Published on Friday, July 17, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica welcomed more than 1.6 million tourists arriving by air during the first half of 2026, according to the Tourism Institute (ICT), highlighting continued growth in the country's tourism sector.

ICT data show the total for the January-June period represents an approximately 7.8% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Official figures indicate that Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province handled nearly 1 million international passengers during the first six months of the year.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste Province received more than 608,000 travelers during the same period.

North America remained Costa Rica's largest source of visitors, accounting for more than 1.2 million arrivals. The United States continued to be the country's top tourism market, with more than 966,000 visitors. Canada ranked second with more than 197,000 arrivals, followed by Mexico with approximately 47,000 travelers.

Europe contributed more than 263,000 visitors, led by Germany with about 40,900 travelers, France with 40,000, and the United Kingdom with more than 36,000 tourists.

South America accounted for more than 77,000 visitors, with Argentina leading the region with more than 18,000 travelers, followed by Colombia with more than 17,000 and Brazil with more than 12,000.

To support continued growth, the ICT has expanded its international marketing efforts through advertising campaigns and participation in major travel events worldwide.

During the peak European summer travel season, the agency launched a promotional campaign in Madrid featuring a "Pura Vida" surf simulator to encourage more Spanish travelers to visit Costa Rica and promote the country as a premier adventure tourism destination.

Air service to Costa Rica also continues to expand. This week, United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, announced a new daily nonstop route between Washington, D.C., and Guanacaste Province, providing additional connectivity for U.S. travelers.

The tourism sector has also reached a significant economic milestone. Costa Rica generated more than $2 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2026, marking the first time the country has exceeded that benchmark.

Meanwhile, Juan Santamaría International Airport, the country's busiest international airport, announced the installation of automated border control systems, known as eGates.

In 2025, Costa Rica welcomed more than 2.6 million air travelers.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a tourism destination and supporting the country's tourism industry.

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