AGP Executive Report

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.

New Air Access for Guanacaste: Guanacaste Airport (VINCI Airports) and Costa Rica’s tourism board (ICT) announced a new once-weekly charter route from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Guanacaste, running Feb. 5–Apr. 2, 2027, with Apple Vacations operating a 189-seat TUI Airways 737-800NG—aimed at boosting demand and jobs in Guanacaste. Luxury Lodging Upgrade: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo opened 10 new Papagayo Suites (one-bedroom, 1,206 sq. ft.) for arrivals starting Dec. 17, 2026, adding more privacy and indoor-outdoor living in the peak holiday season. Medical Tourism Shift: Costa Rica hospitals report more international patients moving beyond dental and cosmetic work toward inpatient surgery and supervised recovery, reflecting higher-value demand and more complex care. Sustainability Recognition: Arenal Fortuna (San Carlos) won Ibero-America’s “Mature Destination” category at the Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit, highlighting community-led, sustainability-focused tourism growth. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Security & Tourism Pressure: Reporting highlights how rising drug-related violence is reshaping Costa Rica’s political debate and raising concerns about the country’s travel image.

Tourism vs. drug trafficking in Costa Rica’s South Pacific: Local leaders in Golfito and nearby towns say they’re using tourism growth plus added security (including downtown cameras and a monitoring center planned for October) to improve safety and reshape the region’s image despite ongoing investigations. Medical tourism shift: Hospitals report more international visitors now coming for inpatient surgery and anesthesia—not just dental—driving higher spending and deeper care coordination. New luxury stays: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo opened 10 residential-style one-bedroom suites, bookable for peak-season arrivals starting Dec. 17, 2026. Volcano access tightened: Poás Volcano National Park remains open under a green alert, but with stricter rules—helmet use, reduced crater-view capacity, and limited trails. Wildlife discovery: Scientists formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Travel planning reality check: A Canadian school board canceled international trips for the year, including Costa Rica, citing unpredictability and risk. Travel deals & rewards: Rental Escapes is offering up to $5,000 bonus commission through Sept. 30, while Rove added Copa Airlines ConnectMiles transfers with a limited-time bonus.

Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica’s CNE issued a green alert for Poás Volcano National Park after increased seismic activity, eruptions, and gas emissions—keeping the park open but tightening access to only the main viewpoint trail and the Sombrilla de Pobre, with helmets required, reduced crater-viewer capacity (56 per shift), and daily visitors capped at half. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Attorney General says wildlife trafficking is surging online, with complaints rising sharply since 2020 and sellers increasingly using Facebook and encrypted marketplaces to move animals and even taxidermied specimens. Travel Rules for Drivers: Costa Rica has scrapped the old “three-month” limit for foreign licenses; visitors can drive until the deadline stamped in their passport (often up to 180 days), and the article also clarifies limits for riding motorcycles/mopeds. Labor & Tourism Context: Lawmakers approved a “4×3” work schedule reform but excluded public sector employees, shaping how staffing and operations may work across sectors that support travel. Independence Spotlight: Costa Rica is gearing up for its 205th independence anniversary on Sept. 15, including a 378 km Torch relay from the Nicaraguan border to Cartago. Convention Center Win: The Costa Rica Convention Center ranked #60 in “Best Places to Work in Latin America 2026,” building on its national #9 spot.

Labor Reform Watch: Costa Rican lawmakers approved a motion that keeps public-sector workers out of the proposed “4×3” schedule, limiting the 12-hour workday reform to certain private-sector activities—an issue that could affect staffing and operations in tourism-linked industries. Volcano Safety: Poás Volcano National Park is under a green alert after increased seismic activity, with stricter access rules (only specific trails open, helmet required, and lower visitor caps). Wildlife & Conservation: Costa Rica’s wildlife trafficking is increasingly moving to social media and encrypted sales, with complaints rising sharply over recent years—raising risks for eco-tourism and protected species. Marine Life Update: Researchers documented a rare golden ray (xanthism) off Guanacaste, adding to Costa Rica’s biodiversity draw for nature travelers. Tourism Growth & Luxury Pipeline: Hilton signed Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts), targeting a 2029 opening on a beachfront estate—another high-end signal for Manuel Antonio travel. Independence Celebrations: Costa Rica’s 205th independence torch relay (Sept. 15) will run about 378 km with large-scale security and school participation, likely boosting travel demand along the route. Travel Rules for Drivers: Costa Rica clarified that foreign-license driving limits are tied to the passport entry stamp (up to the granted stay, often up to 180 days), and motorcycle rules depend on license class and vehicle specs.

Poás Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica has tightened Poás Volcano National Park rules after an eruption, cutting daily visitors to 1,064 (from 2,052) and requiring helmets on key trails; the crater viewpoint is capped at 56 people for up to 20 minutes. Wildlife Trafficking Online: Costa Rica’s Attorney General says illegal wildlife trade is increasingly moving to Facebook sellers and encrypted marketplaces, with complaints rising sharply since 2020 and wildlife now among the top environmental crimes. New Luxury Hotel Plan in Costa Rica’s Orbit: Hilton announced Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts) for Costa Rica, a 2029 opening on a 40-acre beachfront estate with 173 accommodations and major wellness and dining features. Travel Rules for Drivers: Costa Rica scrapped the old “three-month” driving limit for foreign licenses; your driving deadline now matches the passport entry stamp, and motorcycle rules depend on license class and engine limits. Holiday Planning: August 31 (Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense) falls on a Monday—first time it’s a regular workday—so employers should check non-obligatory pay rules. Cultural Calendar: Limón’s Grand Gala Parade returns as a major Afro-descendant celebration, with music, dance, and Caribbean food.

Poás Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica has tightened rules at Poás Volcano National Park after an eruption early yesterday, cutting daily visitors to 1,064 (from 2,052) and requiring helmets on key trails plus stricter limits at the crater viewpoint (56 people for up to 20 minutes). Luxury Hotel News: Hilton is set to debut its LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica with Maravé Manuel Antonio, a 2029 opening on a nearly 40-acre beachfront estate with 173 accommodations and residences. Caribbean Culture Spotlight: Limón’s Grand Gala Parade returns for Afro-descendant Cultural Month, celebrating Caribbean heritage with music, dance, and traditional food ahead of the Aug. 31 holiday. Wildlife & Conservation: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries to Piedras Blancas National Park to help restore a threatened species after hunters wiped it out about 18 years ago. Local Travel Planning: Costa Rica’s Aug. 31 holiday falls on a Monday this year, affecting pay rules for household and small-business workers—plan for a three-day weekend and check payroll obligations.

Poás Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica tightened Poás Volcano National Park rules after an early-morning eruption, cutting daily visitors to 1,064 (from 2,052) and requiring helmets on key trails plus limiting the crater viewpoint to 56 people for up to 20 minutes. Luxury Hotel News: Hilton announced Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts) will debut in 2029 with 173 accommodations on a 40-acre beachfront estate, plus restaurants, spa, and a beach club. Caribbean Culture Spotlight: Limón’s Grand Gala Parade returns as a major Afro-descendant celebration, with music, dance, and traditional food marking the end of Afro-Cultural Month. Local Travel Timing: Costa Rica’s Aug. 31 holiday (Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense) falls on a Monday this year, affecting closures and holiday pay rules for employers. Wildlife Conservation: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries to Piedras Blancas National Park to help restore a threatened ecosystem after hunting wiped them out decades ago. Retiree Reality Check: A new guide breaks down the real monthly costs of retiring in Costa Rica, including currency and Medicare coverage limits. Adventure Travel Inspiration: A surf-focused stay review highlights The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel and its surf club at Playa Guiones. Community Travel: A men’s basketball mission trip brought clinics and games to schools around San José, using sport to support local youth.

Poás Volcano Update: Costa Rica has tightened Poás Volcano National Park rules after an eruption early yesterday—daily visitors are capped at 1,064 (about half the usual 2,052), helmets are required on key trails, and only 56 people can be at the crater viewpoint for up to 20 minutes. Afro-Caribbean Culture in Limón: The Grand Gala Parade returns for Afro-descendant Cultural Month, celebrating Afro-Costa Rican heritage with music, dance, and Caribbean food. Puerto Viejo Wolaba Parade: Puerto Viejo’s Wolaba Parade brings more than 30 groups to the streets this Saturday, spotlighting Limonese Creole culture and Afro-Caribbean traditions. New Luxury Hotel for 2029: Hilton signed Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts), a nearly 40-acre beachfront estate with 173 accommodations and a spa, set to open in 2029. Retiree Reality Check: A new guide breaks down the real monthly costs of retiring in Costa Rica, including exchange-rate pressure and how Medicare coverage doesn’t work like many expect. Sustainable Tourism Push: Costa Rica is again highlighted as a global leader in sustainable tourism projections for 2026, with growth tied to ecotourism and rural community benefits.

Poás Volcano Update: Costa Rica has tightened Poás Volcano National Park rules after an eruption early yesterday—visitors are now capped at 1,064 per day (about half the previous limit), helmets are required on the main crater trail and the Sombrilla de Pobre trail, and only 56 people can be at the crater viewpoint at once for up to 20 minutes. Afro-Caribbean Culture in Limón: The Grand Gala Parade returns in Limón this Saturday, celebrating Afro-descendant heritage with music, traditional costumes, and Caribbean food ahead of the Aug. 31 holiday. Puerto Viejo Spotlight: Puerto Viejo’s Wolaba Parade brings over 30 groups to the streets this weekend, themed “BIG PARADE – Feel the Vibes,” with performances rooted in the community’s Afro-Caribbean identity. New Luxury Hotel Plan: Hilton signed Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts), a nearly 40-acre beachfront resort expected to open in 2029 with 173 accommodations plus residences. Tourism Safety & Planning: For travelers with U.S. immigration visa interviews in San José, the U.S. State Department says immigrant (permanent residency) appointments are temporarily suspended for staff training, while tourist/business visa appointments are unaffected.

Luxury Hotel News: Hilton has signed Maravé Manuel Antonio (LXR Hotels & Resorts), a new high-end resort on a nearly 40-acre beachfront estate in Costa Rica, slated to open in 2029 with 173 accommodations plus residences, a spa, restaurants, and a beach club. Surf Spot Spotlight: Ivanka Trump shared more Costa Rica surf updates, including a confident session and a celebratory high-five with her instructor, plus a beach horseback ride with her daughter Arabella. Travel & Community: A men’s basketball team from Cornerstone University spent eight days in the greater San José area running clinics at local schools and playing games as part of a mission trip. Wildlife Conservation: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries to Piedras Blancas National Park to help restore a threatened population after local hunting wiped them out. Nature Watch: SINAC is monitoring a rare solitary sea lion sighting on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and asks people to keep distance and avoid interfering. Tourism Demand: Canada is now Costa Rica’s fastest-growing source market, with arrivals up 25.1% in the first seven months of 2026, heavily boosting the Liberia/Guanacaste route. Travel Planning Note: The U.S. Embassy in San José says only immigrant visa (Permanent Residency) interviews are temporarily suspended for training; tourist and business visa appointments are unaffected. Holiday Reminder: Costa Rica’s Aug. 31 Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day falls mid-week and has specific pay rules if employees are required to work.

Wildlife Etiquette: Sloth-spotting is driving tourists to Costa Rica’s parks, but the latest coverage stresses responsible viewing (keep quiet, don’t handle animals, and follow best-practice distances) because “see a sloth” hype can turn into harmful behavior. Surf + Stays: A new look at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel in Guiones highlights surf-school access, on-site instructors, and Blue Zone-style dining—useful for travelers planning a surf-and-wellness trip. Conservation Update: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries to Piedras Blancas National Park to restore a threatened population, with long-term success tied to stopping poaching and maintaining local support. Tourism Demand: Costa Rica is seeing a surge in Canadian arrivals, with Canada up sharply year-over-year and growth concentrated around Guanacaste/Liberia—good news for capacity, but a reminder to book early. Labor Calendar: Aug. 31 (Black Person’s Day/Afro-Costa Rican Culture) falls mid-week and is a mandatory paid holiday, with clear rules on who must work and how pay is calculated. Safety + Health: Sick pelicans continue washing up on the Pacific coast; SENASA reports tests so far are negative for avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and the investigation is widening. Travel Disruption: A passenger recounts a weather diversion that turned a flight into a near-20-hour ordeal, underscoring how quickly travel plans can unravel.

Wildlife & Conservation: Osa Conservation has moved 13 white-lipped peccaries by truck and boat across Golfo Dulce to Piedras Blancas National Park to help restore a species wiped out by hunters, with a long-term push to curb poaching and add more animals this year. Nature Watch: Monteverde’s cloud forest is still drenched by rain, but scientists say it’s “dying of thirst” as warmer conditions lift the cloud base, drying out the mist that epiphytes rely on. Tourism Growth: Canada is now Costa Rica’s fastest-growing source market, with arrivals up 25.1% in the first seven months of 2026, heavily feeding Guanacaste and the Liberia airport. Travel Planning & Visas: The U.S. says it’s temporarily pausing immigration visa appointments in Costa Rica for staff training, while tourist and business visa interviews remain unaffected. Local Calendar: Monday, Aug. 31 is a Costa Rican holiday for Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture, with clear rules on pay if employees work. On-the-Ground Safety: Sick pelicans keep washing up on Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches, and SENASA reports tests so far haven’t found avian influenza or Newcastle disease. Big Events: Costa Rica’s National Stadium (La Sabana) is lining up major international concerts from August to December, expected to boost hotel and restaurant demand in San José.

Tourism Demand: Canada is now the fastest-growing source market for Costa Rica, with arrivals up 25.1% in Jan–Jul versus last year, boosting pressure on northern Pacific beach towns and Liberia’s airport. Wildlife & Safety: SINAC is monitoring a rare, solitary sea lion sighting on the Pacific coast and is urging visitors to keep at least 10 meters away and avoid feeding or loud noise. Labor & Culture: Costa Rica’s Aug. 31 Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture falls mid-week as a mandatory paid holiday—work is generally not required unless agreed, and double pay applies if employees do work. Travel Disruption: A U.S. passenger living in Costa Rica described a weather diversion that turned a Scotland–Chicago trip into a near-20-hour ordeal, including tarmac waiting and delayed customs processing. Air Travel Perks: Air France–KLM Flying Blue status matches are expanding to include UK and Greece, with Costa Rica among eligible countries. Big Events: San José’s National Stadium is set for a record run of major international concerts Aug–Dec, expected to lift hotel occupancy and local spending. Surf & Lifestyle: Tamarindo remains a top surf-nightlife base, while KEY.co says travelers are increasingly booking large vacation homes that function like private resorts.

Tourism & Events: Costa Rica’s National Stadium (La Sabana) is lining up a record run of major international concerts from August to December, with big names like Iron Maiden, Karol G, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, and others—expected to boost hotel occupancy, dining, and short-term jobs around San José. Travel Planning & Airlines: British Airways expands winter long-haul service, adding Melbourne (Jan 9, 2027) and Colombo (Oct 23, 2026), plus more flights including San José. Lodging/Industry: Casago says it has completed the sale of all former Vacasa markets, moving them into local franchise ownership or new structures. Money & Tourism Demand: Despite record tourist arrivals and more foreign currency, Costa Rica’s strong colón is squeezing hotel/restaurant earnings as costs are paid in colones while revenue is in dollars. Practical Travel Note: A passenger recounts how storm diversions turned a Scotland-to-Chicago flight into a 20-hour ordeal—an example of how weather can derail connections. Culture/Adventure: Sussex Academy students spent 11 days in Costa Rica mixing daily community service with rafting on the Pacuare, ziplining in La Fortuna, and surfing off Sámara. Surf Spotlight: Ivanka Trump was photographed surfing in Costa Rica again, reinforcing the country’s pull for active travelers. Health & Safety: Costa Rica’s public cancer care is flagged as vulnerable because brachytherapy depends on a single machine at Hospital México.

Tourism & Money: Costa Rica is setting tourism records, but a strong colón is squeezing hotel and restaurant earnings as visitors spend in dollars while costs are paid in colones, with lodging/food-service growth slowing to 2.6% year-on-year in June. Air Access: British Airways is expanding winter service, adding more flights including to San José (Costa Rica) plus new long-haul destinations like Melbourne and Colombo. Events in San José: La Sabana’s National Stadium is lining up a record run of major international concerts from August to December, with expected boosts for hotels, restaurants, and jobs. Culture Passport: The new Pasaporte Cultural Costa Rica invites visitors and foreign residents to collect stamps at 35 heritage sites across all provinces, free, with a prize for completing the full set. Wildlife & Nature: A Nat Geo photographer spent three years documenting threats to giant anteaters in Brazil, highlighting how habitat loss and roads increase roadkill—plus Costa Rica’s own conservation tourism continues to draw attention. Surf Culture (Celebrity): Ivanka Trump keeps returning to Costa Rica for surfing, including a wipeout moment captured during her latest family trip.