Italian F1 driver Kimi Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix, held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, which drew a record-breaking crowd of 360,000 fans over the weekend, according to officials.

As part of the campaign, organizers created an attraction called “Costa Rica Oasis,” inspired by the country’s tropical landscapes and biodiversity. The space was designed to provide visitors with a sense of serenity and relaxation, contrasting with the high-speed and noisy atmosphere typically associated with Formula 1 racing.

“This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity to strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the Canadian market,” ICT Marketing Director Óscar Saborio said.

The Costa Rica Oasis area was located within one of the event’s main public attendance zones and showcased the country’s top tourism attractions, including its nature and biodiversity, Saborio added.

The Costa Rica Oasis featured videos of the country’s natural landscapes, lounge chairs, relaxation areas and a giant screen broadcasting the Formula 1 race in real time.

The initiative is part of Costa Rica’s international tourism strategy known as “Pura Vida Energy,” which seeks to strengthen the country’s image in the Canadian market.

Canada is the second-largest source of tourists visiting Costa Rica, according to officials. During the first quarter of 2026, more than 150,000 Canadian tourists visited the country.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry has continued to expand in recent years. The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

Canadian airlines continue expanding service to Costa Rica through the country’s two main international airports in Guanacaste and San José.

Air Transat recently announced it will increase nonstop flights between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela province.

Meanwhile, Air Canada said it is boosting nonstop service between Vancouver International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Guanacaste province.

Canadian actor Khobe Clarke, best known for playing Beau Maxwell in the TV series Off Campus, recently vacationed in Costa Rica.

In another effort to improve services for travelers, the Juan Santamaría International Airport recently inaugurated a new passenger arrivals area.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica’s tourism industry.

----------