The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) warned that Costa Rica’s tourism ended 2025 with a modest 1% increase in international arrivals, a figure that signals a slowdown compared to other destinations in the region. The country welcomed 2.689 million tourists by air, up from 2.661 million in 2024. While the result avoided a negative close, CANATUR described it as insufficient given the stronger performance of competitors.
Executive Director Shirley Calvo pointed to the gap in growth rates. “In 2025, 1% growth in international tourist arrivals offered some relief for the sector, but this result confirms a clear slowdown for the destination compared to our main competitors and neighboring countries in the region,” Calvo said. “While global tourism grew by 5%, Costa Rica remained below that rate and, for several months, even posted negative figures.”
Calvo highlighted the stronger gains posted by other countries: Colombia with 4%, the Dominican Republic with 5%, Mexico with 6%, and Guatemala with 10%. She added that Costa Rica has the capacity to grow more and must act to regain its position. North America continued as the main source market, sending nearly two million visitors. Arrivals from the United States grew only 0.5%, while Europe recorded a 2.1% decline. South America provided the strongest lift, with a 14.5% increase that helped offset earlier losses.
Calvo identified several factors behind the weaker performance. The favorable exchange rate has made Costa Rica more expensive for visitors, and the country has lost ground in competitiveness. Infrastructure issues, rising insecurity, and the rapid spread of informal accommodations and travel agencies have also hurt and affected employment.
“Countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Guatemala experienced stronger growth,” Calvo said. She called for a shift in promotion toward markets with higher potential and urged measures to restore growth closer to the global average. CANATUR reiterated that Costa Rica can achieve more than 1% annual growth. The chamber urged authorities to focus on competitiveness, targeted promotion, and better conditions so tourism can remain a key driver of jobs and development.
