Q COSTARICA — For the first time, Costa Rica was promoted as a tourist destination at an official Formula 1 race.
On Sunday, fans of the sport in Montreal, Canada, not only experienced the excitement of the competition but also got a glimpse of Costa Rica.
Canada is the second largest source of tourists to Costa Rica, with a significant increase in direct flights and high growth potential, which is why the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) decided to make the investment.
During the first four months of 2026, 173,439 Canadian tourists entered the country.
Formula 1 giants such as Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Charles Leclerc, among others, participated in the race, making Costa Rica’s promotion as a destination a five-star event.
“The Formula 1 race in Montreal is one of the most global events, and according to organizers, thousands of people are expected to travel there this weekend. This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity to strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the Canadian market,” highlighted Óscar Saborío, marketing director of the ICT.
During the well-attended event, Costa Rica featured a modernly designed space with a series of experiences, including immersive videos of the country, direct interaction with attendees, virtual tours on mobile devices via QR codes, activities for the public, lounge chairs, and relaxation areas.
This “oasis of experiences” aims to showcase Costa Rica’s main tourist attractions, nature, and biodiversity.