From April 2021 until August 2024, Costa Rica experienced steady growth in international visitor numbers each month. However, for the first time since the pandemic, this positive trend reversed in September 2024, with a 5.9% drop compared to 2023. October shows a similar trajectory, according to preliminary data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
In August 2024, Costa Rica recorded 182,800 air arrivals, a 4.5% increase over the same month in 2023. However, in September, the country welcomed 105,100 visitors by air, 6,596 fewer than in September 2023. This decrease in visitation is also noticeable on a regional scale, with a significant drop in arrivals from Europe (-14.2%) and North America (-5.8%).
Reasons Behind the Drop in Visitation
According to the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), the appreciation of the colón could be reducing the purchasing power of foreign tourists and influencing their perception of travel costs in Costa Rica. Currently, the dollar is valued at around 511 colones, with further declines expected by year-end, which may further impact tourist spending.
Carolina Trejos, ICT’s marketing director, explained that September and October traditionally represent the quietest months of the low season, which spans from April to November. Since post-pandemic recovery began, Costa Rica has consistently maintained growth, partly due to the “rebound effect” from reopened borders. However, typical seasonal patterns now seem to be reestablishing.
A Focus on San José and Liberia Airports
Costa Rica’s airports, particularly the San José and Liberia terminals, have seen a decrease in arrivals in September and October. According to airport administrators, this drop is partly due to reduced operations and flight frequency. Despite this seasonal dip, forecasts remain optimistic: at the Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport in Liberia, the 2024 visitor numbers are expected to reach 96% of the previous year’s totals, with promising prospects for the high season.
Optimistic Forecast for the High Season
Despite this temporary decline, projections for the high season beginning in November are positive. ICT anticipates an increase in visitor numbers, with estimates reaching around 2.8 million arrivals for 2024, nearly 400,000 more than in 2023.
Carolina Trejos also highlights the importance of diversifying tourist markets by attracting visitors from other regions, such as Brazil, to reduce reliance on the United States. This diversification could help reinforce Costa Rica’s tourism resilience against fluctuations in international markets.
In conclusion, while September and October marked a pause in tourism growth, Costa Rica is preparing for a promising high season, focusing on diversification and enhancing its global appeal.
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