According to figures from the Costa Rican Institute Of Tourism, Costa Rica set another record in the number of international arrivals: they were 2,925,128 by all ports during 2016. There was a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2015.
More than 70% of international arrivals were registered by air, which represents the main mean to enter the country. 2016 had a 13.8% growth.
Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, explained that Juan Santamaría International Airport surpassed one and a half million international arrivals, being the main international airport of the country. In the case of Daniel Oduber Airport, it had more than 570 thousand arrivals. Both airports recorded the highest figures in their history.
For the second consecutive year, more than one million Americans entered the country. Similarly, Europe increased its dynamism in Costa Rica.
In addition, for the first time, the United Kingdom is consolidated as the main European country issuing tourists, with a growth of 50.3% by all routes and 56.5% by air.
International arrivals are not equal to tourist arrivals, but according to the ICT, they establish a similar trend.