Costa Rica auditor questions tourism ROI as ad spend triples, arrivals lag

Costa Rica's Comptroller General found international tourism marketing spending rose 223% from 2022 to 2025, while air tourist arrivals grew only 27%, questioning the effectiveness of public expenditure. The audit implies a disconnect between investment and outcomes, though it does not establish causality. This matters as it could trigger budget scrutiny or policy shifts in Costa Rica's tourism promotion strategy.