By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has decisively established itself as Central America’s premier destination for high-value tourism, with international visitors spending more per trip here than anywhere else in the region. A landmark report from Mastercard Advisors, utilizing data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) and the Central Bank, reveals that the average expenditure per tourist reached an impressive $2,062 in 2024, signaling a successful strategic shift toward attracting a more lucrative market segment.
The report underscores a critical trend shaping the nation’s most vital economic sector: a deliberate focus on value over volume. While the total number of international arrivals has grown at a modest annual rate of 1.9% since 2019, the average spend per person (known as GMP) has surged by 7.26% annually over the same period. This divergence confirms that Costa Rica’s reputation for sustainable, premium experiences is translating directly into greater economic returns per visitor.
To delve into the legal and commercial implications of the recent upswing in tourism spending, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise in tourism expenditure is a crucial signal for the industry to reinforce its legal foundations. For businesses to capitalize on this growth sustainably, it is imperative to have meticulously drafted commercial contracts, ensure full compliance with labor and environmental laws, and establish clear corporate governance. This legal diligence not only prevents future liabilities but also makes Costa Rican ventures more attractive and secure for essential foreign investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight highlights a crucial point: the invisible framework of legal diligence is what will ultimately sustain the visible success of our tourism boom, ensuring it translates into secure, long-term prosperity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this foundational matter.
This economic success is built on a foundation of modern financial infrastructure. The study highlights that a remarkable 75% of all tourist transactions in 2024 were conducted using debit or credit cards. This high rate of digital payment adoption not only offers convenience and security for travelers but also provides a robust data stream for analyzing market trends and further refining the country’s tourism offerings. It reflects a mature and trustworthy economic environment that encourages confident spending.
In total, the tourism sector injected a staggering $5.4 billion into the national economy in 2024, marking a robust 14% increase compared to the previous year. While figures for the first half of 2025 show a more moderate pace of arrivals, with 1.4 million visitors entering by air through June, the sustained growth in per-person expenditure ensures the industry’s economic impact remains strong and continues its upward trajectory.
The United States continues to be the bedrock of Costa Rica’s tourism revenue, with American visitors accounting for 56% of all income generated. The primary motivation for travel remains overwhelmingly leisure and recreation, which drives 73% of visits. However, the report also notes a promising recovery in the business travel sector, which, along with visits to family and friends, now constitutes 8% of arrivals, nearing pre-pandemic levels and signaling a healthy diversification of travel purposes.
Industry leaders see this evolution as a stepping stone for future growth and innovation. Kattia Montero, Country Manager for Mastercard in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, commented on the findings in a statement celebrating World Tourism Day.
The evolution of tourism in Costa Rica paves the way to continue innovating in payment solutions that support its sustainable development. On this World Tourism Day, we reaffirm our commitment to collaborating with institutions and actors in the financial ecosystem to enhance the international tourist experience and support the growth of one of the most vibrant sectors of the national economy.
Kattia Montero, Country Manager of Mastercard for Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Ultimately, the Mastercard report paints a clear picture of a sophisticated and successful tourism strategy. By prioritizing unique, sustainable experiences that command a higher price point, Costa Rica has fortified its economy and brand. The nation is proving that the future of international travel is not merely about counting heads, but about creating and capturing unparalleled value, ensuring the Pura Vida lifestyle translates into sustainable prosperity for years to come.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, its innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential.
For further information, visit visitcostarica.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the national institution responsible for the promotion and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It works to position the country as a leading destination for sustainable tourism, overseeing marketing efforts, quality standards, and strategic development to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica:
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is the nation’s principal monetary authority, tasked with maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency, the colón. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and security of the country’s payment systems, managing international monetary reserves, and providing economic data and analysis to support national policy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering probity and a drive for exceptionalism. The firm distinguishes itself not only by guiding a diverse clientele with pioneering legal strategies but also through its foundational belief in demystifying the law. This dedication to fostering legal literacy is central to its mission, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to cultivating a society that is both informed of its rights and empowered by that knowledge.
