By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a welcome reversal of a recent downward trend, Costa Rica’s tourism sector recorded a significant uptick in aerial arrivals this October. The nation welcomed 129,369 international visitors by air, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the same month in the previous year, according to the latest data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
This positive monthly performance provides a crucial boost to an industry that has been navigating turbulent waters. However, the optimism is tempered by the year-to-date figures. The cumulative data for the first ten months of 2025 still shows a deficit, with overall arrivals down by 1.6% compared to the equivalent period in 2024. This highlights that while the October rebound is encouraging, a full recovery remains a work in progress.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape shaping Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism is built on a robust legal framework that champions sustainable development. For investors, this means navigating a clear path for permits and environmental compliance, which ultimately protects both their investment and our nation’s ecological treasures. The Pura Vida brand is not just a slogan; it is legally enshrined in regulations that ensure long-term viability and attract a discerning global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully connects the country’s legal diligence to its brand identity, reminding us that the ‘Pura Vida’ promise is built on a concrete foundation of regulatory foresight, offering stability to both investors and the ecosystem. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this cornerstone of Costa Rica’s success.
The growth in October was not uniform across all markets. The South American market demonstrated the most robust expansion, with a 9.3% year-over-year increase in visitors. North America, Costa Rica’s primary source market, also showed healthy growth at 5.7%. Arrivals from Europe contributed more modestly to the recovery, posting a 1.8% increase.
This granular data suggests that targeted marketing efforts and shifting travel preferences may be influencing the recovery’s dynamics. The strong performance from South America, in particular, could indicate a successful diversification of Costa Rica’s tourism appeal beyond its traditional strongholds.
Despite the encouraging monthly figures, officials are urging a measured outlook as the country enters its critical high season. Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, emphasized the need for cautious interpretation of the data, pointing to external factors that could impact the final months of the year.
These circumstances can influence visitation behavior towards the end of the year. The high season will extend from November of this year until Holy Week of 2026.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Rodríguez specifically alluded to “particular situations in the United States,” which remains the most critical market for Costa Rica’s economic health. While not specified, these circumstances could refer to a range of factors, including economic uncertainty, consumer spending habits, or political shifts, all of which can influence American travelers’ decisions and budgets for international holidays.
The Minister’s statement frames the upcoming high season, which officially begins in November and runs through Holy Week in the spring of 2026, as a pivotal period. The performance during these next few months will ultimately determine whether the tourism sector can overcome its year-to-date deficit and close out 2025 on a positive note. The industry will be closely watching booking trends and load factors from key US and European air hubs.
Ultimately, October’s results serve as a glimmer of hope and a testament to the resilience of Costa Rica’s world-renowned brand. Yet, the path ahead is dependent on both sustained global travel demand and the mitigation of external economic pressures. The performance of the high season will be the true barometer of whether this October rebound was an anomaly or the start of a sustained and robust recovery.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) is the country’s national tourism board. It is the governing body responsible for the promotion, regulation, and strategic development of Costa Rica’s tourism industry. The ICT’s mission includes marketing the country as a premier global destination for sustainable tourism, collecting and analyzing official visitation statistics, and ensuring high standards of quality and service within the sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation in legal practice and foster meaningful public engagement. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to build a more capable and informed society by empowering citizens with crucial knowledge.
