The Market Report Covers Costa Rica's Tourism Statistics and is segmented on the basis of type (local/domestic, international) and by purpose (Adventure, Business, Medical, Sea Farming and others).

Costa Rica experienced a serious decline in the contribution of the tourism sector to its gross domestic product (GDP) due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In 2021, however, this indicator showed a slight recovery to six percent of the total country's economy.

The Costa Rican tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with a market size of XX million and a CAGR of 5.00%. This growth is driven by factors such as the country's natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and political stability. Costa Rica is a popular destination for adventure tourism, ecotourism, and medical tourism. Key trends shaping the industry include the growing popularity of sustainable tourism, the rise of digital travel booking, and the increasing demand for personalized travel experiences. However, there are also some restraints to growth, such as the country's limited infrastructure, the high cost of travel, and the potential for natural disasters. The industry is segmented by type (local/domestic, international) and purpose (adventure, business, medical, sea farming, other). Major companies operating in the market include Expedia Group, Flight Centre, Direct Travel, BCD Travel, Travel Leaders Group, American Express Travel, CWT, Booking Holdings, and Amex GBT. Recent developments include: March 2023: Expedia Group announced a new API partnership with Wheel the World, a travel booking platform for accessible travelers in wheelchairs, effectively enhancing a seamless, end-to-end travel experience for travelers with disabilities. Through this partnership, Expedia Group will serve as the exclusive partner to power Wheel the World's lodging supply. Through Expedia Group's Rapid API technology, Wheel the World customers will have access to Expedia Group's extensive directly sourced hotel inventory with the ability to filter properties by their accessibility needs and preferences., November 2022: Booking Holdings, the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, expanded the Travel Sustainable program to relevant brands across the Booking Holdings family. The news marked the company's delivery of its commitment to launch its first-of-its-kind program for accommodations enterprise-wide by the end of 2023. Travel Sustainable provides credible information on impactful sustainability efforts taken by properties worldwide. It gives travelers a transparent, consistent, and easy-to-understand way to identify a wider range of more sustainable stays, no matter where they want to travel.. Key drivers for this market are: Increase in Domestic Travel Driving the Market, Growing Tourist Footfall Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Restrictions on Purchases of Number of Products, Customs Regulations and Taxation Policies. Notable trends are: Increase in the Number of International Tourists Arrival is Driving the Market.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data was reported at 1.356 USD bn in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.008 USD bn for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 1.969 USD bn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.008 USD bn in 2019 and a record low of 681.000 USD mn in 1995. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.;Gap-filled total;

The Costa Rican tourism industry, a significant contributor to the nation's economy, is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The country's renowned biodiversity, encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, attracts eco-conscious travelers seeking adventure and nature-based experiences. Furthermore, Costa Rica's commitment to sustainable tourism practices enhances its appeal to environmentally aware consumers. The increasing popularity of wellness tourism and medical tourism also contributes to market growth, as individuals seek holistic retreats and specialized medical services. The diverse tourism segments—adventure, business, medical, and sea farming—present various opportunities for growth. While international tourism currently dominates, the domestic tourism segment also holds significant potential for expansion, particularly through targeted marketing campaigns showcasing the country's diverse offerings to its own citizens. The presence of established global players such as Expedia Group and Booking Holdings, alongside local operators, indicates a competitive yet dynamic market structure. Potential restraints include infrastructure limitations, particularly in remote areas, and the need for continued investment in sustainable tourism initiatives to manage the environmental impact of increased visitor numbers. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring the industry's long-term sustainability and continued growth. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $5 billion USD, based on industry averages for similar-sized tourism economies with comparable growth rates. This figure is expected to rise considerably over the forecast period. While precise regional market share data is unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that North America and Europe account for a significant portion of tourist arrivals, given their proximity and established travel patterns. However, the growing interest in sustainable tourism is attracting visitors from a wider range of international markets, suggesting a diversification of source regions in the future. The continued focus on eco-tourism and the development of specialized niche tourism segments such as medical and sea farming tourism will be vital to maintaining strong growth and minimizing vulnerabilities to external shocks such as global economic downturns or unforeseen events. Recent developments include: March 2023: Expedia Group announced a new API partnership with Wheel the World, a travel booking platform for accessible travelers in wheelchairs, effectively enhancing a seamless, end-to-end travel experience for travelers with disabilities. Through this partnership, Expedia Group will serve as the exclusive partner to power Wheel the World's lodging supply. Through Expedia Group's Rapid API technology, Wheel the World customers will have access to Expedia Group's extensive directly sourced hotel inventory with the ability to filter properties by their accessibility needs and preferences., November 2022: Booking Holdings, the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, expanded the Travel Sustainable program to relevant brands across the Booking Holdings family. The news marked the company's delivery of its commitment to launch its first-of-its-kind program for accommodations enterprise-wide by the end of 2023. Travel Sustainable provides credible information on impactful sustainability efforts taken by properties worldwide. It gives travelers a transparent, consistent, and easy-to-understand way to identify a wider range of more sustainable stays, no matter where they want to travel.. Notable trends are: Increase in the Number of International Tourists Arrival is Driving the Market.

The revenue in the travel & tourism market in Costa Rica was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total ***** million U.S. dollars (+***** percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the revenue is estimated to reach ****** million U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2029. Find more key insights for the revenue in countries like Uruguay, Suriname, and Jamaica.. The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Number of Departures data was reported at 324,000.000 Person in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,153,000.000 Person for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Number of Departures data is updated yearly, averaging 507,500.000 Person from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,153,000.000 Person in 2019 and a record low of 273,000.000 Person in 1995. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Number of Departures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International outbound tourists are the number of departures that people make from their country of usual residence to any other country for any purpose other than a remunerated activity in the country visited. The data on outbound tourists refer to the number of departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips from a country during a given period is counted each time as a new departure.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.;Gap-filled total;

The Costa Rican tourism market, valued at $4.35 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Firstly, Costa Rica's renowned biodiversity and commitment to ecotourism attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers seeking authentic and sustainable experiences. Secondly, the country's political stability and relatively safe environment contribute to its appeal as a desirable destination. Furthermore, targeted marketing campaigns highlighting adventure tourism (zip-lining, white-water rafting, etc.) and unique cultural offerings are successfully attracting diverse demographics. The market is segmented by traveler type (international vs. domestic), service type (sun and beach, adventure, other activities such as wellness tourism), and distribution channel (online vs. offline booking). While the online channel is rapidly expanding, offline bookings still maintain a significant share, reflecting the importance of travel agents and tour operators in the market. Growth is expected across all segments, though adventure tourism is anticipated to show particularly strong performance, given the increasing popularity of experiential travel. Competitive pressures stem from established players and emerging competitors vying for market share through differentiated service offerings and strategic partnerships. However, the market faces some challenges. Fluctuations in global economic conditions can impact international tourist arrivals. Infrastructure limitations in certain regions may hinder the expansion of tourism offerings, and sustainable tourism practices must be carefully managed to preserve the country's natural assets and avoid negative environmental consequences. Effective strategies for managing these risks and optimizing opportunities will be crucial to sustaining the market's projected growth. Companies are leveraging digital marketing, creating immersive experiences, and prioritizing sustainability initiatives to gain a competitive edge. Strong partnerships with local communities are also key in promoting authentic experiences and ensuring equitable distribution of tourism benefits. The continued focus on attracting high-spending tourists from diverse markets, coupled with strategic investments in infrastructure and sustainable practices, will be pivotal in driving the Costa Rican tourism sector's continued success.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data was reported at 397.000 USD mn in 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 380.000 USD mn for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data is updated yearly, averaging 167.500 USD mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 397.000 USD mn in 2020 and a record low of 13.000 USD mn in 1995. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures for passenger transport items are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries for all services provided during international transportation by nonresident carriers. Also included are passenger services performed within an economy by nonresident carriers. Excluded are passenger services provided to nonresidents by resident carriers within the resident economies; these are included in travel items. In addition to the services covered by passenger fares--including fares that are a part of package tours but excluding cruise fares, which are included in travel--passenger services include such items as charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and expenditures for food, drink, or other items for which passengers make expenditures while on board carriers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.;Gap-filled total;

International tourism, receipts (current US$) in Costa Rica was reported at 1479000000 USD in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Costa Rica - International tourism, receipts - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

The readiness of information and communication technology was the best condition for tourism development in Costa Rica in 2021, according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). The other pillars with an score above five were safety and security as well the tourist service infrastructure.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures data was reported at 697.000 USD mn in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.330 USD bn for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures data is updated yearly, averaging 624.500 USD mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.330 USD bn in 2019 and a record low of 336.000 USD mn in 1995. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Expenditures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries, including payments to foreign carriers for international transport. These expenditures may include those by residents traveling abroad as same-day visitors, except in cases where these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include expenditures for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.;Gap-filled total;

International tourism, number of arrivals in Costa Rica was reported at 1146500 in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Costa Rica - International tourism, number of arrivals - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Close to *** million international tourists arrived in Costa Rica in 2022, registering an annual growth of over ** percent. However, this figure was still around ** below the peak of 2019, when the Central American country recorded more than ************* visitor arrivals. Expenditure on trips to Costa Rica The total visitor spending in the Central American country, including the cost of transportation, surpassed *** billion U.S. dollars. With an average of *** thousand U.S. dollars per trip, the expenditure of international tourists played a substantial role in the Costa Rican service exports, contributing to nearly one-fifth in 2021. How do tourists choose to travel in Costa Rica? Between January 2019 and December 2022, the month which witnessed the most significant number of tourist arrivals was January 2020, surpassing *** thousand. In 2022, December emerged as the most favored month by tourists, with over *** thousand arrivals. Regarding transport modes, the Central American country saw almost *** million international tourist arrivals by air that year, while the number of visitor arrivals by water or road was under ** thousand. Moreover, approximately *** thousand tourist arrivals in Costa Rica originated in the United States, making it the primary contributor to the country's tourism industry.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data was reported at 123.000 USD mn in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 274.000 USD mn for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data is updated yearly, averaging 150.000 USD mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 304.000 USD mn in 2018 and a record low of 82.000 USD mn in 1995. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for passenger transport items are expenditures by international inbound visitors for all services provided in the international transportation by resident carriers. Also included are passenger services performed within an economy by nonresident carriers. Excluded are passenger services provided to nonresidents by resident carriers within the resident economies; these are included in travel items. In addition to the services covered by passenger fares--including fares that are a part of package tours but excluding cruise fares, which are included in travel--passenger services include such items as charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and expenditures for food, drink, or other items for which passengers make expenditures while on board carriers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.;Gap-filled total;

Costa Rica import data: Discover the unique blend of eco-tourism, diverse imports, and strategic trade partnerships shaping its economy.

In 2021, the infrastructure of Costa Rica received a Travel & Tourism Development Index score of 4.8 out of seven possible points. That was the best rated subindex in the index for the Latin American country that year.

Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: % of Total Exports data was reported at 7.405 % in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18.827 % for 2019. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: % of Total Exports data is updated yearly, averaging 20.123 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.127 % in 2000 and a record low of 7.405 % in 2020. Costa Rica CR: International Tourism: Receipts: % of Total Exports data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Costa Rica – Table CR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for passenger transport items. Their share in exports is calculated as a ratio to exports of goods and services, which comprise all transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world involving a change of ownership from residents to nonresidents of general merchandise, goods sent for processing and repairs, nonmonetary gold, and services.;World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files, and IMF and World Bank exports estimates.;Weighted average;

1.356.000.000 (US dólar) in 2020. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

The number of visitors to the United States from Costa Rica increased in 2023 over the previous year. In 2023, the number of visitors to the U.S. from Costa Rica reached 311,393, up from the previous year's total of 255,410.