Q COSTARICA — Transportation, including air travel for tourists, is also being impacted by the armed conflict in the Middle East, in which the United States, Israel, and Iran are actively involved.
Just as with goods like oil, tourist traffic is not immune to the effects of these episodes of violence.
The immediate impact is felt in the area of armed conflict: the Middle East. International media outlets are reporting the partial or total closure of some operations. For example, CNN is reporting “closed airports and empty skies.”
Amid this scenario, the United States has advised its citizens to leave certain countries where disruptions to airlines, flight operations, or air travel are expected.
The list includes Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The Scenario for Costa Rica
The Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, believes that the armed conflict in the Middle East may initially benefit Costa Rica’s tourism.
The minister explained that, from Costa Rica’s perspective, it could initially be advantageous. This is because, according to tourists, the destination is far from the area directly affected by the violence.
“It could represent an opportunity for us because, with one very specific part of the world affected, other parts of the world can benefit, and we are in that other part of the world that can benefit,” he noted.
However, if this tension in the Middle East persists, the effects would begin to be felt in the movement of tourists worldwide, Rodríguez said. For example, this could lead to an increase in fuel prices (something that is already happening) and, consequently, in airfare.
If this were to occur, the world’s population could begin to postpone their trips, as other basic goods and services would also increase in price. As a consequence, travel worldwide could decrease.
“The shorter the duration, the less the impact will be,” he noted.
Christian Doñas, president of the private tourism promotion agency Proimagen Costa Rica, said that they are receiving news from the Middle East with concern. He believes that the price increases this could entail will affect the national tourism industry.
“A reduction in consumer confidence in markets like the United States, from where the majority of tourists to the country originate, could also work against Costa Rica,” noted the expert.
“We can also add that international conflicts can divert travel flows. This would completely affect the perception of stability in destinations like our country. In times like these, the industry must remain united to face external forces,” he added.
According to data from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)—Costa Rican Tourism Institute, very few people arrive from the Middle East. In 2025, a total of 1,173 people arrived throughout the entire year. This represents a 16% reduction compared to 2024. This doesn’t even account for 1% of visits.