Sunday, August 25, 2024 Costa Rica’s tourism industry is booming, making a significant impact on the nation’s economy and job market, as highlighted by recent figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). Data indicates that between the first and second quarters of this year, approximately 15,253 new jobs were added to the tourism sector, boosting employment from 172,545 to 187,798. These numbers not only surpass the figures recorded during the equivalent periods in 2019, before the pandemic, but also those reported in 2023, according to the Continuous Employment Survey (ECE).
July 2024 set a new milestone for Costa Rica’s tourism, with 239,368 air arrivals, marking a 7.2% rise from the previous year and the highest visitation recorded in July over recent years. The Juan Santamaría International Airport was particularly busy, greeting 162,543 tourists, a 2.
3% increase compared to July 2023. Meanwhile, Daniel Oduber International Airport experienced a more substantial growth of 19.4%, with 76,779 arrivals.
North America remains a key market for Costa Rica, accounting for 75% of all tourist visits. The region saw a notable 16.9% increase in arrivals during the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
A total of 1,329,164 tourists arrived by air, with significant contributions from the United States (1,100,571 visitors), Canada (174,679 visitors), and Mexico (53,914 visitors), each showing an uptick from the previous year. In terms of economic impact, the Central Bank of Costa Rica reported that foreign exchange income from tourism reached an impressive $1.78 billion between January and March this year, the latest figure available.
This amount alone represents about one-third of the $4.75 billion in foreign exchange revenue generated last year, highlighting the vital role tourism plays in Costa Rica’s economic landscape. Costa Rica’s government and tourism authorities are actively leveraging this growth to promote sustainable tourism practices that preserve the country’s rich biodiversity.
Initiatives are being implemented to ensure that tourism development is aligned with environmental conservation efforts, such as promoting eco-friendly accommodations, supporting community-based tourism projects, and encouraging visitors to engage in responsible travel behaviors. By balancing economic growth with sustainability, Costa Rica aims to maintain its appeal as a top destination for eco-conscious travelers while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations. As Costa Rica’s tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, it stands as a pillar of economic vitality and a significant source of employment, reinforcing its status as a key driver of growth and development in the country.
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