- According to information from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, foreign exchange income from tourism reached US$ 5.434 billion for the first time in the 2024 period.
- In 2024, 183,016 direct jobs were counted, an increase of nearly 20,000 new jobs compared to the previous period, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Costa Rica closed 2024 with historic tourism figures, solidifying its position as a key driver of the national economy. Foreign exchange income and employment growth in the sector confirm that it was an exceptional year for Costa Rican tourism.
According to data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, foreign exchange income from tourism reached US$ 5.434 billion in 2024, marking an unprecedented milestone for the sector. This figure is US$ 682 million higher than the 2023 total of US$ 4.751 billion.
Tourism employment also experienced significant growth. According to the Continuous Employment Survey (ECE) from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), 183,016 people were employed in tourism activities during the year, an increase of 19,767 jobs compared to 2023. This represents 7.7% of the country’s workforce, which totals 2,377,438 people.
This figure represents the largest annual record of tourism employment since 2010, driven by activities such as accommodation, food services, transportation, car rental agencies, and recreational and cultural activities.
When considering both direct and indirect tourism-related jobs, the total number rises to 549,048, meaning that nearly 25% of the economically active population is linked to tourism.
“Tourism is the most important economic activity in Costa Rica. Its impact is tangible across the country, positively affecting the quality of life for thousands of families and communities. These figures confirm the strategic role of tourism in generating employment and well-being,” stated William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.
