Costa Rica’s tourism sector is celebrating a historic first half of the year after achieving record-breaking numbers in foreign visitor arrivals by air. Increased flight frequencies, targeted promotional campaigns in key markets, and the country’s reputation as a sustainable destination consolidate tourism as one of the main drivers of the Costa Rican economy.

Authorities from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed historic growth in international tourist arrivals during the first six months of the year. Official figures reflect sustained momentum in passenger arrivals across the country’s international airport terminals, exceeding the sector’s most optimistic projections.

This positive performance encompasses both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste, solidifying tourist appeal across various regions of the national territory.

“These results confirm Costa Rica’s positioning as a mature, safe, and highly attractive destination on the global map. Joint efforts between the public and private sectors continue to yield concrete benefits for the national economy,” highlighted tourism authorities.

Source Markets and Air Connectivity

Arrival volumes are primarily led by traditional markets in North America and Europe:

• United States and Canada: Remain the primary source markets for travelers to the country. The addition of new direct routes and expanded weekly frequencies from key North American cities have facilitated a steady flow of visitors.
• European Market: Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain maintain strong growth, attracting travelers characterized by longer stays and higher average spending.

The national strategy focused on attracting airlines and consolidating non-stop connections has been decisive in sustaining this upward trend throughout the first half of the year.

The Sustainable Model as a Differentiator

Unlike other mass-tourism destinations in the region, Costa Rica’s value proposition relies on a sustainable tourism development model. Key elements such as biodiversity conservation, destination safety, cultural richness, and a diverse range of ecotourism and wellness offerings continue to influence international travelers’ decision-making.

Top searched destinations range from Pacific and Caribbean beaches to volcanoes and cloud forests in the country’s interior, distributing economic impact across rural and coastal communities.

Economic Impact and Employment Driver

The record surge in visitor flow directly translates into widespread economic benefits:

1. Foreign Exchange Revenue: Strengthens international reserves and stimulates various sectors, including transportation, gastronomy, commerce, and lodging.
2. Job Creation: Tourism remains a primary source of direct and indirect employment, driving productive supply chains, local cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
3. Tourism Investment: Strong market performance encourages the opening of new hotel developments and infrastructure improvements in visitor services.

Outlook for the Second Half of the Year

As the second half of the year begins, authorities and business leaders maintain a favorable outlook, focusing their efforts on the upcoming high season at year-end and on strengthening tourism infrastructure to ensure service quality for visitors.

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