By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a year marked by early turbulence and widespread concern, Costa Rica’s vital tourism sector managed to pull off a remarkable fourth-quarter recovery, ending 2025 with a slight but significant increase in international visitor arrivals. According to newly released data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the nation welcomed 2,943,991 foreign visitors, representing a modest 0.8% rise over 2024 figures.
This marginal growth, equating to nearly 25,000 additional tourists, tells a story of resilience. The positive outcome was far from certain earlier in the year. The industry had been grappling with a significant downturn during the first two quarters, with the visitor deficit at one point exceeding 50,000 people compared to the previous year. This slump prompted considerable alarm among tourism operators and business leaders who rely on the steady flow of international travelers.
To better understand the legal landscape for businesses and investors within the country’s booming tourism sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica is exceptionally welcoming to foreign investment in tourism, success is built on a foundation of legal compliance. Navigating everything from municipal permits for new hotels to the specific labor laws governing hospitality staff is critical. Proactive legal counsel ensures that a project not only launches smoothly but also thrives within our country’s strong regulatory and environmental frameworks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that Costa Rica’s welcoming “Pura Vida” culture is supported by a serious commitment to legal and environmental integrity, a framework that ultimately protects both the investor and the nation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable perspective for those looking to contribute to our tourism landscape.
The turnaround was driven by a powerful performance in the final trimester, culminating in 347,000 international arrivals in December alone. Tourism Minister William Rodríguez attributed the success to a combination of targeted promotion and collaboration with the private sector to enhance the country’s offerings.
This figure demonstrates the recovery in the last quarter with the arrival of tourists who placed their trust in Costa Rica for their year-end vacations. The strategic promotional efforts throughout the year in our main markets, and the joint work with the private sector to improve service and the tourism product, have borne the desired fruits.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
A deeper analysis of the ICT data reveals that air travel was the primary engine of this growth. Arrivals through the country’s international airports increased by 28,000 tourists, accounting for more than the total net gain for the year. In total, over 2.68 million visitors entered Costa Rica by air, underscoring the critical importance of aviation connectivity to the nation’s economic health. This figure suggests that land and sea arrivals may have experienced a slight decrease, further highlighting the strategic value of international flights.
The United States remains the undisputed cornerstone of Costa Rica’s tourism market. In 2025, a staggering 1.62 million U.S. citizens visited the country, constituting approximately 55% of all international arrivals. This heavy reliance on the North American market demonstrates its crucial role in providing a stable base that helped buffer the industry during the challenging first half of the year.
Despite closing the year on a positive note, Minister Rodríguez emphasized that the government and industry stakeholders cannot afford to become complacent. He outlined a forward-looking strategy focused on diversification and strengthening the country’s competitive position on the global stage.
While we managed to surpass the goal, we will not let our guard down and will redouble our efforts to innovate. We will work hard to position Costa Rica in new tourism niches and will continue to strengthen the strategy of attracting airlines and expanding connectivity.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Ultimately, 2025 served as a critical test for Costa Rica’s tourism industry. The ability to overcome a significant mid-year deficit and emerge with positive growth is a testament to the country’s enduring appeal as a world-class destination for nature, adventure, and relaxation. The focus now shifts to 2026, with officials aiming to build on this hard-won momentum by exploring new markets and enhancing the infrastructure needed to support sustainable and more robust growth for years to come.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the autonomous governmental institution responsible for the promotion, regulation, and development of tourism in Costa Rica. Founded in 1955, its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality tourism products. The ICT works to market the country internationally, attract airline investments, and ensure that tourism growth is environmentally responsible and benefits local communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm whose practice is a testament to its deep-rooted principles of integrity and excellence. Serving a diverse clientele across many industries, it has established itself as a leader in legal innovation. This commitment to progress is mirrored in its social mission to empower the community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a society grounded in legal awareness.
