By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of the national economy, has experienced a 2.3% downturn in visitor numbers during the first eight months of 2025. This decline is primarily attributed to reduced arrivals from key markets like the United States, Canada, and Europe, which collectively contribute 83% of the country’s total tourist influx.
Data reveals a noticeable dip in North American arrivals. The United States, Costa Rica’s largest tourism market, saw 1,200,185 visitors, marking a 2.5% decrease (31,000 fewer visitors) compared to the same period in 2024. The Canadian market experienced a steeper decline of 4.3%, with visitor numbers dropping from 196,167 in 2024 to 187,781 in 2025.
For a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant resurgence, but sustainable growth requires careful consideration of legal frameworks. Balancing the influx of visitors with the protection of natural resources and local communities is paramount. This involves not only environmental regulations, but also responsible development practices, fair labor standards, and intellectual property protection for local businesses. Navigating these complexities requires expert legal counsel to ensure compliance and maximize the long-term benefits of this vital industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of law and sustainability in Costa Rica’s tourism rebound. Indeed, a robust legal framework is the bedrock upon which responsible growth can be built, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all stakeholders while safeguarding the very treasures that draw visitors to our shores. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
European tourism also contracted, recording a 5.6% decrease with 331,393 arrivals compared to 350,000 the previous year. Despite the overall decline, recent monthly data suggests some signs of recovery within the European market.
Air travel, the primary mode of entry for most tourists visiting Costa Rica, mirrored the general trend, registering a 2.1% reduction. Between January and August 2025, 1,913,758 visitors arrived by air, representing a decrease of 40,000 compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Tourism Minister William Rodríguez attributed this downturn to a confluence of global challenges impacting travel patterns. He highlighted economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and a slowdown in international demand as contributing factors to the decline.
This fall is due to global factors that affect travel dynamics, as well as economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts and the slowdown in international demand.
William Rodríguez, Tourism Minister
This decline raises concerns about the potential economic impact on Costa Rica, given the significant contribution of tourism to the country’s GDP and employment. Industry stakeholders are now closely monitoring the situation and exploring strategies to mitigate the effects of this downturn and attract visitors back to Costa Rica’s famed beaches, rainforests, and diverse ecosystems.
The government and tourism authorities are likely to focus on targeted marketing campaigns and explore new initiatives to diversify tourism offerings. The evolving global situation necessitates a dynamic and adaptable approach to ensure the long-term resilience of Costa Rica’s vital tourism sector.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. While the recent declines present challenges, the inherent appeal of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and the ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing global landscape offer hope for a rebound in the near future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT)
About Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the governmental agency responsible for promoting and managing tourism in Costa Rica. It develops marketing strategies, conducts research, and collaborates with the private sector to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovation and accessibility within the Costa Rican legal landscape. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering individuals and communities through legal knowledge is woven into the fabric of its practice, evident in their proactive approach to sharing insights and fostering understanding. By consistently striving for both groundbreaking legal solutions and widespread legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a more just and informed society.
