Cruise Boom for Puntarenas: Costa Rica is expecting a big jump in cruise tourism, with INCOP projecting about 150,000 passengers arriving in Puntarenas in the 2026–2027 season (up from roughly 90,000 last season), plus more ship visits—good news for local tours, restaurants, transport, and shops. VAT Hits Foreign Booking Platforms: Starting Tuesday, Costa Rica’s 13% VAT will show up on bills from Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and other foreign digital providers added to the VAT register (prices stay the same, but your card statement will reflect the tax). Chirripó UNESCO Geopark Push: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have opened applications to establish the Chirripó UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to diversify tourism beyond the summit while protecting geological sites and supporting local communities. Wildlife Watch: Ostional’s major olive ridley arribada is underway in Guanacaste, with thousands already nesting and more expected through Friday night and into Saturday morning. Air Access Update: British Airways is moving its San José (Costa Rica) service from Gatwick to Heathrow from Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and better connections. Cost of Coastal Living: A new UNA/PIC study says many coastal residents feel prices have surged—especially real estate, with 85% reporting higher sale prices.