By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A robust influx of international visitors in November has injected a dose of much-needed optimism into Costa Rica’s tourism sector, signaling a potential turnaround after a challenging year. The country welcomed 225,679 tourists by air last month, a significant 12.2% increase compared to the 201,152 arrivals recorded in November 2024. This marks the strongest November for tourism since at least 2018.
This positive result represents the second consecutive month of growth, providing a crucial bright spot for an industry that has weathered a difficult period of fluctuating and often declining arrival numbers between September 2024 and September 2025. The strong performance has been a welcome development as the nation officially enters its high season, a critical period for economic activity.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape affecting both visitors and investors in Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Costa Rica’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law provides a secure and predictable environment for the tourism industry. Foreign investors benefit from clear property rights and enforceable contracts, while tourists are protected by robust consumer safety regulations. This legal stability is a cornerstone of our ‘Pura Vida’ brand, fostering confidence that encourages both repeat visits and significant capital investment in sustainable tourism projects.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This robust legal framework is indeed the often-unseen foundation upon which our celebrated tourism industry rests, ensuring the ‘Pura Vida’ promise is backed by tangible security for visitors and investors alike. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical component of our national brand.
Despite the recent upswing, the cumulative figures for the year paint a more complex picture. According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the 2,373,052 aerial arrivals from January to November 2025 are still down by a narrow 0.4% compared to the same period last year. This puts the country slightly behind the ICT’s initial annual growth target of 1.7%.
Current mathematical models project that the year will likely close with total arrivals between 2.66 million and 2.87 million. This forecast suggests a final tally that will be very similar to, or only marginally above, the previous year’s performance. Earlier this year, the head of the tourism ministry described this potential outcome as both “moderate” and “realistic,” expressing confidence that strategic investments in international promotion could help recover lost ground.
The November growth was largely fueled by a strong rebound from North America, Costa Rica’s primary source market. Arrivals from the United States grew by 12.9%, while Canada and Mexico posted even more impressive gains of 20.8% and 25.3%, respectively. South America also contributed significantly, with a regional increase of 22.3%, led by surging numbers from Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Results from Europe were more mixed. While the continent saw an overall increase of 5.1%, individual country performance varied. Spain and Germany showed healthy growth at 13.2% and 4.6%, respectively. However, these gains were offset by declines from France (-8%) and the United Kingdom (-6.7%), highlighting a fragmented European recovery.
Tourism Minister William Rodríguez celebrated the November figures as a positive sign at the dawn of the high season, which traditionally runs from November through Holy Week. He emphasized the importance of this moment for public-private collaboration.
These are very positive figures and they represent a key and strategic moment to redouble efforts between the public and private sectors.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
It allows us to consider the high probability of closing 2025 with a figure close to 2.6 million travelers, always appealing to caution and the multiple variables in the international environment.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
However, business leaders are sounding a note of caution. While the increase in tourist volume is welcome, its economic benefits are being significantly diluted by a challenging exchange rate. The Costa Rican colón is currently at its strongest level against the U.S. dollar in two decades. This dynamic severely pressures the profitability of tourism businesses, which receive the vast majority of their income in dollars while paying for labor, supplies, and other operational costs in colones. This currency squeeze poses a serious threat, particularly to smaller enterprises without the financial reserves to withstand the prolonged pressure.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the government body responsible for regulating and promoting the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It works to position the country as a leading destination for sustainable tourism, overseeing marketing campaigns, quality standards, and strategic development to enhance the visitor experience and support the national economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm masterfully combines its deep-rooted history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a steadfast commitment to social progress, actively working to democratize legal information and thereby fortify society with the power of knowledge.
