Costa Rica registered record-breaking international tourist arrivals by air in the first half of 2026, surpassing the most optimistic projections amid increased flight frequencies and targeted promotional campaigns in key markets.
International Airports and Source Markets Drive Growth
Passenger arrivals surged at both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. This growth was led by traditional source markets from North America and Europe, reinforcing Costa Rica’s appeal as a preferred destination in these regions.
Sustainable Tourism Model and Key Competitive Advantages
The expansion is rooted in Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism development model. The country’s value proposition highlights biodiversity conservation, destination safety, cultural richness, ecotourism,
and wellness offerings, setting it apart from other mass-tourism destinations in the region.
Economic Impact and Destination Diversity
Visitors are attracted to a diverse array of destinations including Pacific and Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, and cloud forests in the interior, spreading tourism’s economic benefits across rural and coastal communities.
Officials from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) stated, “These results confirm Costa Rica’s positioning as a mature, safe, and highly attractive destination on the global map. Joint efforts between the public and private sectors continue to yield concrete benefits for the national economy.”
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, authorities plan to strengthen tourism
infrastructure to maintain high service quality as visitor numbers grow toward the year-end peak season.
