By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s tourism sector celebrated a new milestone in May 2026, reaching a record 1.39 million international air arrivals for the year to date. This figure, released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), represents a robust 9.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. However, a deeper analysis of the data reveals a complex and diverging narrative between the nation’s two primary international gateways, signaling a significant shift in travel patterns, particularly among North American visitors.
Beneath the surface of the record-breaking national statistics, the country’s main hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José, is flashing warning signs. The airport experienced a 1.4% year-over-year decline in arrivals for the month of May, logging 126,053 visitors. This downturn is almost entirely attributable to a sudden cooling in its most crucial market: the United States.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the opportunities and challenges within Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in foreign investment and business law at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica offers tremendous legal security for foreign investors in the tourism industry, success is contingent on meticulous due diligence. Navigating the intricate layers of environmental regulations, municipal zoning, and labor laws is paramount. The ‘Pura Vida’ experience for tourists is built upon a foundation of strict regulatory compliance that protects both our natural resources and the investor’s assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight serves as a crucial reminder: the ‘Pura Vida’ experience enjoyed by visitors is directly built upon the complex legal diligence handled by investors behind the scenes. We thank him for articulating the essential link between navigating Costa Rica’s robust regulatory framework and achieving sustainable success in the tourism sector.
The data shows a concerning 7.3% drop in tourists arriving from the U.S. at the San José-area airport. This single-market decline was significant enough to pull the entire North American segment down by 4.7% at SJO for the month, raising questions about a potential saturation or changing preferences for travelers whose primary entry point has historically been the Central Valley.
Fortunately for the capital’s airport, a powerful counter-trend from across the Atlantic is providing a crucial buffer. European travelers have emerged as the primary engine of growth for Juan Santamaría, with arrivals surging by an impressive 16.3% in May. This growth is broad-based, with remarkable increases from key markets including Germany (+30.2%), Italy (+29.2%), Poland (+20.8%), the Netherlands (+18.8%), and the United Kingdom (+13.1%).
In an interesting deviation from the U.S. trend, Canadian arrivals at Juan Santamaría also posted strong growth, rising by 16.2%. This suggests the slowdown is specific to American travelers’ choices regarding SJO, rather than a broader North American pullback from the region. The robust European and Canadian numbers have so far prevented a more significant downturn at the nation’s busiest airport.
Meanwhile, a completely different story is unfolding in the province of Guanacaste. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia has firmly established itself as the powerhouse of Costa Rica’s tourism expansion. In May, the airport welcomed 69,430 tourists, marking a stellar 12.1% increase over the previous year. The cumulative figures for 2026 are even more impressive, with 525,751 arrivals from January to May, a 14.6% jump compared to 2025.
The driving force behind Liberia’s explosive growth is overwhelmingly North American. An astonishing 97% of the airport’s passengers originate from this market. Canadian travelers are leading the charge with a massive 33.4% year-to-date increase in arrivals. Crucially, U.S. tourist arrivals in Liberia are also growing at a healthy clip of 10.7%, directly compensating for the losses recorded at Juan Santamaría and powering the overall national increase.
This tale of two airports paints a clear picture of a diversifying and evolving tourism landscape. While Costa Rica continues its successful trajectory, a significant geographical realignment is underway. North American tourists, particularly from the United States, are increasingly bypassing the traditional Central Valley gateway in favor of direct access to the Pacific coast beaches and attractions of Guanacaste. Simultaneously, the strategic cultivation of the European market is proving to be a vital pillar of stability for the Juan Santamaría hub, ensuring its continued relevance amid shifting visitor preferences.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo:
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the official government body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality tourism products. The ICT oversees marketing campaigns, data collection, and certification programs that position Costa Rica as a premier global destination for eco-tourism and authentic travel experiences.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is celebrated not only for its expert counsel across a multitude of sectors but also for its role as a pioneer in legal innovation. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding becomes a tool for empowerment for all citizens.
