US Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Threaten Costa Rica’s Tourism Boom, American Travelers Reconsider Their Trips: What You Need To Know

Published on August 11, 2025

US tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainty are putting Costa Rica’s tourism boom at risk. The recent imposition of tariffs on Costa Rican imports is expected to increase costs for American consumers, potentially causing them to rethink their travel plans. As prices rise, many American travelers might look for more affordable vacation options or even delay their trips altogether. Costa Rica, which has long been a favorite destination for US tourists, could see fewer visitors as a result. The combination of these new tariffs and a weakening US economy—marked by a declining dollar and stock market volatility—adds to the financial pressure on American families. As a result, fewer American tourists could visit Costa Rica during the high season, which is crucial for the country’s tourism sector. This economic shift threatens to undermine the gains the tourism industry has made in recent years.

U.S. Tariffs and Economic Pressures on American Consumers

Economists warn that the tariffs, which include a blanket 15% tax on Costa Rican imports, are likely to have far-reaching effects on the U.S. economy. As U.S. importers pass the additional costs to American consumers, it is expected that prices for a variety of goods, including those from Costa Rica, will increase. The added financial burden could force U.S. tourists to seek less expensive destinations or even postpone their vacations altogether.

Gerardo Corrales, an economist in Costa Rica, explained that these tariffs would add to the existing pressures on the U.S. economy, which is already dealing with a weakening dollar, declining stock values, and reduced pension fund values. These economic conditions are squeezing the purchasing power of average American consumers, especially those in the mass-tourism segment. With less money available to spend on travel, it’s likely that American tourism to Costa Rica will experience a decline in the coming months.

Roxana Morales, coordinator of the Economic and Social Observatory at Costa Rica’s National University (UNA), highlighted that tourism is one of the first activities people postpone during periods of economic uncertainty. Since a significant percentage of Costa Rica’s visitors come from the U.S., the country’s tourism industry is particularly vulnerable to shifts in American consumer behavior. The combined effects of these tariffs and the broader economic instability in the U.S. could lead to a reduction in American tourist arrivals.

The U.S. as Costa Rica’s Primary Source of Tourists

Costa Rica has long been a favorite destination for U.S. tourists. According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), in 2024, more than 1.5 million U.S. tourists visited Costa Rica, representing nearly 70% of the country’s total international visitors. This heavy reliance on American tourists makes the country’s tourism sector particularly vulnerable to changes in the U.S. economy and consumer spending patterns.

The ICT has been working to diversify Costa Rica’s tourism market by promoting the country to visitors from other regions. However, the U.S. still remains the dominant source of tourists. A drop in U.S. visitors could severely affect the industry, especially during the high season, which typically starts in November and runs through April. During this period, Costa Rica sees a surge in international visitors, with Americans making up a large portion of that influx.

Impact on Costa Rica’s Tourism Industry

Costa Rica’s tourism sector is already facing several challenges that could compound the effects of these new tariffs. For instance, the country is experiencing an unfavorable exchange rate, which has made local prices relatively high compared to other popular destinations. In addition, Costa Rica has faced a security crisis in recent months, with concerns over crime rates in certain areas. These issues, combined with the economic pressures stemming from the tariffs, create a challenging environment for the tourism industry.

Shirley Calvo, the executive director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), has voiced concerns over the tariffs’ impact on the country’s tourism. She explained that higher travel costs and economic uncertainty could cause many American families to reconsider or delay their vacations abroad. For Costa Rica, this could mean fewer visitors from its primary market during a time when tourism is vital to its economic recovery.

Additionally, the high costs associated with traveling to Costa Rica, particularly with a strong dollar, may deter budget-conscious travelers. With flights, accommodations, and activities already considered expensive by many, the added cost from tariffs could push the destination out of reach for many middle-class U.S. tourists. As a result, Costa Rica could lose out on significant tourist revenue, which is vital for the local economy, particularly in rural areas where tourism directly supports jobs and small businesses.

The Future of Costa Rica’s Tourism Industry

As Costa Rica enters the high tourism season, the country’s tourism sector faces significant hurdles. While the government is actively working to reduce its dependency on the U.S. market by promoting the country to other international visitors, the short-term outlook remains concerning. The ICT’s efforts to diversify the tourism base may help in the long run, but for now, the U.S. remains a critical source of income for the sector.

Costa Rican officials have called for negotiations with the U.S. to address the impact of these tariffs on their economy, especially in the agricultural and export sectors. However, the tourism industry may need to adapt quickly to mitigate the effects. Industry leaders are exploring options to make Costa Rica more attractive to tourists from other regions, including Europe and Latin America. There is also a push to offer more affordable vacation packages to offset the higher costs U.S. visitors might face.

Despite the challenges, Costa Rica’s tourism industry has a reputation for resilience. The country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor activities continue to attract tourists from around the world. But the combined effects of tariffs, economic uncertainty, and local challenges paint a bleak picture for the industry in the immediate future.

Conclusion: Navigating Economic Uncertainty

The imposition of U.S. tariffs on Costa Rican imports marks a challenging moment for the country’s tourism sector. With the majority of visitors coming from the U.S., the tariffs threaten to reduce the purchasing power of American tourists, leading to fewer visits during the high season. Costa Rican authorities are working to mitigate these challenges, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The tourism industry, which is vital to the national economy, must find ways to adapt to changing economic conditions, both domestic and international, in order to thrive.

As Costa Rica navigates these turbulent waters, it will likely need to rely on its longstanding appeal to international travelers, while seeking new strategies to attract a broader, more diverse range of tourists. The coming months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of Costa Rica’s tourism industry.