Published on Thursday, October 8, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica generated more than $3.3 billion in tourism income during the first half of 2026, an increase from the same period in 2025, according to the Center for Tourism Studies, or CET.

The figures are based on the latest report from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, known as BCCR, which shows that tourism income increased by $264 million, or about 8%, between January and June compared with the same period last year. Tourism revenue totaled approximately $3.091 billion during the first half of 2025.

The report also shows a positive tourism surplus. Government spending in the tourism sector totaled approximately $1 billion, resulting in a surplus of about $2.3 billion during the first half of 2026.

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.

 

However, CET experts warn that companies in the tourism sector, which must pay their operating expenses in Costa Rican colones, may not see the increase in tourism revenue reflected as clearly because of the strengthening of the Costa Rican currency against the U.S. dollar.


From January through June 2026, the exchange rate strengthened from approximately 497 colones per dollar to about 455 colones per dollar. That represents a decline of about 42 colones, or approximately 8.45%, in the price of the dollar.


The data reflects an approximate 8% decrease in the surplus in the tourism industry's income account. The strengthening of the Costa Rican currency against the U.S. dollar is being driven by an excess supply of dollars in the market.


Despite the increase in tourism revenue, the report found that international visitors are spending fewer days in Costa Rica. During the first half of 2026, tourists stayed an average of 10 days, down from an average of 12 days during the same period in 2025.

In related developments, Costa Rica was recently ranked as the best in Central America and fourth worldwide for retirement, according to the 2026 Global Retirement Index published by Global Citizen Solutions.

Costa Rica has been increasing its efforts to boost tourism revenue and strengthen its presence in key international markets.   Recently, the country developed "The Flavors of Pura Vida," a culinary event held in Frankfurt, Germany, to promote Costa Rican cuisine and attract more visitors.

The country also recently targeted the U.S. and Canadian meetings and business travel market at the M&I Flagship Forum in Nashville, the capital and largest city of Tennessee.

International airlines are also expanding their connections to Costa Rica. Breeze Airways inaugurated its first nonstop flight between Tampa, Florida, and Costa Rica.

German airline Tourism Union International, known as TUI, also launched a new nonstop flight between Illinois and Guanacaste Province.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s most important economic sectors. More than 1.6 million travelers arrived in the country by air during the first half of 2026, underscoring the industry’s continued role as a major contributor to the national economy.

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

The Center for Tourism Studies is a foundation dedicated to researching, developing strategies and promoting the responsible growth of 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