Happiness & Health: Costa Rica climbed to 4th in the 2026 World Happiness Report, with the report pointing to education and healthcare spending, plus Blue Zone-style lifestyle factors on places like the Nicoya Peninsula. Tourism Growth in the South Pacific: Local leaders in Costa Rica’s South Pacific say tourism is helping shift perceptions and reduce day-to-day crime concerns, with added security steps in places like Golfito aimed at supporting visitor growth. New Air Access: Guanacaste Airport (Liberia) and the Costa Rican Tourism Board announced a new once-weekly charter route from Chicago Rockford (RFD) running Feb. 5–Apr. 2, 2027, managed by Apple Vacations. Medical Tourism Shift: Costa Rica’s medical tourism is moving beyond dental and quick procedures, with hospitals reporting more international patients seeking inpatient surgery and longer supervised recovery. Sustainable Destination Award: Arenal Fortuna in San Carlos received top honors as a “Mature Sustainable Destination” at an Ibero-American sustainable tourism summit in Mexico City. Wellness Retreat Spotlight: Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is promoting a wellness retreat that blends luxury with Costa Rican culture, spiritual practices, and restorative treatments. Adventure Travel Recertification: Exodus Adventure Travels re-certified as a B Corp, highlighting wildlife conservation and habitat restoration tied to its trips. Costa Rica in the News (Global): A new World Happiness Report ranking also placed Costa Rica among the top countries globally, reinforcing its travel appeal for visitors chasing both nature and wellbeing.