Published on Monday, March 3, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica achieved historic tourism milestones in 2024, with foreign exchange earnings from the sector exceeding $5.4 billion, according to data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

This marks an increase of over $680 million from 2023, when tourism revenue totaled $4.7 billion.

Employment in the tourism sector also saw significant growth. The National Institute of Statistics (INEC) reported that more than 183,000 people were employed in tourism-related activities in 2024, an increase of about 20,000 jobs compared to the previous year. Tourism now accounts for 7.7% of the country’s workforce, which stands at approximately 2.3 million people.

This growth reflects a steady rise in tourism sector employment since 2010, driven by areas such as accommodation, food services, transportation, car rentals, and recreational and cultural activities, according to the Tourism Institute (ICT).

“Tourism is Costa Rica’s most important economic activity,” said William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism. “These figures highlight the sector's critical role in creating jobs and promoting well-being.”

As part of its strategy to boost tourism, the institute recently promoted Costa Rica as a top travel destination at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto, Canada.

Tourism is a key sector of Costa Rica's economy. The country welcomed over 2.6 million tourists by air in 2024, a 7% increase compared to 2023.

The ICT is responsible for promoting tourism and supporting infrastructure development in Costa Rica's tourism areas.

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What additional strategies could Costa Rica explore to attract even more tourists? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com