At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest news and developments in our beautiful country. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply staying updated, we bring you the most valuable information on Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio, and Quepos.
Staying updated with the latest Costa Rica travel news is crucial for both visitors and locals alike. It ensures that you are aware of any new regulations, infrastructure developments, and tourism trends that could impact your travel plans or daily life.
By staying informed, you can optimize your time in Costa Rica by exploring new attractions, comprehending changes in immigration policies, and seizing the latest travel deals. Additionally, staying updated helps you contribute positively to the local economy and community by making informed decisions that support sustainable tourism practices.
At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we are dedicated to providing you with the most current and valuable information to enhance your experience in this beautiful country.
Here are some of the latest updates:
New Bill Aims to Curb Perpetual Tourism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is renowned for its natural beauty and friendly culture, making it a top tourist destination. However, the practice of “perpetual tourism,” where visitors extend their stays without changing their tourist status, has raised concerns among policymakers and local residents.
In response, Frente Amplio Congresswoman Priscila Vindas has proposed a new legislative measure to address this issue by tripling the current migratory fines to $300 per month for tourists who overstay their legal entry period. The revenue from these fines would be allocated to the General Directorate of Migration (DGME) to enhance enforcement and control of immigration regulations.
A key target of the bill is to curb the practice of “visa runs,” where tourists exit and then quickly re-enter Costa Rica to reset their legal stay. Vindas argues that those who wish to reside long-term should pursue proper residency permits rather than relying on repeated short-term tourist entries. Beyond regulatory enforcement, the phenomenon of perpetual tourism has significant economic and social ramifications.
In popular coastal and high-tourism regions, the high demand for short-term rentals and real estate has driven property prices upward, making housing increasingly unaffordable for local residents.
However, the proposed bill has sparked debate. Critics point to the strict re-entry restriction it imposes: once a tourist’s legal stay expires, they would be barred from re-entering under the same status for 90 days. This provision is particularly contentious among visitors on 30-day permits, who could face a re-entry ban that is disproportionately longer than their original allowed stay.
As lawmakers prepare to debate the bill, questions remain over whether all provisions are sufficiently clear to balance the need for tighter migration control with the vital role tourism plays in Costa Rica’s economy. For now, the proposal highlights a growing tension between preserving the country’s social and economic stability and maintaining the openness that has made Costa Rica a favorite tourist destination.
Costa Rica’s San Jose Airport Launches Expansion Amid Tourism Boom
Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose has embarked on an ambitious $62.2 million expansion project with the construction of a new west terminal. The project, known as T-01, will add 16,500 square meters to the existing facility—a critical upgrade to prepare for a significant surge in passenger traffic.
The new four-story terminal is designed to streamline and modernize airport operations.
Basement: Set to house the first phase of a state-of-the-art baggage handling system.
Second Level: Currently the international arrivals area, this floor will be upgraded with a new carousel, an expanded customs area, and a transportation plaza.
Third Level: Dedicated to international departures, it will feature self-bag drop-counters and self-check-in kiosks.
Mezzanine: To be used for administrative offices.
This latest Costa Rica travel news in the International Airport major infrastructure upgrade coincides with record-breaking growth in Costa Rica’s tourism. As 2024 came to a close, tourism revenue exceeded $5.4 billion, and the sector generated nearly 20,000 additional jobs. Data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica and the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) indicate that direct employment in tourism reached 183,016 positions—a jump of 19,767 jobs from the previous year.
“Tourism remains Costa Rica’s most vital economic sector,” said Minister of Tourism William Rodríguez. “Its impact is tangible throughout our country, affecting the quality of life of thousands of families and communities. These figures confirm the strategic role of tourism in generating employment and promoting overall well-being.”
The dual focus on enhancing airport facilities and celebrating tourism growth underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to future economic expansion and improved connectivity for its citizens and visitors alike.
Surfing in Costa Rica is Booming as Tourism and Economy Grow
The global economic market trend analysis firm STATISTA estimates that between 2025 and 2032, surf tourism will grow at an average annual rate of 6%. In 2022, the global surf tourism market was valued at $9.5 billion, and forecasts predict that by 2032, it will grow to $17.1 billion. “This is consistent with the growth of the surf industry itself,” STATISTA reports.
Mike Castro, Director of the National Surfing Circuit’s (CNS) Banco LAFISE 2025, presented by Garabito Ciudad Deportiva, highlights that surfing’s influence extends beyond the competitive realm.
“Our country has made significant strides in this market at a rapid pace. This growth has brought tremendous benefits to coastal areas where improving income and quality of life for families is essential,” Castro said. “A tourist arriving in Costa Rica must rent a car, stay in a hotel, dine at local restaurants, and pay for tours to the beaches. In other words, the economic impact of surfing is incredibly broad.”
The 2025 National Surfing Circuit
From February 14-16, the Costa Rican Surfing Federation will launch the National Surfing Circuit Banco LAFISE 2025, presented by Garabito Ciudad Deportiva, at Playa Cieneguita de Limón. The championship will continue at:
Santa Teresa de Cóbano (March 14-16)
Playa Guiones, Nosara (April 11-13)
Playa Dominical, Osa (May 23-25)
Playa Hermosa, Jacó (June 20-22)
Surfing’s Role in Tourism and Economic Development
According to Castro, surfing serves as an important “letter of introduction” for attracting foreign tourists and has also boosted local tourism, particularly along Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, where prime surf spots draw visitors year-round.
“The impact of surfing is evident on long weekends when hundreds of surfers visit coastal communities in search of good waves. Many travel with their families in groups of four or five, which increases local spending and allows these communities to benefit from the economic ripple effect,” Castro added.
As Costa Rica continues to establish itself as a premier surf destination, its coastal communities stand to gain from this growing industry, further strengthening our country’s reputation as a global surfing hub.
At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we believe it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in our country.
We are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date news and valuable information on Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio, and Quepos. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting adventures!
References:
Times, T. (2025). Surfing in Costa Rica is Booming as Tourism and Economy Grow. [online] The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate. Available at: https://ticotimes.net/2025/02/11/surfing-in-costa-rica-is-booming-as-tourism-and-economy-grow
Times, T. (2025). New Bill Aims to Curb Perpetual Tourism in Costa Rica. [online] The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate. Available at: https://ticotimes.net/2025/03/02/new-bill-aims-to-curb-perpetual-tourism-in-costa-rica
Times, T. (2025). Costa Rica’s San Jose Airport Launches Expansion Amid Tourism Boom. [online] The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate. Available at: https://ticotimes.net/2025/02/27/costa-ricas-san-jose-airport-launches-expansion-amid-tourism-boom
