Yellow Fever Rules for Travelers: Starting Oct. 1, Costa Ricans and residents must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate (digital certificate accepted) when traveling to eight higher-risk destinations, with exemptions for age, pregnancy/breastfeeding, allergies, or severe immunosuppression. Tourism Rivalry Debate: Costa Rica’s tourism institute says the real competition is far beyond Central America—pointing to Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand—while local chambers argue rivals include Panama, Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, especially as a stronger colón squeezes visitor budgets. Air Connections for Winter: Air Canada is expanding its 2026–27 winter network from Europe via Toronto and Montreal, adding or increasing service to Latin America and naming Costa Rica among the destinations. Luxury Resort Growth in Guanacaste: Steve Case’s Punta Cacique on Costa Rica’s Cacique Peninsula is taking shape as a luxury resort and residential community, with the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique already operating. Flooding After Tropical Wave 47: More than 400 homes were flooded after Tropical Wave 47 rains, with impacts reported in Fraijanes, Sarapiquí, Pococí, Guatuso and Liberia. Costa Rica’s Tourism Jobs Pressure: Costa Rica’s tourism sector reportedly lost 20,000 jobs as the strong colón hit small operators.