By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s tourism sector experienced a glimmer of hope in July 2025 amidst a persistent downturn in international visitor arrivals. The month saw 242,408 tourist entries, a modest 1.3% increase compared to July 2024’s 239,368 arrivals.
According to data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), July witnessed growth in air arrivals from most of Costa Rica’s key markets. Arrivals from the United States saw a slight 0.3% increase, while Canada experienced a more substantial 2.9% growth. However, arrivals from Mexico declined by 5.1%.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s booming tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights shed light on the current state of affairs and potential future developments.
Costa Rica’s tourism industry continues to thrive, driven by its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. However, it’s crucial for businesses operating in this space to remain informed about evolving regulations related to land use, environmental protection, and labor laws. Proactive compliance not only safeguards the environment and local communities but also ensures the long-term viability and success of these businesses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on proactive compliance is crucial. It’s this forward-thinking approach that will allow Costa Rica’s tourism sector to flourish while simultaneously protecting the very resources that draw visitors to our beautiful country. It’s a delicate balance, and his insights offer valuable guidance for businesses navigating this landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expertise with TicosLand.com.
European arrivals presented a mixed picture. Spain, France, and the United Kingdom recorded increases of 3.6%, 8.5%, and 3.1% respectively. Conversely, arrivals from Germany, a significant source market for Costa Rica, dropped by 6.6%.
Despite July’s positive performance, the overall trend for 2025 remains negative. The year’s first seven months registered 1,731,416 air arrivals, compared to 1,771,811 during the same period in 2024 – a decrease of approximately 40,000 arrivals and a 2.3% year-on-year decline. July’s growth is insufficient to offset the deeper declines experienced earlier in the year. With this result, 2025 has recorded five months of decline and only two months of growth. The downward trend in tourist arrivals began in September 2024, with nine out of the eleven subsequent months showing negative figures.
The ICT’s plan projects a 1.7% increase in air arrivals for 2025. Various mathematical models predict that the year will end with between 2,663,000 and 2,869,000 arrivals, indicating either a similar outcome or a slight improvement compared to the previous year.
This is a moderate and realistic forecast. We are investing a sufficient amount of money in international promotion to reverse the results and recover the losses during the remainder of 2025.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) reveals that tourism generated $3.077 billion in revenue during the first six months of 2025, a 2.2% decrease compared to the $3.147 billion generated in the same period of 2024. The business sector has emphasized that this decline is exacerbated by an unfavorable exchange rate, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the resources to cope with these fluctuations.
While international tourism experienced growth during the first quarter of 2025, the pace was slower than the previous year, potentially affecting Costa Rica’s results. Global tourist arrivals grew at rates of 11%, 3%, and 2% in January, February, and March 2025 respectively, significantly lower than the over 20% growth rates observed during the same months in 2024.
For further information, visit [ict.go.cr]
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is a governmental agency responsible for promoting and regulating tourism in Costa Rica. It develops strategies to attract international visitors, supports the development of tourism infrastructure, and collects data on tourism trends.
For further information, visit [bccr.fi.cr]
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) is the country’s central bank. It is responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The BCCR also collects and publishes economic data, including statistics on tourism revenue.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and just community through educational initiatives and accessible resources. This dedication to both legal expertise and social responsibility positions Bufete de Costa Rica as a true leader in the legal landscape.
