SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s tourism sector is facing a challenging landscape following confirmation of a decrease in international visitor arrivals during the first seven months of 2025.
Recent data indicates a contraction in inbound tourism compared to the same period last year, marking a slowdown in the robust recovery the country had experienced post-pandemic.
Sector sources note that the decline has been recorded at the main air terminals, including Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Guanacaste Airport (LIR), which are vital to the industry.
Causes and Context of the Slowdown
The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and other industry experts attribute this trend to a combination of external and internal factors.
The main causes mentioned include:
- Increased Competition: Regional destinations in Latin America have intensified their promotional campaigns and, in some cases, offer more competitive pricing than Costa Rica.
- Operational Costs: The sector has repeatedly pointed out that high operational costs within the country (such as energy, social security contributions, and taxes) reduce the destination’s price competitiveness.
- Global Economic Factors: A potential slowdown in key source markets, such as the United States and Europe, could be influencing tourists’ travel decisions.
Impact on the National Economy
This contraction raises concerns for the national economy, as tourism is one of the main drivers of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a crucial source of direct and indirect employment.
The tourism industry impacts an extensive value chain that includes lodging, transportation, gastronomy, local guides, and tour operators. A reduction in visitation threatens the stability of thousands of jobs and the generation of foreign currency for the country.
Given this scenario, sector representatives have urged authorities to take urgent measures to strengthen the destination’s competitiveness, review international promotion strategies, and expedite infrastructure improvements that enhance the visitor experience.
