06 Mar 2020
The latest figures from the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) show that 78,562 visitors from the UK travelled to Costa Rica in 2019 – representing an increase of 5.7% on the previous year. The United Kingdom retains its position as Costa Rica's second largest source market in Europe.
This steady growth is a reflection of the upward trend in UK visitors to Costa Rica that has been seen in the last few years, enhanced by the launch of the BA direct flights from London to San José, Costa Rica's capital city, in April 2016.
Other European countries that have seen an increase in visitors in 2019 are Germany (80,580; +8.1%), France (77,013; +4%), Spain (69,745; +1.6) and Italy (30,196; +3.5%).
Rob Wilson, UK Representative of ICT, comments on the figures: “We are thrilled to see how UK travellers continue to choose Costa Rica as one of their preferred holiday destinations in Central America. The tiny country delights and surprises people every time they visit: from adrenaline-rush adventures to wellness and relaxation, without forgetting the nature and wildlife, which is built into Costa Rica's DNA. The country's dedication to sustainable tourism is also a key driver for today's traveller.”
In total, Costa Rica welcomed 3,139,008 worldwide visitors in 2019, a 4.1% upsurge compared to 2018.
Having been chosen as one of the world's Top Ten Countries for travel in 2020 by Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel guide, Costa Rica offers visitors an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates. The country shelters approximately 6.5% of the world's biodiversity and currently holds the United Nation's Champions of the Earth award for its commitment to ambitious policies to combat climate change.
For more information about Costa Rica, please visit: www.visitcostarica.com/uk
Notes to Editors:
About Costa Rica
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica offers visitors an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates meaning a trip to this Central American country is anything but run of the mill. The country proudly shelters approximately 6.5% of the known biodiversity in the world and has become a global leader in sustainable practices. Visitors to Costa Rica enjoy a highly organised tourism infrastructure offering a broad terrain of activities and accommodations.
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)
Established in 1955, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), alongside its partners in the private sector, spearheads the vital task of regulating and promoting Costa Rica's extensive tourism offerings.
For further media information, please contact:
Enrique Martin and Angela Maini at Four Travel
Tel: 0203 697 4200 or email: costarica@fourcommunications.com
