Costa Rica welcomed nearly 1.4 million tourists arriving by air between January and May 2026, according to the Tourism Institute (ICT).

ICT statistics show that more than 1.39 million travelers visited the country during the first five months of the year, an increase of approximately 9.4% compared with the same period in 2025.

Official figures indicate that Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province handled nearly 736,000 passengers during the January-May period.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste Province received more than 458,000 travelers during the same timeframe.

The United States remained Costa Rica’s largest source of visitors, accounting for more than 812,000 arrivals.

Canada ranked second with more than 180,000 visitors, while Mexico contributed approximately 27,000 travelers.

Europe accounted for more than 180,000 visitors, led primarily by travelers from Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

South America contributed more than 40,000 tourists, with Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil among the region’s leading markets.

To support continued growth in the tourism sector, the ICT has launched international advertising campaigns and participated in major travel events worldwide. Most recently, Costa Rica promoted itself to U.S. travelers at the Outside Festival in Denver, in the U.S. State of Colorado.

International airlines also continue to expand service to Costa Rica. Delta Air Lines recently announced a new nonstop route connecting the United States and Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry has experienced steady growth in recent years. The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting tourism in Costa Rica.

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What additional strategies should Costa Rica pursue to attract even more tourists?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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