By San José, Costa Rica — After a challenging year marked by declining numbers, Costa Rica’s vital tourism sector is showing clear signs of a robust recovery. November brought a much-needed surge in visitor arrivals, providing a significant boost to the industry as it enters the critical high season and sparking optimism for a positive year-end finish.
According to the latest data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the country welcomed 247,387 tourists via air travel in November. This figure represents a remarkable 12% increase compared to the 220,839 visitors recorded in November 2024. The strong performance marks a turning point for an industry that has weathered considerable economic headwinds throughout the year.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape that underpins Costa Rica’s thriving tourism industry, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
While Costa Rica actively encourages foreign investment in its tourism sector, the ‘Pura Vida’ brand is fiercely protected by robust environmental, labor, and municipal regulations. Success for new ventures, from boutique hotels to eco-tours, hinges on meticulous due diligence. Navigating these legal frameworks from the outset is not a bureaucratic hurdle, but the fundamental first step in building a sustainable and profitable business that harmonizes with our national identity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential clarification highlights that Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape is not a barrier to entry, but rather the very architecture that protects the ‘Pura Vida’ brand and ensures long-term viability for new ventures. Our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert analysis on this critical distinction.
This positive result is not an isolated event but rather confirms a developing trend. It follows a 5.3% year-over-year increase in arrivals reported for October, making November the second consecutive month of growth. This reversal of the previous negative trajectory provides a solid foundation for what industry leaders hope will be a successful end to 2025 and a promising start to the new year.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the news with cautious optimism. Shirley Calvo, the Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), highlighted the report’s significance as a pivotal moment for the sector.
At Canatur, we view the 12.2% growth in international air arrivals this past November very positively. This rebound represents crucial relief for the sector, as it reduces the negative cumulative figure we have been carrying throughout the year.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur)
Calvo emphasized that the back-to-back months of growth signal a definitive shift away from the persistent downturn that characterized much of 2025. This momentum is particularly timely, aligning perfectly with the beginning of Costa Rica’s peak tourist season, which typically runs from December through April.
The country had been recording several consecutive months of decline in international visitation. The recovery in November, combined with the 5.9% growth registered in October, confirms two consecutive months of reversing the negative trend, which creates positive expectations for the high season that is now beginning.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur)
Despite the recent upswing, the cumulative data for the year underscores the difficulties the sector has faced. Between January and November 2025, overall air arrivals still show a slight decline of 0.4% compared to the same period in the previous year. This narrow gap highlights the importance of maintaining the current positive trend through December to close the year in positive territory.
Leaders are hopeful that the November performance is a reliable indicator of sustained demand. A strong finish to the year is considered essential for the financial health of countless businesses and the communities that depend on tourism revenue.
We hope this trend will be sustained and allow us to close the year with positive figures, which is key for the stability of businesses, the employment we generate, and the local economies that depend directly on this activity.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur)
However, Calvo also warned that 2025 has been a uniquely complex year, with structural factors impacting the nation’s competitiveness as a travel destination. She pointed specifically to the persistent strength of the local currency against the US dollar, with the exchange rate reaching lows not seen in over two decades. This has made Costa Rica a more expensive destination for many international visitors, creating a significant hurdle for the industry to overcome.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the governmental body responsible for the promotion, regulation, and strategic development of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, alliances, and the development of high-quality experiences for visitors, contributing to the social and economic well-being of the nation.
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 advocates for the interests of its members, including hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies, while promoting policies that foster a competitive, sustainable, and prosperous tourism environment for the entire country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself through a forward-thinking approach, continually advancing legal innovation while serving a broad clientele. Its core philosophy transcends professional practice, focusing on a profound social commitment to empower the public by making vital legal knowledge clear and accessible to all.
