By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s once-unassailable tourism sector is facing a critical moment of introspection as new data reveals a troubling decline in international arrivals. During the first half of 2025, the country welcomed 1.61 million tourists, a figure that represents a 3% decrease, or approximately 51,000 fewer visitors, compared to the same period in 2024. This downturn starkly contrasts with the robust growth seen elsewhere, sounding an alarm for an industry long considered a primary engine of the national economy.
The concerning statistics were brought to the forefront by the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), which is now championing a comprehensive national strategy to reverse the trend. The slowdown is not occurring in a vacuum; it comes as regional and global tourism markets are experiencing significant expansion. According to industry analysis, tourism in Latin America is growing at a steady 2% pace, while the global market is surging ahead at 5%.
To better understand the legal framework that underpins Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, both for visitors and investors, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica is exceptionally welcoming to tourists, it’s crucial for visitors to understand their rights and for investors to navigate our regulatory landscape. For businesses, compliance with environmental laws, labor regulations, and municipal permits is non-negotiable. For tourists, knowing the consumer protection laws can be vital if a service doesn’t meet expectations. A proactive legal approach ensures the ‘Pura Vida’ experience is preserved for everyone involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the celebrated ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle is supported by a robust legal framework, designed to protect our natural treasures and the rights of visitors and businesses alike. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how legal diligence is essential to preserving an authentic and sustainable experience for everyone in Costa Rica.
Martí Jiménez, the president of Canatur, painted a vivid picture of the country’s predicament, framing it not as a terminal crisis but as a significant missed economic opportunity. He emphasized the urgency required to get Costa Rica back on the competitive track.
The train is passing by at 5%, we are seven points behind where the world is going, and there are other places in the world that are moving faster than us. So, it’s not a difficult crisis, it’s not the end of the world, but it is a lost opportunity, we have to see it that way. We are losing a tremendous opportunity cost.
Martí Jiménez, President of Canatur
Jiménez identified a confluence of domestic factors that are eroding the country’s appeal. He pointed to the persistent appreciation of the colón against the U.S. dollar, which makes Costa Rica a more expensive destination for foreign visitors. Compounding this economic pressure are growing concerns over citizen security that tarnish the nation’s peaceful image, alongside chronic infrastructure deficiencies in roads and cruise ship ports that hinder seamless travel.
Furthermore, Canatur highlighted the disruptive growth of the “non-traditional lodging” sector, such as Airbnb, which often operates in an informal capacity. This unregulated competition puts traditional, regulated businesses at a disadvantage and complicates efforts to maintain industry-wide standards. According to Jiménez, these issues have culminated in a loss of value for tourists.
In short, the general state is that we hit a sudden stop because our product-price relationship has lost competitiveness against our competitors. So, in this scenario, we are asking ourselves some reflective questions. One question is if we are taking for granted that the demand for Costa Rica is small and that its price is inelastic; apparently, it is not. There are two paths we can take: one is to complain, and the other is to propose. This board of directors at Canatur has decided to use the National Tourism Congress 2025 to propose a national tourism strategy for the next 10 years.
Martí Jiménez, President of Canatur
In response to these challenges, Canatur is shifting from analysis to action. The organization is leveraging its National Tourism Congress 2025 as a platform to unveil a new, decade-long strategic plan designed to revitalize the industry. The proposed roadmap is built on three core principles: prioritizing the well-being of Costa Ricans under the mantra “Happy Ticos, happy tourists,” cementing tourism’s role as a strategic pillar for national progress, and establishing a unified vision to align public policy with private sector initiatives.
This forward-looking strategy signals a recognition that the “Pura Vida” brand, while powerful, is no longer sufficient on its own. The plan aims to directly address the country’s flagging competitiveness by fostering an environment where both locals and visitors can thrive. Success will depend on a concerted effort from government bodies and private enterprises to tackle the deep-seated issues of currency valuation, security, and infrastructure investment, ensuring Costa Rica can once again lead, rather than follow, in the global tourism landscape.
For further information, visit canatur.org
About Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur):
The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) is the leading private-sector organization representing Costa Rica’s diverse tourism industry. It brings together associations, chambers, and companies from across the sector, including hotels, tour operators, and transportation services, to advocate for policies that promote sustainable tourism development and enhance the country’s global competitiveness as a premier travel destination.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless drive for professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while serving a diverse clientele, reflecting a rich heritage of expert counsel. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core philosophy of social empowerment, dedicated to demystifying complex legal concepts and equipping the public with the knowledge necessary for a just and informed society.
