Costa Rica Tourism Outlook 2026–2027: Growth & Flights
Costa Rica Tourism Outlook 2026–2027: Hotels, Flights and Visitor Growth
Updated August 28, 2026
Costa Rica is entering the 2026–2027 travel season with stronger international air arrivals, additional airline capacity and new hotel inventory in several important tourism regions.
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), Costa Rica received 1,853,430 international arrivals by air between January and July 2026, an increase of 7% compared with the same period in 2025.
Growth has been particularly strong at Guanacaste Airport (LIR), commonly called Liberia Airport, while Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), commonly called San José Airport, continues to handle the largest overall volume of international arrivals.
Travelers following tourism developments can also explore the latest Costa Rica tourism news.
Quick Answer
Costa Rica recorded more than 1.85 million international air arrivals from January through July 2026, up 7% year over year. Guanacaste Airport grew significantly faster than San José Airport, while new flights from London and Vancouver and additional hotel openings are strengthening travel options for the 2026–2027 tourism season.
Key Facts
Costa Rica recorded 1,853,430 international air arrivals from January through July 2026.
Air arrivals increased 7% compared with the same period in 2025.
Guanacaste Airport received 698,079 arrivals, an increase of 13.3%.
San José Airport received 1,154,732 arrivals, approximately 3.6% more than a year earlier.
Canadian air arrivals increased 25.1%, while arrivals from the United States increased 4.3%.
British Airways plans five weekly London Heathrow–San José flights during the 2026–2027 winter season.
Air Canada plans seasonal Vancouver–Guanacaste Airport service beginning December 13, 2026.
New and expanded hotel inventory is being added in Guanacaste, Heredia and Monteverde.
Costa Rica Visitor Growth Continues in 2026
ICT reported 2,001,660 total international arrivals through all entry points from January through July 2026, representing growth of 6.4% compared with the same period in 2025.
Air arrivals performed slightly better, increasing 7%.
The strongest percentage growth among Costa Rica's two main international airports came from Guanacaste Airport. LIR recorded 698,079 international arrivals during the first seven months of the year, representing a 13.3% increase.
San José Airport remained the country's largest international gateway, receiving 1,154,732 arrivals during the same period, approximately 3.6% more than in 2025.
This suggests that Guanacaste continues to capture a growing share of international tourism demand, particularly among travelers heading to Costa Rica's North Pacific beaches and resort areas.
Travelers comparing gateways can review available Liberia Airport transportation routes and San José Airport transportation routes.
New International Flights Strengthen the 2026–2027 Season
International airline connectivity is also expanding ahead of Costa Rica's traditional high season.
British Airways plans to operate five weekly flights between London Heathrow and San José from October 2026 through March 2027. The airline is also moving its Costa Rica operation from London Gatwick to Heathrow.
For European travelers, the change strengthens access to San José and provides additional connectivity through one of Europe's largest international aviation hubs.
Air Canada is also expanding Costa Rica service with a seasonal nonstop route between Vancouver International Airport and Guanacaste Airport.
The Vancouver–Guanacaste service is scheduled to begin December 13, 2026 and continue through April 12, 2027, with flights operating twice weekly.
The new connection is especially significant because Canadian air arrivals to Costa Rica increased 25.1% during the first seven months of 2026.
New Hotels Expand Costa Rica's Tourism Supply
Hotel development is progressing alongside visitor and airline growth.
In northern Guanacaste, JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive is scheduled to open September 10, 2026, at Playa El Jobo near La Cruz.
The resort will add significant new accommodation capacity to Costa Elena and expand the luxury all-inclusive market in Costa Rica's far northern Pacific region. Travelers can review the JW Marriott Costa Elena hotel guide for additional property and transportation information.
In San Rafael de Heredia, Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is accepting reservations beginning October 2, 2026. Hilton lists the property with 97 rooms and a location approximately 20.8 kilometers from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Monteverde is also gaining additional upscale accommodation. Hotel Belmar says its Artista Villas expansion opened in 2026 with 10 private villas.
Visitors traveling to the cloud-forest region can explore current Monteverde transportation routes.
Together, these developments expand accommodation choices across three very different Costa Rican tourism markets: northern Guanacaste, the Central Valley and Monteverde.
What Does the Tourism Outlook Mean for Travelers?
Growing airline capacity and hotel supply give travelers more options, but they also make airport selection and transportation planning increasingly important.
Guanacaste Airport is usually the most practical international gateway for many destinations in northern Guanacaste, including the Gulf of Papagayo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarindo and the La Cruz region.
San José Airport remains the principal gateway for the Central Valley and provides practical access to destinations throughout central, Caribbean and southern Costa Rica.
Travelers should compare the airport with their final destination rather than selecting flights based only on airfare.
New international services may also concentrate arrivals on specific days of the week, making it useful to coordinate flight schedules, hotel check-in times and ground transportation before traveling.
The Costa Rica travel-planning guide provides additional information for organizing transportation and multi-destination itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica tourism growing in 2026?
Yes. Costa Rica recorded 1,853,430 international air arrivals between January and July 2026, representing a 7% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Total international arrivals through all entry points increased 6.4%.
Which Costa Rica airport is growing faster?
Guanacaste Airport is growing faster by percentage. International arrivals at LIR increased 13.3% through July 2026, compared with approximately 3.6% growth at San José Airport. SJO continues to receive the larger overall number of international passengers.
What new Costa Rica flights are planned for 2026–2027?
British Airways plans five weekly London Heathrow–San José flights from October 2026 through March 2027. Air Canada is scheduled to begin twice-weekly seasonal flights between Vancouver and Guanacaste Airport on December 13, 2026.
Which new Costa Rica hotels are opening in late 2026?
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive is scheduled to open September 10, 2026. Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is accepting reservations beginning October 2, while Hotel Belmar's Artista Villas expansion opened in Monteverde during 2026.
How should travelers plan airport transportation in Costa Rica?
Travelers should first identify their final destination and then compare the most practical international airport. Driving times can vary significantly between regions, so flights, hotel arrival times and ground transportation should be planned together before the trip.
Costa Rica Tourism Outlook for 2026–2027
Costa Rica enters the final months of 2026 with several positive tourism indicators: higher international air arrivals, faster growth at Guanacaste Airport, additional seasonal international flights and expanding hotel inventory.
The long-term performance of the 2026–2027 season will depend on airline capacity, international travel demand and economic conditions, but current figures show continued growth in Costa Rica's international tourism market.
Travelers planning upcoming trips can explore verified private transportation in Costa Rica and coordinate airport transfers around confirmed flight schedules, hotel reservations and destination plans.
