Published on Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists by air in 2025,  a number exceeding half the country’s 5 million residents, according to the Tourism Institute, known by its Spanish acronym ICT.

A total of 2,689,278 travelers arrived in the country, an increase of about 27,790 visitors, roughly 1%, compared with the 2,661,488 tourists recorded in 2024.

“Strategic promotional efforts in our main markets and joint work with the private sector to improve services and tourism products have yielded the desired results,” Tourism Minister William Rodríguez said.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province handled more than 1.74 million passengers, while Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste Province received more than 941,000 travelers, according to official figures.

The United States remained Costa Rica’s largest source of visitors, accounting for nearly 1.6 million arrivals so far this year. Canada followed with more than 260,000 visitors, while Mexico contributed about 94,000.

Europe sent more than 419,000 travelers, primarily from Germany, France and the United Kingdom.  While South America accounted for more than 146,000 visitors, with Colombia, Argentina and Brazil among the leading markets.

 

Several international celebrities have recently highlighted Costa Rica as a vacation destination. NBA legend Michael Jordan was once again vacationing in the country to participate in a sportfishing tournament in Puntarenas Province.

Early this month, American actor and producer Channing Tatum and his girlfriend, French-Australian model Inka Williams, spent time in the country.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for portraying Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, also rang in the New Year in Costa Rica for the second consecutive year.

During the Christmas season, television host Jimmy Fallon vacationed in Costa Rica with his family.

Australian actor Hugh Jackman, best known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, also visited the country.

To strengthen tourism growth, ICT has launched international advertising campaigns and participated in major global travel events. Recently, Costa Rica rolled out promotional campaigns in Paris and Amsterdam, featuring a double-decker bus and a Nederlandse Spoorwegen train wrapped in colorful images highlighting the country’s flora and fauna.

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.

----------------
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