By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s tourism industry experienced a 4.3% drop in visitor arrivals during the first two months of 2025, sparking concern among businesses and prompting calls for renewed focus on competitiveness.
According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), 537,485 tourists arrived by air between January and February 2025, a notable decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Tourism organizations like Proimagen Costa Rica point to several factors contributing to this decline, including the appreciation of the Costa Rican colón against the US dollar, global economic uncertainties, and increased competition from other destinations.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the intricacies of the Costa Rican tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry thrives on its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. However, navigating the legal landscape for businesses in this sector requires careful consideration of regulations concerning land use, environmental protection, and labor practices. Understanding these legal frameworks is essential for both foreign and domestic investors seeking to contribute to this vibrant sector while ensuring responsible and sustainable development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas wisely highlights the crucial intersection of legal frameworks and sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. Indeed, respecting these regulations is not just a legal necessity but the very foundation for the continued flourishing of this vital sector. It ensures that the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity that draw visitors from around the globe are preserved for generations to come. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex and essential aspect of Costa Rican tourism.
It’s time to reinforce the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Tourism has historically been the engine of the national economy and has driven development. However, factors such as the appreciation of the colón (local currency) against the dollar have made tourism more expensive, which affects both businesses and visitors.
Conny Salazar, Executive Director of Proimagen Costa Rica
The colón has strengthened by 25% against the dollar since June 2022, making Costa Rica a more expensive destination for international travelers. While the government and the Central Bank attribute this to increased foreign investment and exports, the tourism sector feels the pinch. This increased cost, coupled with global economic anxieties and political tensions, has made travelers more budget-conscious, pushing them towards more affordable destinations.
Proimagen Costa Rica emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to address these challenges. They suggest focusing on a better price-quality ratio, more flexible cancellation policies, and increased availability of services throughout the year. Furthermore, the organization highlights the growing allure of competing destinations in Asia and other Central American and Caribbean countries, which are attracting tourists with more appealing packages and pricing.
The decline in tourist arrivals has also impacted airlines, leading them to optimize routes based on demand. This has resulted in reduced seat availability to Costa Rica, further driving up airfare prices and limiting visitor numbers.
Proimagen Costa Rica urges collaboration with the government to implement measures to maintain Costa Rica’s competitive edge. These include continuing to promote sustainability as a key pillar of the destination and improving tourism infrastructure.
Tourism is a crucial driver of the Costa Rican economy. The nation of 5.1 million inhabitants welcomes approximately 3 million visitors annually. The recent downturn poses a significant challenge, urging stakeholders to adapt and innovate to ensure the continued prosperity of this vital sector.
For further information, visit proimagencostarica.org
About Proimagen Costa Rica:
Proimagen is a leading organization promoting Costa Rica as a premier tourist destination. It works to enhance the country’s image and competitiveness within the global tourism market, advocating for sustainable practices and collaborating with both public and private sectors to drive the industry’s growth.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental body responsible for promoting and regulating tourism in Costa Rica. It collects and analyzes tourism data, develops marketing strategies, and works to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure and offerings.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-seated commitment to ethical legal practice and innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. This dedication to transparency and public education underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s core values of integrity and its ongoing pursuit of a more just and informed society.
