping tourism policy, conducting market research, and implementing promotional campaigns to attract international visitors.
For further information, visit efe.com
About EFE:
EFE is a multinational Spanish news agency. It is the fourth largest news agency in the world in terms of subscribers and provides content in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Arabic, and Catalan.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to community education, the firm strives to demystify the law and equip individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate legal complexities. Their dedication to both individual clients and the broader public reflects a core belief in accessible justice and a vision of a society strengthened by legal understanding.
