Costa Rica celebrates its solid performance as a tourist destination at the beginning of 2024 by confirming a significant increase in the arrival of international tourists by air, with notable growth from North America and Europe. According to visitation statistics for January, the country received a total of 270,712 tourists by air.
From the United States, the main issuing market, 149,770 tourists visited us in this way, representing a notable increase of 17.6% compared to January 2023. Likewise, Canada contributed with 43,112 tourists, experiencing an increase of 9.9 % Compared to the same period of the previous year. Mexico also played a key role, recording an increase of 22.1%, with 5,731 tourists arriving by air compared to January 2023.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that these figures confirm an outstanding high season , with increases in eight of the main sending markets to Costa Rica, including the US, Canada, Mexico, France and other European countries.
From Europe, growth was 4.8% in tourist arrivals by air in January, totaling 50,291 visitors. Some specific countries stand out: France sent 9,909 tourists, showing an increase of 12.8%, while the United Kingdom and Germany recorded increases of 6.7% and 9.5%, respectively.
Juan Santamaría International Airport received 62% of total arrivals in January, with 168,839 tourists, representing a growth of 8.5% compared to the same month of the previous year. On the other hand, Daniel Oduber International Airport received the remaining 38%, with 101,806 travelers, experiencing an astonishing growth of 20.1%.