The Central American country has seen an 8,207% increase in passengers year-on-year and Gold Medal has highlighted that this is likely due, in part, to British Airways restarting its non-stop flights from Gatwick to San Jose in May.

In second place on the long-haul operator’s list was Zanzibar, showing 318% growth, followed by China with 287% growth.

In fourth place was Jamaica, showing a 245% upturn, followed Tanzania with 172% growth, Antigua with 99% and Cuba with a 71% increase.

Gordon McCreadie, director of sales and marketing Gold Medal and Travel 2, said: “While travel publications are always looking for the next big thing, our list is a useful reminder to agents that the majority of holidaymakers aren’t so easily swayed by media trends.

“Costa Rica, for example, has seen the biggest growth by far for us this year.

“And, while booking numbers may still be a lot smaller than other destinations, the 8,207%year-on-year growth in interest for the poster child of eco-tourism and wildlife rich destination speaks volumes.

“What’s more, while I suspect this rise has been stimulated by British Airways restarting their non-stop flights from Gatwick to San Jose in May this year, it also reflects the growing desire for a more adventurous style of travel; a trend which is having a far more significant impact on bookings across the industry.”