Costa Rica generated more than $2 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2026, marking the first time the country has surpassed that milestone, according to the Tourism Institute (ICT).

The figures are based on the latest report from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), which shows tourism revenue increased by $233 million between January and March compared with the same period last year, when revenue totaled approximately $1.8 billion.

The new total sets a record for the January-March period. The previous high was recorded in 2024, when tourism generated $1.85 billion during the first three months of the year.

Officials said Costa Rica's tourism sector generated more than $5.5 billion in revenue in 2025. Revenue earned from international visitors during the first quarter of 2026, therefore, represents about 36% of the total recorded last year.

The Central Bank calculates the indicator by including revenue from leisure travel, the country's largest source of foreign exchange earnings, as well as spending by visitors traveling to Costa Rica for business.

Despite the increase in tourism revenue, the report found that international visitors are spending fewer days in the country. In 2025, tourists stayed an average of 10 days, down from an average of 12 days in 2024.

"The shorter stays are an effect of Costa Rica becoming a more expensive destination due to the appreciation of the national currency against the U.S. dollar," former Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura said. "Nevertheless, Costa Rica continues to be a highly sought-after and desirable destination for international travelers."

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica's most important economic sectors. Costa Rica welcomed nearly 1.4 million visitors arriving by air between January and May 2026.

The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

Separately, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the country's busiest airport, recently announced it will introduce automated border control systems, known as eGates, later this month to speed immigration processing for arriving travelers.

Costa Rica is also expanding its international tourism marketing strategy. During the peak European summer travel season, the country launched a promotional campaign in Madrid featuring a "Pura Vida" surf simulator to promote Costa Rica as an adventure tourism destination.

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

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