Costa Rica Tourism Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Costa Rica Tourism Market Trends and Insights

Growing Air-Lift from Secondary U.S. Cities

Southwest Airlines has ramped up connectivity with 43 weekly flights between Austin and San José and 33 weekly flights from Denver to Liberia, unlocking visitor flows from previously underserved metropolitan areas^{[1]Southwest Airlines, “Route Map,” southwest.com.}. United Airlines has complemented the strategy with nonstop service from Austin and Salt Lake City. These additions diversify access points beyond legacy gateways such as Miami and Houston, broaden the catchment area, and lower total travel time for adventure-oriented travelers. Each new route fuels awareness in adjacent cities, creating a network effect that amplifies demand. Although peak-season slot scarcity at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) remains a constraint, airlines are sustaining shoulder-season capacity to keep year-round schedules profitable. As a result, the Costa Rica tourism market benefits from enlarged feeder markets without relying solely on gateway hubs.

Expansion of Luxury Eco-Lodges in Osa & Nicoya

The February 2025 opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, marked the brand’s first Central American presence and reinforced Costa Rica’s eco-luxury credentials. April 2025 saw Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique debut with 180 rooms, signaling that top-tier brands can embed conservation narratives within premium experiences^{[2]Hilton Worldwide Holdings, “Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Fact Sheet,” hilton.com.} . Properties in Osa and Nicoya leverage UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status to command average daily rates exceeding USD 1,200. The model channels revenue into local jobs, artisan partnerships, and biodiversity funding, while offering travelers immersive nature-driven itineraries. Strong demand from high-net-worth travelers who consistently rank environmental stewardship among the top three booking criteria underpins a robust pipeline of luxury eco-lodges that will continue expanding the Costa Rica tourism market.

ICT “Pura Vida” Re-branding in High-Value Markets

ICT shifted its global marketing toward wellness and regenerative experiences, utilizing Costa Rica’s near-100% renewable-energy matrix as proof of concept. The rebrand resonates in Europe and APAC, attracting travelers willing to pay premium rates for verified eco-friendly offerings. Messaging dovetails with Law 10008, which grants digital nomads a tax-free visa year, accelerating long-stay bookings that raise per-visitor spend and stabilize demand across seasons. Operators highlight regenerative packages such as Punta Leona’s coral reef restoration and scarlet macaw programs to craft authentic storylines that differentiate Costa Rica from Caribbean competitors. Early results show wellness-oriented tourists stay 2.4 days longer than the market average and generate higher ancillary revenue across spas, organic dining, and guided nature excursions, reinforcing the Costa Rica tourism market’s eco-luxury narrative.

Near-Shoring Wave Boosting Corporate Inflows

ServiceNow’s addition of more than 200 new employees to its Costa Rican operations in mid-2025 encapsulates the broader near-shoring momentum^{[3]: ServiceNow, “ServiceNow Expands Costa Rica Operations,” servicenow.com.}. Multinationals value the country’s skilled bilingual labor force, political stability, and U.S.-aligned time zones, factors that raise corporate travel volumes even during leisure low seasons. Weekday business demand fills upscale urban hotels and feeds MICE bookings at properties such as Westin Reserva Conchal, offsetting seasonality in the Costa Rica tourism market. Technology, finance, and life-science firms now host regional trainings and supplier summits locally to reduce transcontinental costs, driving the segment’s 13.49% CAGR. The steady weekday occupancy and strong F&B revenue generated by corporate events strengthen cash flows and encourage hotel investment in conference facilities.

Airport Slot Scarcity at SJO & LIR

Juan Santamaría and Liberia airports operate near capacity from December–April, hindering additional flight approvals and suppressing potential arrival growth. Airlines often resort to off-peak scheduling, limiting convenience for target segments such as weekend short-break travelers. Although electronic immigration gates were introduced in July 2025 to shorten processing times, runway and terminal bottlenecks persist. The proposed Orotina International Airport could relieve pressure, yet completion is unlikely before 2031. In the interim, slot scarcity constrains the Costa Rica tourism market by capping inbound seat supply during peak-yield periods.

Rising Eco-Tax Proposals on Protected Areas

Standardizing national park entry fees at USD 15, up from the current ranges of USD 5–18, may deter budget travelers, particularly from Latin America. Premium sites such as Isla del Coco already charge USD 50, and blanket increases risk perceptions of cost inflation. Tour operators often embed fees within package prices to soften sticker shock, but higher taxes restrict their ability to provide tiered itineraries. Domestic travelers could be disproportionately affected due to lower average disposable income, tempering the fastest-growing visitor segment. Balancing conservation funding with affordability remains a policy challenge that may shave 0.3 percentage points off forecast CAGR for the Costa Rica tourism market.

Segment Analysis

By Origin: Domestic Upswing Balances International Dominance

The domestic tourism segment in Costa Rica is growing rapidly at a 9.87% CAGR through 2030, outpacing the international segment despite holding only 18.37% market share in 2024. Rising disposable incomes drive this surge, improved national connectivity, such as the Circunvalación Norte highway, and targeted internal tourism campaigns under the CABEI Infrastructure Program. In contrast, the international segment maintains an 81.63% share due to Costa Rica’s strong presence in North American and European markets. Its success is supported by robust airline connectivity and long-established tourism infrastructure. Notably, domestic travel patterns are evolving, with local families increasingly opting for luxury accommodations and curated experiences. 

Domestic tourism in Costa Rica is bolstered by economic stability, with OECD projecting 3.1% GDP growth through 2025–2026, supporting increased discretionary travel spending. This growth allows hospitality operators to benefit from more consistent, year-round revenue, as domestic travelers are less bound to peak seasons. International tourism remains resilient, with 2024 arrivals reaching around 2.8 million, a 13% year-over-year increase per CBRE Hotels. Despite global economic uncertainty, Costa Rica continues to attract strong international demand. Both domestic and international tourists are increasingly influenced by the Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program. Travelers are actively choosing CST-certified accommodations and tour providers, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable travel behaviors.

By Type: Travel Services Innovation Outpaces Accommodation

The Travel Services segment in Costa Rica is accelerating rapidly, with an 11.75% CAGR, signaling a major shift toward curated, experience-based tourism. This growth surpasses the Accommodation Services segment, which, despite holding a 67.39% market share in 2024, is growing at a slower pace. The rise of experiential travel reflects changing visitor preferences, favoring immersive activities over traditional lodging-focused trips. Destination management companies (DMCs) like Swiss Travel Service and Costa Rican Trails are driving this shift with regenerative tourism offerings that blend conservation efforts with sightseeing. These packages appeal to environmentally conscious travelers seeking deeper engagement with local ecosystems and communities.

Digital nomads also fuel growth in Travel Services, as they require extended-stay support, coworking access, and community integration services beyond standard hospitality. Meanwhile, Accommodation Services remain dominant due to continued infrastructure investments, including the addition of 15 new hotels in 2024. Notable openings such as the luxury Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences highlight the segment’s premium growth, particularly in eco-lodging. However, the segment faces internal divergence: luxury properties thrive while budget hotels face rising operational costs. Innovation in Travel Services includes tech-driven platforms like Tico Treasures, launched in March 2025, connecting visitors with local artisans for authentic cultural exchanges. This points to a broader industry trend toward personalization and cultural immersion. 

By Purpose: MICE Momentum Redefines Seasonality

MICE tourism in Costa Rica is experiencing exceptional growth at a 13.49% CAGR, making it the fastest-expanding segment in the market. This surge is driven by Costa Rica’s emergence as a regional business hub, supported by near-shoring trends and increased multinational corporate presence. Companies are hosting more conferences, training sessions, and events, boosting demand for MICE-related services. Purpose-built venues like those at Westin Reserva Conchal and facilities in Guanacaste blend business functionality with natural appeal, enhancing the destination's attractiveness. Corporate planners favor Costa Rica for its timezone alignment with North America, political stability, and distinctive team-building options.

Despite MICE growth, Leisure travel remains dominant with a 78.87% market share, reflecting continued interest in eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings. Luxury properties like Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique reinforce the country’s upscale positioning in this segment. Business travel accounts for 9.5% of the market, driven by the establishment of regional headquarters and expanding corporate operations. Visiting Friends & Relatives (VFR) tourism is also growing, supported by a rising population of digital nomads and retirees. Religious tourism continues as a small but consistent niche. The “Other Purposes” segment is diversifying to include medical and educational travel. This broad segmentation reduces market vulnerability and promotes stable revenue streams for tourism operators.