Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Costa Rica has experienced a remarkable rise in tourism, reporting a 14.5% increase in visitors during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This impressive growth is highlighted in a detailed semi-annual report released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
From January to June 2024, a staggering 1,532,443 tourists visited Costa Rica, primarily arriving by air. This influx represents a significant 14.5% increase from last year’s figures.
According to the ICT, 92% of these visitors arrived by plane, with the majority coming from the United States and Canada. Tourism Minister William Rodríguez expressed his excitement about the report’s findings, stating, “The outstanding results of the first semester of 2024 show a dynamic, growing, and solid tourism sector.” This growth underscores Costa Rica’s resilience and thriving tourism industry.
The latest numbers reflect a full recovery from the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector in 2020 and 2021. Tourism is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, contributing 8.2% to the national GDP and serving as one of the largest sources of foreign exchange.
The ICT is optimistic, predicting a record 2.8 million tourists by the end of this year, up from 2.4 million in 2023.
North America remains the primary source of tourists for Costa Rica, with three out of four visitors coming from this region. The United States leads with 61% of tourists, followed by Canada at 10% and Mexico at 2.8%.
European tourists are also making a notable impact, with France contributing 2.8%, Germany 2.6%, and the United Kingdom 2.
5%. Tourists from North America increased by an impressive 18% compared to the same period in 2023. European visitors also showed significant growth, with French tourists up by 9.
7%, Germans by 3.4%, and Brits by 5.5%.
Costa Rica’s natural beauty continues to be its biggest draw. The country’s national parks, diverse flora and fauna, and pristine beaches attract many visitors. Tourists like Ilse Klaver from the Netherlands are eager to experience activities like canoeing, diving, and zip-lining through the forests.
“As I love nature, we decided to come and see it with our own eyes,” said Puerto Rican Sonia Martínez, a New York resident. For 27-year-old Mexican María José Campos, the allure of Costa Rica lies in its “gastronomy and culture.” This blend of natural wonders and rich cultural experiences keeps tourists returning.
Costa Rica is experiencing a tourism boom with a significant increase in visitors this year. The country has bounced back from the pandemic’s impact and is on track to set new records in tourism. With its natural parks, vibrant flora and fauna, and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is a top destination for travelers from around the world.
Costa Rica’s tourism sector is not just recovering; it’s thriving. The country’s dedication to improving infrastructure and maintaining its natural beauty is paying off, attracting more visitors than ever. As we move into the latter half of 2024, all eyes will be on Costa Rica to see if it can sustain this incredible growth and continue to enchant visitors from across the globe.
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