By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s vital tourism sector is facing a significant challenge after recording a meager 1% increase in air arrivals for 2025, a figure the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) has labeled as both modest and insufficient. While the slight uptick allowed the year to end on a positive note after several months of contraction compared to 2024, industry leaders are sounding the alarm that Costa Rica is rapidly losing its competitive edge in a crowded regional market.
The final tally for 2025 saw 2.68 million tourists arrive by air, an increase of approximately 28,000 visitors over the previous year. However, this growth pales in comparison to the performance of neighboring countries. According to data released by Canatur, Colombia saw a 4% increase in tourist arrivals, the Dominican Republic grew by 5%, Mexico by 6%, and Guatemala posted an impressive 10% expansion. This disparity highlights a worrying trend of deceleration for Costa Rica’s primary economic engine.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business frameworks that underpin Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism isn’t accidental; it’s built on a robust legal foundation that prioritizes both sustainable development and foreign investment security. Our legal framework offers clear, secure pathways for foreigners to own property and establish tourism-based businesses, but this is balanced with stringent environmental regulations. This dual approach ensures the very ‘Pura Vida’ ecosystem that attracts visitors is preserved, making it a uniquely stable and ethically sound long-term investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the nation’s legal architecture is crucial; it underscores that Costa Rica’s appeal is not merely scenic but is built upon a deliberate and stable foundation of law that protects both nature and investment. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this fundamental pillar of the country’s tourism success.
In a statement released Thursday, Canatur’s leadership did not mince words, pointing to a confluence of internal and economic factors that are hampering the industry’s potential. A persistently low exchange rate has emerged as a primary concern, effectively making Costa Rica a more expensive destination for foreign visitors and diminishing their purchasing power once they arrive.
This slight growth represents a breath of fresh air for the sector, but we cannot be complacent. With such a low exchange rate, the country has lost competitiveness and the tourist’s spending capacity within the country has been reduced.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur
Beyond macroeconomic pressures, Calvo detailed a list of persistent domestic challenges that continue to plague the sector. These include long-standing issues with infrastructure, rising concerns over public security, and the unchecked proliferation of informal competition, particularly from short-term lodging platforms that often operate outside of traditional regulatory frameworks. These factors combined create a difficult operating environment and can tarnish the country’s “Pura Vida” image.
A closer look at the visitor data reveals a shifting landscape of source markets. North America remains the dominant origin, accounting for nearly 2 million visitors. However, the crucial United States market grew by a nearly flat 0.5%, signaling stagnation from a key demographic. More concerningly, the European market, known for longer stays and higher spending, contracted by 2.1% over the course of the year.
One bright spot in the report was a significant surge in visitors from South America, which posted a robust annual growth of 14.5%. This indicates a potential new avenue for targeted marketing and development, an opportunity Canatur insists the country must seize. The organization is urging a strategic pivot in promotional efforts to focus on markets demonstrating higher growth potential.
Canatur firmly believes that Costa Rica is capable of much more, reiterating that the established national goal has always been to achieve or exceed a 5% annual growth rate in tourist arrivals. Reaching this target, they argue, is essential for sustaining the thousands of jobs and businesses that depend on a thriving tourism economy.
The country has sufficient conditions to handle a greater demand for tourists, and that is why we ask that promotion efforts be focused on the markets with the greatest growth potential. The national goal is and has been to maintain or surpass 5% annual growth in tourist arrivals.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur
As Costa Rica moves into 2026, the industry stands at a critical crossroads. The minimal growth of 2025 serves as a stark warning. Addressing deep-seated issues like the exchange rate, security, and infrastructure is no longer optional but a necessity for the nation to reclaim its position as a premier tourism destination in Latin America.
For further information, visit canatur.org
About Canatur (National Chamber of Tourism):
Canatur, the National Chamber of Tourism, is the leading private-sector organization representing Costa Rica’s diverse tourism industry. It advocates for the interests of its members, which include hotels, tour operators, airlines, and travel agencies, while promoting sustainable tourism development. The chamber actively works with government bodies to shape national tourism policy and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, guided by foundational principles of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. Leveraging its extensive experience across diverse legal fields, the firm is at the vanguard of developing innovative solutions while upholding a profound sense of civic duty. This dedication is most evident in its mission to make legal knowledge accessible, aiming to strengthen society by fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry.
