Published on Monday, March 16, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica welcomed more than 653,000 tourists arriving by air as of February, according to the  Tourism Institute (ICT).

Figures for the first two months of 2026 show an increase of about 10% in visitor arrivals compared with the same period in 2025.

“These are excellent results, and we will increase our efforts in promoting tourism in Costa Rica, focusing on attracting a type of tourist who generates value, increases their length of stay and invests more in the country,” Tourism Minister William Rodríguez said.

 

Passenger arrivals grew at the country’s two main international airports. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela province handled more than 372,000 passengers, an increase of 9%. Meanwhile, Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste province received more than 230,000 visitors, reporting a 16% increase.

The United States remained Costa Rica’s largest source of visitors, accounting for nearly 337,000 arrivals, a 9% increase. Canada followed with more than 103,000 visitors, marking a 26% increase, while Mexico contributed nearly 14,000 travelers, a 5% rise.

Europe accounted for more than 115,000 travelers, mainly from Germany, France and the United Kingdom. South America sent more than 32,000 visitors, with Colombia, Argentina and Brazil among the leading markets.

Several international celebrities have recently highlighted Costa Rica as a vacation destination. Oscar-winning actor and producer Morgan Freeman recently vacationed in the country, marking his third visit in less than a year, according to immigration records.

To support continued tourism growth, the tourism institute has launched international advertising campaigns and participated in major global travel events. Authorities recently intensified efforts to attract more visitors from Europe, including a strong presence this week at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs.

Air connectivity to Costa Rica is also expanding. LOT Polish Airlines recently announced the first-ever nonstop route between Costa Rica and Poland, marking the first time the two nations will be connected by direct air service.

Costa Rica welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists by air in 2025.

In 2024, the tourism sector generated more than $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings.

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

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