International Tourism to Costa Rica: Five Months of Sustained Growth

Costa Rica began 2026 consolidating a positive streak in international tourist arrivals, with five consecutive months of growth and more than 653,000 visitors accumulated between January and February through all entry points, according to the most recent data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) reported by La República. This trend follows a 2025 that closed with a year-on-year increase of close to 1% in total international arrivals, demonstrating a gradual recovery for the sector following the slowdown observed throughout much of that year.

Official ICT Figures: How Arrivals Are Distributed

According to the ICT’s official statistical report “2026-02_Llegadas_internacionales,” Costa Rica received 653,969 international tourists between January and February 2026 through all entry points. North America accounts for the largest share of this flow, with 454,889 arrivals, followed by Europe with 115,850 visitors, while Central America, South America, and the Caribbean contributed 38,774, 32,109, and 1,988 tourists respectively during the same period.

Key Source Markets: The United States, Canada, and Europe

In the country-by-country breakdown, the United States remains the leading source market with 337,027 arrivals in the first two months of the year, followed by Canada with 123,845 visitors, according to figures published by La República based on ICT data. Markets such as Germany (20,336 visitors), Spain (8,363), Mexico (13,886), and Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Belgium complete the list of relevant source markets, confirming the strategic weight of both North America and Europe in Costa Rica’s tourism performance.

Official Statements: The Ministry of Tourism’s Vision

The Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, highlighted that in February alone, 308,873 tourists arrived by air, representing a growth of 14.1% compared to the same month in 2025, according to statements reported by La República using ICT data. The minister noted that the increase in visitors from the United States (11.7% growth) and, especially, from Canada (32% increase) reflects the impact of joint efforts between the public and private sectors to strengthen air connectivity and destination promotion.

Trends Toward 2027: From Recovery to Sustainable Growth

Recent ICT reports show that 2025 closed with 2,943,991 international arrivals through all entry points, 0.8% more than in 2024, with 1% growth specifically by air, laying the foundation for the upturn observed at the start of 2026. Additionally, official projections and statements from the tourism sector indicate that the National Tourism Plan targets growth of close to 2.7% by 2027, seeking sustained progress rather than atypical peaks such as the one recorded in 2024, and building on the consolidation of segments such as ecotourism, wellness tourism, long-stay visits, and meetings tourism.

Official Sources

• Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT): Statistical report “2026-02_Llegadas_internacionales,” available in the recent international arrivals reports section.
• Tourist visitation statistics for 2024–2025 and the 2025 year-end figures, as per ICT communiqués and reports cited by national media such as La Nación and official arrival summaries through all entry points.
• National Tourism Plan and 2025–2027 growth projections mentioned by ICT authorities in communiqués and statements reported by regional media.