Ongoing Decline in Costa Rica Tourism: Data and Concerns
Costa Rica’s tourism faces ongoing decline, recording fewer visitors for six months, with a 7% drop in February 2025 compared to 2024. North America and Europe experienced notable declines, while South America showed growth. Tourism officials acknowledge the situation but face criticism for their response to the pressures affecting the sector.
Tourism in Costa Rica continues to decline, with the latest data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) revealing a reduction in visitor numbers for the sixth straight month. In February 2025, the country welcomed 270,810 tourists, marking a 7% decrease from February 2024. This figure is lower than those recorded in both February 2020, prior to pandemic-related border closures, and February 2024. The ICT’s statistics are based solely on air arrivals.
Significant declines were noted from both North America and Europe, the primary sources of tourists to Costa Rica. Arrivals from the United States reached 150,320, which reflects a decrease of 7.3% compared to February 2024. Canada contributed 37,975 visitors, down by 5.8%, and Mexico recorded 6,351 tourists, a drop of 12.4%. Overall, these countries experienced a year-over-year decline of 7.2%.
Europe experienced a more significant downturn, with an 11.4% reduction in arrivals. Key European markets saw double-digit declines, however, specific figures were not disclosed in the ICT report. South America was the only region to report growth in visitor numbers, although exact data remains unspecified.
Tourism Minister William Rodríguez did not express alarm over the decline but acknowledged that it necessitates action. “There is reason to be concerned, and we are addressing it,” he remarked, emphasizing the implementation of various measures aimed at recovery.
Conversely, Congressman Eli Feinzaig of the Progressive Liberal Party criticized Rodríguez, claiming his responses were delayed. “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,” stated Feinzaig. He identified two primary factors contributing to the downturn: the appreciation of the colón against the dollar and an ongoing security crisis that has adversely affected Costa Rica’s image as a vacation destination.
The latest report indicates a continuous decline in Costa Rica’s tourism, with a significant reduction in visitor numbers for consecutive months. While North America and Europe saw a marked decrease in arrivals, South America was notable for its growth. Despite acknowledgment of the issue from officials, criticism concerning delayed responses suggests broader challenges that need to be addressed to revitalize the tourism sector.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
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