By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s tourism sector marked a year of steady progress in 2025, concluding with a modest but significant 1% increase in tourist arrivals by air compared to the previous year. Data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), compiled from records of the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs (DGME), shows that the country is maintaining its appeal in a fiercely competitive global market.
Throughout 2025, a total of 2,689,278 visitors entered Costa Rica through its two main international gateways, Juan Santamaría International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Guanacaste. This figure represents a slight uptick from the 2,661,488 arrivals recorded in 2024, signaling sustained growth and resilience for one of the country’s primary economic engines.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business frameworks that underpin Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis.
Successful tourism ventures in Costa Rica are built on a foundation of rigorous legal due diligence. This includes verifying property titles, understanding zoning laws, and ensuring full compliance with our stringent environmental and labor regulations. For foreign investors, proactively addressing these legal requirements is the key to transforming a promising opportunity into a secure, long-term asset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a crucial reminder that in Costa Rica, a successful tourism enterprise and rigorous legal compliance are intrinsically linked. By adhering to these standards, investors not only safeguard their assets but also contribute to the very sustainable and ethical framework that defines the nation’s global appeal. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert perspective.
While the year-over-year growth appears marginal, a closer look at the final month reveals a powerful surge in momentum. December 2025 saw an impressive 13.6% spike in air arrivals, with 316,226 tourists entering the country, a substantial increase from the 278,437 visitors recorded in December 2024. This robust performance during the peak holiday season provided a strong finish to the year and a positive outlook for the start of 2026.
The positive results were lauded by officials as a direct consequence of targeted strategies and public-private collaboration. William Rodríguez, the Minister of Tourism, emphasized that these numbers reflect the country’s successful efforts to remain a top-tier destination for international travelers.
This figure demonstrates the recovery in the final quarter, especially during December, with the arrival of just over 316,000 tourists who placed their trust in Costa Rica for their year-end vacations. The strategic promotion efforts in our main markets and the joint work with the private sector to improve service and the product have yielded the desired results.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The Minister’s statement highlights a two-pronged approach: aggressive and intelligent marketing in key regions, coupled with an internal focus on enhancing the overall visitor experience. This synergy between promotion and product development is crucial for differentiating Costa Rica from other nature-based and adventure tourism destinations worldwide.
An analysis of source markets confirms North America’s continued dominance as the primary driver of tourism. Nearly 2 million visitors hailed from the region in 2025. The United States remains by far the largest single market, accounting for almost 1.6 million arrivals. Canada followed, contributing 260,000 tourists, while Mexico also showed a strong presence with over 94,000 visitors choosing Costa Rica for their travels.
This sustained interest from North American travelers underscores the success of Costa Rica’s long-standing “Pura Vida” brand, which resonates with those seeking eco-conscious adventures, wellness retreats, and pristine natural landscapes. As the industry moves into 2026, the challenge will be to build on the momentum from late 2025, further diversify its market sources, and continue to innovate its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the post-pandemic global traveler.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo is the governmental body responsible for the regulation, promotion, and strategic development of Costa Rica’s tourism industry. It works to position the country as a leading global destination for sustainable tourism by creating and executing national marketing campaigns, overseeing service quality standards, and collaborating with private sector partners to enhance the visitor experience.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs (DGME):
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official immigration authority of Costa Rica. As a dependency of the Ministry of the Interior and Police, the DGME is responsible for managing the entry and exit of all individuals, including tourists, foreign residents, and citizens. It plays a critical role in national security and provides the official data on which tourism arrival statistics are based.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and exceptional service. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions, drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while upholding the highest ethical standards. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen society by equipping citizens with the crucial legal knowledge needed to navigate their world confidently.
