Costa Rica’s tourism continues to decline for the sixth month, with 270,810 visitors in February 2025, a 7% decrease from 2024. Notable declines from North America and Europe were observed, while South America reported growth. Tourism Minister Rodríguez acknowledges the issue yet faces criticism for delayed responses. Factors contributing to the downturn include currency appreciation and a security crisis.
The most recent report from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) indicates a continued decline in tourism, marking the sixth consecutive month of reduced visitor numbers. In February 2025, a total of 270,810 tourists arrived in Costa Rica, reflecting a 7% decrease from February 2024. This number is notably below two historical peaks in February, specifically in 2020 prior to pandemic-related border closures and in 2024, as the ICT measures tourism primarily through air travel arrivals.
Significant declines were reported from both North America and Europe, the principal sources of tourists for Costa Rica. The United States saw arrivals drop to 150,320, a decrease of 7.3% from the previous year. Canada contributed 37,975 visitors, down 5.8%, while Mexico experienced a 12.4% decline with 6,351 tourists. Together, these nations represented a collective year-over-year downturn of 7.2% in visitor counts.
European tourism suffered an overall decline of 11.4%, with various key markets experiencing double-digit drops, though the ICT did not disclose specific figures. In contrast, South America emerged as a positive signal, being the only region to show an increase in visitor numbers, despite the absence of detailed statistics.
William Rodríguez, the Tourism Minister, has noted the decline does warrant attention but stated it should not be a source of alarm. He affirmed, “There is reason to be concerned, and we are addressing it. We are implementing a series of measures that we are confident will help us recover.”
Conversely, Congressman Eli Feinzaig from the Progressive Liberal Party criticized Rodríguez’s response, claiming it was delayed. He asserted, “The minister has finally admitted that there is a problem and that fewer tourists are coming to Costa Rica, but since he cannot blame the Legislative Assembly, he shifts the blame to the airlines.” Feinzaig identified two principal causes for the downturn: the appreciation of the colón against the dollar, leading to higher costs for foreign visitors, and an ongoing security crisis detrimental to the country’s vacation appeal.
In conclusion, Costa Rica’s tourism continues to decline, with notable reductions in visitor numbers from key markets across North America and Europe. While South America displayed growth, concerns remain regarding the country’s appeal amid economic and security challenges. Authorities are initiating measures to mitigate this downturn, though criticisms of their responsiveness underscore the urgency of the situation.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
