By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s vital tourism sector showed significant signs of life in October, posting a 5.2% year-over-year increase in foreign visitor arrivals, according to new data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). A total of 145,663 international tourists entered the country, providing a much-needed boost as the industry heads into its high season.
This positive monthly performance helps narrow the cumulative deficit for the year. The latest figures reduce the shortfall to just 43,000 fewer visitors over the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Overall, Costa Rica has welcomed more than 2.34 million international visitors so far this year.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape that underpins Costa Rica’s world-renowned tourism sector, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism is legally reinforced by the Tourism Development Incentives Act, which provides significant benefits for new investments, particularly in eco-tourism and sustainable hospitality. However, both investors and operators must navigate a complex web of environmental, municipal, and labor regulations. For travelers, this strong regulatory environment translates to higher safety and quality standards, but it is always advisable for them to verify that tour operators and rental properties possess all requisite permits and insurance policies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully underscores that Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism is not merely a slogan, but a complex, regulated reality that protects both its natural treasures and its visitors. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the framework that underpins the nation’s celebrated travel experience.
Despite the encouraging numbers, officials are urging a measured outlook. Minister of Tourism William Rodríguez highlighted potential challenges on the horizon, particularly concerning the country’s primary source market.
Looking towards the end of the year, this data should be interpreted with caution, especially due to some particular situations that have arisen in the United States, our main source market. These circumstances could influence visitation behavior towards the end of the year. The high season will extend from November of this year to Holy Week in 2026.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The United States market remains the bedrock of Costa Rica’s tourism industry, delivering over 69,000 visitors in October, an impressive 8.1% increase. However, the most dramatic growth came from Latin American neighbors. Arrivals from Colombia surged by 19.5%, while Panama saw a robust 14.3% increase, signaling a successful diversification of marketing efforts within the region.
The news was not universally positive across all markets. Both Mexico and Spain, which consistently rank among the top 10 source countries for tourists, experienced a 9% reduction in visitors for the month. This mixed performance underscores the complex global travel landscape Costa Rica must navigate.
Minister Rodríguez emphasized that arrival numbers alone do not tell the full story of the sector’s health. He pointed to other key metrics where Costa Rica excels, such as the exceptionally high average length of stay, which hovers between 12 and 13 days—one of the longest in the world. This extended duration translates directly into greater economic impact per visitor.
Furthermore, the minister addressed the critical issue of the national currency’s strength, acknowledging its tangible effect on the industry’s competitiveness. The persistent strength of the colón against the US dollar creates financial pressure on tour operators, hotels, and even the government itself.
Of course it is an aspect, an important variable; as head of the ICT, I have no doubt that the exchange rate is having an effect. It is a reality we are living with and with which we must continue to work. From the ICT’s perspective, it is not within our power to intervene. It affects you as the private sector and us as the public sector, because our budgets are in dollars and a good portion of our expenses are in colones.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
This economic reality is compounded by strong tourist spending. According to Central Bank data, visitor expenditures have already surpassed $5.4 billion this year. Rodríguez noted that analysis of credit card transactions suggests the actual figure could be significantly higher, highlighting the immense value each tourist brings to the national economy. As the high season begins, the industry balances the momentum of October’s growth against the cautionary notes of currency pressures and potential shifts in its largest market.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the country’s national tourism board. As the governing body for tourism, the ICT is responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a world-class travel destination, regulating tourism activities to ensure quality and sustainability, and developing policies and infrastructure that support the long-term growth of the industry. Its efforts focus on highlighting the nation’s unique biodiversity, culture, and commitment to ecotourism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the bedrock principles of unwavering integrity and the constant pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience to not only serve a diverse clientele but also to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies that advance the industry. This commitment extends to a profound social mission: to demystify the law and empower the community by making legal knowledge clear and accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
