Costa Rica’s tourism sector is experiencing one of its brightest eras. Industry authorities have confirmed that the country has not only overcome the challenges of previous seasons but is setting historic milestones in attracting international visitors. This success is driven by a powerful combination of enhanced air connectivity, market diversification, and a sharp alignment with emerging travel trends.
According to the latest official report from the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the nation’s promotion strategies and the solid reputation of its sustainable model are yielding unprecedented results.
A Historic Milestone for the First Five Months
Between January and May 2026, a total of 1,390,842 tourists entered Costa Rica by air, representing a robust 9.4% year-over-year growth compared to the same period last year.
When factoring in land and sea border crossings, the overall figure climbs sharply to 1.5 million visitors in just five months—meaning roughly 200,000 more travelers are exploring the national territory compared to the previous cycle. This sustained rebound completely reverses last year’s minor deceleration, consolidating the strongest start to a tourist year in the country’s history.
