Costa Rica’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, with recent data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) showing substantial growth in both the economy and job market. Between the first and second quarters of this year, the industry created over 15,000 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to nearly 188,000 people. This growth is a positive sign for the country’s economy, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic in recent years.
July 2024 was a particularly successful month for Costa Rica’s tourism, with a record-breaking 239,368 visitors arriving by air—a 7.2% increase from the previous year. This surge in visitation numbers is a clear indication of the sector’s resilience and appeal to international travelers. The Juan Santamaría International Airport and Daniel Oduber International Airport both saw increases in tourist arrivals, further highlighting the country’s popularity as a tourist destination.
North America remains a key source of tourists for Costa Rica, with 75% of all visitors coming from this region. The first seven months of 2024 saw a significant increase in arrivals from North America, with over 1.3 million tourists arriving by air. The United States, Canada, and Mexico were the top contributors to these numbers, with all three countries showing higher visitation rates compared to the previous year. This trend is a positive sign for the country’s tourism industry and its ability to attract visitors from diverse markets.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica reported a substantial increase in foreign exchange income from tourism, reaching $1.78 billion in the first quarter of this year. This figure represents a significant portion of the total foreign exchange received in the previous year, highlighting the importance of tourism to the country’s economy. Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, credited the success to effective promotional strategies in key markets, emphasizing the positive impact on the country’s overall prosperity and opportunities.
As the tourism industry in Costa Rica continues to thrive, it remains a crucial driver of economic growth and job creation in the country. The record-breaking numbers in visitor arrivals and foreign exchange income are a testament to the sector’s resilience and appeal to international travelers. With effective promotional strategies and a focus on key markets, Costa Rica’s tourism industry is poised for continued success in the years to come.