By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s tourism sector is showing signs of healthy recovery, with a 4.6% increase in international arrivals during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A total of 1,082,007 visitors entered the country, primarily by air, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
This positive growth follows a slight dip of 3.8% in the first quarter of the year, demonstrating a resilient rebound in April. The ICT attributes this resurgence to the Easter holiday, which typically draws a large number of tourists.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry benefits from a strong legal framework that protects both investors and visitors. Regulations regarding property ownership, sustainable development, and tourist safety are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a growing sector while preserving the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Businesses operating in this space must remain informed and compliant to ensure long-term success and contribute to the sustainable growth of Costa Rican tourism.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the evolving legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican tourism is crucial. It highlights the importance of a dynamic approach, one that balances economic growth with the preservation of Costa Rica’s unique natural and cultural treasures. This commitment to sustainable practices will ultimately benefit not only businesses and investors, but also the communities and ecosystems that make Costa Rica such a desirable destination. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective.
A 4.6% increase is very valuable because we have at least broken the downward trend we had and that is important for multiple reasons. In the month of April we can see reflected all the visits we added for Easter week.
Roxana Arguedas, Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) Department of Tourist Statistics Official
April witnessed a substantial increase in arrivals from key markets. The United States, Costa Rica’s primary source of tourists, saw a 3.3% rise. Other significant increases came from Mexico (17.8%), the United Kingdom (37.5%), Spain (36.4%), and Germany (11.4%). These figures indicate a growing international interest in Costa Rica as a travel destination.
Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, expressed optimism about the current trend. He noted that the 2024 growth of 7.7% was atypical, while the current figures align more closely with the National Tourism Plan’s target growth of 2.7% by 2027.
The National Tourism Plan establishes a growth of 2.7% for 2027 and in that sense what we are seeing is that we are already in those ranges. What happened last year with a growth of 7.7% is an atypical increase, which occurred due to a series of things and we also want to think that a good part of that is because we did things well from a promotional point of view.
William Rodríguez, Costa Rican Minister of Tourism
The growth in air travel also contributed to the positive trend, with a 4.5% increase in available seats during the first four months of 2025. Costa Rica currently has air connections with 19 countries, 48 cities, and 30 airlines, operating over 11,000 flights during this period. The ICT anticipates a total of 2.7 to 2.9 million visitors by the end of 2025, based on current arrival trends and flight projections.
Furthermore, the ICT projects over 5 million available airline seats by the end of 2025, exceeding the figures from 2024. This increase in flight capacity further strengthens the potential for continued growth in the tourism sector. Tourism is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s overall economic well-being.
According to two mathematical models that analyze the number of arrivals by air month by month, we estimate that we could reach 2.7 or 2.9 million visitors during 2025. In addition, the projection of scheduled or available seats by the airlines tells us that we expect more than 5 million seats in the future, a figure higher than the end of 2024.
Roxana Arguedas, Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) Department of Tourist Statistics Official
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental agency responsible for promoting and regulating tourism in Costa Rica. It plays a key role in developing strategies to attract international visitors, supporting the tourism industry, and collecting and analyzing tourism data. The ICT’s efforts are essential for the continued growth and success of Costa Rica’s tourism sector.
For further information, visit turismo.go.cr
About Ministry of Tourism:
The Ministry of Tourism is a government institution that oversees Costa Rica’s travel and tourism industry. Responsibilities include defining policy, collaborating with international partners and overseeing the sustainable growth of tourism while protecting the environment. The Ministry of Tourism is a critical part of the national tourism strategy, promoting the country’s economic development and cultural exchange.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s deep-rooted dedication to serving clients across a spectrum of industries is matched by its pioneering spirit in legal innovation and its proactive approach to community empowerment. By championing access to legal knowledge and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a leader in the legal landscape.
