Tourism Growth: Costa Rica logged 1,605,360 air arrivals in H1 2026, up 7.8% year-over-year, with North America leading (1,210,654; +8.1%) and the U.S. still the top source market. Sustainable Finance: Banco de Costa Rica launched BCR Pyme Acción Turismo, a new financing line for tourism SMEs to boost productivity and climate adaptability, with support from ICT, SBD and GIZ. Coastal Safety Upgrade: Construction has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier in the Gulf of Nicoya, replacing a deteriorated platform and designed to dock up to four vessels at once. Reef Protection Push: Environmental groups kicked off “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to help coral survive El Niño heat stress from Oct 2026 to Feb 2027 by cutting pressures from tourism and maritime activity. Travel Disruption: Route 32 in Braulio Carrillo National Park reopened after a landslide debris closure, easing travel between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast. Luxury Spotlight: Forbes named Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique among five “vacation-worthy” luxury stays worth planning a trip around. Family Travel Support: A Tampa airport autism practice program helped families rehearse flying steps before heading to Costa Rica. Cruise News: Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys expanded its 2028 program, adding “Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast.” Food Tourism Buzz: Travel And Tour World ranked the Americas’ top food destinations for 2026, with Mexico leading the list.