By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is actively pursuing American tourists, focusing on key cities with direct flights and high interest in the country’s unique offerings. A recent tourism mission, led by Proimagen Costa Rica, visited Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio from August 18th to 21st, aiming to further tap into the lucrative US market.
The mission’s inclusion of San Antonio highlights Costa Rica’s strategic approach. While lacking direct flights, San Antonio’s proximity to Houston and Monterrey, Mexico, which recently opened a new route to Costa Rica, offers potential for attracting travelers from this Texan city.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican tourism, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The burgeoning tourism sector in Costa Rica presents exciting opportunities, but also necessitates careful navigation of legal frameworks. Sustainable development is key. This means balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the protection of our natural resources and the rights of local communities. Regulations regarding land use, environmental impact assessments, and tourism concessions are constantly evolving, and businesses operating in this space must remain informed and compliant to ensure long-term success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on sustainable development within Costa Rica’s tourism sector is crucial. Indeed, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being will be the defining factor in the long-term success of this vital industry. It underscores the importance of responsible development and a commitment to preserving the very treasures that draw visitors to our beautiful nation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex and critical issue.
Residents of Texas and California deeply value outdoor experiences, nature, sun, and beaches, elements that Costa Rica offers in abundance. In both regions, there’s a great fondness for activities like hiking, visiting natural parks, and a healthy lifestyle, which creates a strong connection with the ecological and adventure tourism that characterizes our country.
Christian Doñas, President of Proimagen Costa Rica
This targeted approach builds on the strong growth in US arrivals. In 2024, Costa Rica welcomed 2,661,488 tourists by air, a 7.7% increase from 2023. Furthermore, during the first seven months of 2025, over one million US tourists arrived by air (1,075,043), solidifying the United States as Costa Rica’s primary tourism market. US arrivals represent 55.54% of all arrivals to Costa Rica and a staggering 81.49% of arrivals from North America.
The peak seasons for US tourists are December to March and June to July. The average daily spend of a US tourist in Costa Rica is approximately $295, making them a valuable segment for the country’s economy.
Costa Rica’s tourism strategy aligns perfectly with the interests of US travelers, particularly those in Texas and California, who appreciate nature-based experiences and adventure tourism. By focusing on cities with strong connections and shared values, Costa Rica aims to continue its upward trajectory in attracting US visitors.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) plays a key role in promoting the country as a premier travel destination. The targeted approach, focusing on specific US cities, showcases the ICT’s sophisticated marketing strategies. This proactive engagement aims to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable and nature-based tourism.
The recent tourism mission exemplifies Costa Rica’s commitment to expanding its reach in the US market. By highlighting its natural beauty, adventure activities, and commitment to eco-tourism, Costa Rica positions itself as an ideal destination for discerning US travelers.
For further information, visit proimagencostarica.org
About Proimagen Costa Rica:
Proimagen Costa Rica is a leading organization dedicated to promoting Costa Rica as a top tourism destination. They represent a diverse group of tourism businesses and actively engage in marketing and promotional efforts to attract international visitors. Proimagen works closely with the ICT and other stakeholders to develop strategies that highlight Costa Rica’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
For further information, visit www.ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the governmental body responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. The ICT plays a vital role in shaping the country’s tourism policies, conducting market research, and implementing marketing campaigns to attract international visitors. It works closely with private sector partners, like Proimagen, to showcase Costa Rica as a premier travel destination known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and innovative approach to legal solutions. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through proactive engagement and educational initiatives. Their work reflects a core belief that a well-informed society is an empowered one, and this philosophy guides their dedication to providing exceptional legal services across a wide spectrum of sectors.
