Costa Rica reported its highest ever international tourist arrivals by air during the first six months of 2026, with significant passenger increases at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed the historic growth rate in visitor arrivals, citing sustained momentum in passenger traffic through both major international terminals. Official data shows arrivals exceeded the tourism sector’s most optimistic projections for this period.
Tourism growth was anchored by arrivals from traditional markets in North America and Europe. The national strategy emphasized attracting airlines and strengthening non-stop
flight connections in these regions, contributing decisively to the surge in arrivals during the first half of the year.
Costa Rica’s tourism model prioritizes sustainable practices, setting it apart from other mass-tourism destinations in the region. Key focuses include biodiversity conservation, maintaining destination safety, cultural richness, ecotourism, and wellness offerings, all of which influence visiting tourists’ destinations choices.
The most searched locations among international visitors include the country’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, and cloud forests. Economic gains from this visitor influx are spread across both rural areas and coastal communities, broadening the distribution of tourism benefits nationwide.
Tourism authorities
and business leaders expressed a positive outlook for the remainder of 2026, highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Focus remains on preparing for the upcoming high season and enhancing tourism infrastructure to support visitor services.
