Recent data on Costa Rica’s economic growth indicate that the first quarter of the year has been positive, thanks to the boost from tourism and trade.

Specifically, sources indicate that “tourism and Costa Rican goods exports marked the first months of 2026 with significant growth, while remaining the mainstays of the country’s economy amidst an international context that authorities describe as complex.”

According to figures from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), from January to March the Central American country registered a record 959,738 tourists arriving by air (8.5 % more than in the same period of 2014), marking six consecutive months of growth.

Regarding tourism, it is important to highlight that Costa Rica is home to approximately 6% of the planet’s biodiversity, making it an attractive destination for tourists, in addition to its adventure sports, volcanoes, and beaches ideal for surfing.

Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, stated: “The current tourism and global context is extremely challenging, but it motivates us to continuously improve our product and strengthen our sustainable tourism development model.”

Regarding exports, which have boosted the economy, data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer) indicates that in the first quarter of the year, sales of goods reached $3.383 billion, representing a 6 % increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

The main exported products were medical devices, with a 44 % share, mostly from US companies operating in Costa Rica; pineapples (6 %), bananas (4 %), syrups and concentrates for beverages (3 %), and coffee (2 %).

M.Pino

Source: swissinfo

(Reference image: Jorge Luis Duarte G on Unsplash)

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