The Spanish language daily La Nación reports that the number of visitors to Costa Rica coming in at the principal airports - San José and Liberia - began to rebound in the last four months after seeing a decrease during 2006.

In the last 12 months ending in March, 1.508.241 people arrived at the Juan Santamaría (San José) and the Daniel Oduber (Liberia) international airports. according to Alterra that operates the Santamaría and the Aviación Civil that operates the Oduber.

During January and December 2006, 1.460.300 passengers landed at both airports. During 2005 the number of visitors rose 13% over the previous year, hitting a record number of 1.569.751 arrivals and then seeing a drop in 2006 of almost 7%.

The rebound over the last several months is generating optimism in the tourism sector.

Carlos Lizama, president of the Asociación Costarricense de Profesionales en Turismo (Acoprot), says that he has received reports from hotel operators, restaurants and car rentals that they are experiencing a more dynamic activity over last year.

Tourism minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, attributes the higher numbers to the increased number of flights and airlines coming into Costa Rica, the confidence in the tourism sector and the increase in investment and growing competition.

An example of the minister's positive spin is the arrival of the first European airline First Choice with direct flights from London, England into Liberia and the recent announcement the Spanish airline, Iberia, who will begin daily flights between Spain and Costa Rica in June.

Also, the Spanish airline Air Comet will begin four weekly direct flights from Madrid, and the recent service by Spirit Airlines between Fort Lauderdale and San José that will be increased to four flights a week in June and twice daily in July, from the current three flights a week. Benavides added that another unidentified US airline will begin regular service to Costa Rica in August.

Sources: La Nacion & www.insidecostarica.com