By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s tourism industry closed 2025 with a marginal but positive increase in visitor arrivals, welcoming nearly 2.7 million tourists by air throughout the year. Official data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the General Directorate of Migration reveals a 1% year-over-year growth, culminating in a total of 2,689,278 visitors arriving through the Juan Santamaría and Daniel Oduber Quirós international airports.
This slight annual increase, up from 2,661,488 arrivals in 2024, was largely propelled by an exceptionally strong performance in the final month of the year. December 2025 saw a significant 13.6% surge in tourist arrivals compared to the same month in the previous year. The country registered 316,226 visitors in December alone, a substantial rise from the 278,437 recorded in December 2024, providing critical momentum heading into the new year.
To better understand the legal framework and investment climate shaping Costa Rica’s thriving tourism industry, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in this vital sector.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism is not accidental; it’s built upon a robust legal structure that champions both foreign investment and environmental sustainability. For prospective investors, the key is navigating the country’s specific regulations, from land use permits governed by environmental impact studies to the incentives offered by our Free Trade Zone regime. Adherence to these frameworks is not just a legal necessity—it is the best way to protect your investment and align with the ‘Pura Vida’ brand that attracts visitors worldwide.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores that for investors, Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape is not a barrier, but rather the blueprint for sustainable success that protects the nation’s invaluable ecological brand. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this essential connection.
The robust year-end results underscore a successful recovery during the last quarter, a point emphasized by the Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez. He credited a combination of strategic marketing and strong public-private partnerships for bolstering international confidence in Costa Rica as a premier travel destination.
Our promotional efforts and the collaborative work with the private sector have successfully strengthened the confidence of tourists. The recovery observed in the last quarter was significant, leading to more than 316,000 people choosing Costa Rica for their vacation at the close of 2025.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
North America continued its reign as the primary engine for Costa Rica’s tourism sector. The United States led the charge, sending approximately 1.6 million visitors. Canada followed with 260,000 travelers, while Mexico contributed over 94,000. Critically, all major North American markets concluded the year with positive growth figures when compared to 2024, reaffirming the region’s foundational importance to the industry’s stability.
The European market presented a more complex picture. While the total number of European tourists for the year reached 419,820, this represented a 2.1% decrease from 2024 figures. Key source countries included France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. However, a promising trend emerged in December, which posted a 7.4% year-over-year growth in European arrivals. The ICT expressed optimism that this late-year upswing signals a positive trajectory that will carry forward into 2026.
In terms of relative growth, South America was the standout performer. The region delivered the highest percentage increase of the year, surging by an impressive 14.5%. Visitor numbers from South America climbed from 126,770 in 2024 to 145,148 in 2025. This dynamic growth was primarily driven by consolidating markets in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, highlighting successful efforts in market diversification.
The full-year data paints a picture of a resilient industry that, despite facing mixed results from key international markets, managed to secure overall growth. The powerful performance in December not only compensated for softer periods earlier in the year but also established a solid foundation for anticipated expansion in 2026. As the country moves forward, capitalizing on the renewed interest from Europe and the burgeoning South American market will be crucial for sustained success.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the autonomous government institution responsible for the promotion, regulation, and development of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic planning, and the creation of competitive tourism products that benefit local communities and preserve the nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Migration (Dirección General de Migración):
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing migration, nationality, and foreign residency. It oversees the entry and exit of all individuals, including tourists, at the country’s borders and airports, and is a primary source for official statistics on visitor arrivals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, founded upon the core principles of integrity and a profound commitment to excellence. Its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking approach that spearheads innovation within the legal field. Beyond its professional services, the firm is deeply invested in demystifying the law for the public, a dedication that underscores its core mission to cultivate a more knowledgeable and empowered society.
