AGP Executive Report

Guanacaste Tourism Surge: Costa Rica’s tourism numbers keep climbing: ICT reports 1,853,430 international air arrivals in Jan–Jul 2026 (+122,014 vs. 2025), with Guanacaste’s Daniel Oduber Airport driving two-thirds of the net growth (81,959 more visitors; 67.2% share). Airport Connectivity Watch: Guanacaste’s growth is tied to airline partnerships and a heavier North American mix (96.9% of arrivals), but the report notes mid-year momentum may be slowing. US Travel Planning for Cruise Stops: The U.S. State Department updated its Panama cruise-destination advisory, renewing a crime warning and flagging higher-risk areas—useful for travelers building Central America itineraries. Visa Fast-Track Update: The U.S. expanded its $750 paid fast-track visa appointment pilot to Costa Rica (plus Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras), offering earlier interview scheduling for eligible B1/B2 applicants. Weather Reminder: Costa Rica’s IMN says weekend instability is returning after recent calmer conditions, with Saturday shaping up as the wettest day—plan outdoor activities for mornings. Luxury Travel Spotlight: Four Seasons’ new Wellness Villa at Peninsula Papagayo is pitching science-backed retreats for high-end travelers, reinforcing Guanacaste’s premium positioning.

U.S. Travel Advisory Update: The U.S. State Department kept a Level 2 crime warning for Panama, urging travelers to use extra caution and avoid high-risk areas like Mosquito Gulf and the Darién Region. Luxury All-Inclusive in Costa Rica: JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort All-Inclusive in Guanacaste is leaning into a new wave of “luxury all-inclusive” expectations—high-end food, service, and experiences with everything prepaid. Digital Nomads & Relocation: A guide highlights why Costa Rica is becoming a digital nomad hotspot, but stresses the real-world paperwork hurdles (income proof, insurance, banking, housing). Local Transport Costs: Costa Rica raised bus fares on Route 505 between San José and the Nicaragua border (Peñas Blancas and La Cruz), with new prices published in La Gaceta. Wellness Tourism: Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo’s Wellness Villa at Casa Del Mar is marketing a science-backed, ultra-private retreat experience. Nature & Whale Tourism: A Costa Rican documentary premiered on Golfo Dulce, billed as the “womb of the Pacific,” where humpback whales from two hemispheres overlap. Open Water Event: Bahía Tambor in the Gulf of Nicoya was confirmed as a star stop for the Open Water Circuit, with sustainability rules in place. Visa Fast-Track Expansion: The U.S. expanded its $750 paid fast-track visa interview pilot to Costa Rica and other countries, offering interviews within 10 business days if eligible. Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN says weekend instability will return, with Saturday expected to be the wettest day—plan outdoor activities for the morning.

Tech & Innovation: Costa Rica’s PCII and MICITT are teaming up with EU partners to launch a Central American 5G Innovation Hackathon (Oct. 5–9), using Costa Rica’s 5G Testbed to spur regional prototypes. Travel Disruption Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN warns weekend instability will bring the wettest conditions Saturday, with storms most likely to hit afternoons, especially the Puntarenas coast. Getting Around (Guanacaste/Nicaragua): Bus fares on Route 505 from San José to Peñas Blancas and La Cruz rose sharply after ARESEP approved updated pricing. Tourism & Experiences: Bahía Tambor in the Gulf of Nicoya is set to debut as a star venue for the Open Water Circuit, with a focus on sustainability. Luxury Travel Trend: JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort All-Inclusive in Guanacaste is pushing the idea that luxury travelers now expect all-inclusive quality plus convenience. Nature & Wildlife: A Costa Rica documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” spotlights Golfo Dulce as a rare overlap zone for humpback whales from both hemispheres. Local Food & Culture: Maleku Chocolate (Guanacaste) won an international bronze medal, adding to its growing awards list.

Shoulder-Season Shift: Virtuoso Travel Week data says European fall luxury bookings are up 49%, with advisors steering travelers toward thinner crowds and better value. Repositioning Cruises: One-way seasonal sailings are gaining steam for transatlantic travelers, offering longer sea days and a potential single-flight perk for U.S. homeports. All-Inclusive, Upmarket: JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort All-Inclusive in Guanacaste signals luxury brands fully embracing the all-inclusive model. Guanacaste Spotlight: A travel guide highlights Guanacaste’s drier beach weather, culture, and easy access via Playas del Coco. Costa Rica Weather Watch: IMN warns weekend instability returns—Saturday is shaping up as the wettest day, with storms most likely in the afternoon. Transport Update: Bus fares on Route 505 (San José–Peñas Blancas and San José–La Cruz) rise sharply, effective after publication in La Gaceta. Sports Tourism: Bahía Tambor is set as a star venue for the Open Water Circuit leg in the Gulf of Nicoya. Wildlife Content: A Costa Rica documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” spotlights Golfo Dulce’s rare overlap of whale populations. Local Governance: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court orders Osa to remove unapproved beachfront businesses and makeshift structures at Playa Dominical.

US Travel Access: The U.S. expanded its $750 fast-track visa interview pilot to include Costa Rica (along with Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras), letting eligible B-visa applicants book an interview within 10 business days (subject to availability). Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s weekend forecast turns stormy again after a brief lull—IMN warns Saturday is likely the wettest day, with storms building in the afternoon, especially affecting the Puntarenas coast. Coastal & Nature Tourism: A new Costa Rican documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” spotlights Golfo Dulce as a rare overlap zone for humpback whales from both hemispheres, with filming across the gulf and Bahía Ballena. Local Transport Costs: Bus fares on Route 505 (San José to the Nicaragua border) rose sharply, including the San José–Peñas Blancas and San José–La Cruz segments. Conservation & Community: The Open Water Circuit is set to feature Bahía Tambor in the Gulf of Nicoya, aiming to boost sports tourism while following strict sustainability rules.

Costa Rica Wellness & Luxury: Four Seasons’ Peninsula Papagayo is spotlighting a high-end Wellness Villa with a personal advisor, private chef, training, and science-backed plans—another signal that Costa Rica is leaning hard into premium “reconnection” travel. Medical Tourism Push: Costa Rica’s new dental clinic certification targets foreign patients with bilingual staff, safety standards, and logistics support, aiming to capture higher-spending visitors (especially from the U.S.). Nature & Wildlife Tourism: A Costa Rican documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” premieres on Canal 7, focusing on Golfo Dulce where humpback whales from both hemispheres overlap. Transport Costs for Cross-Border Travelers: Bus fares on Route 505 (San José to the Nicaragua border at Peñas Blancas, plus La Cruz) rose sharply after ARESEP approval—important for travelers and border commuters. Coastal Land Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court orders Osa municipality to remove unapproved beachfront businesses and makeshift structures at Playa Dominical, with possible referral to prosecutors if it doesn’t comply. Sports Tourism: Bahía Tambor in the Gulf of Nicoya is set to debut as a star venue for the Open Water Circuit, with sustainability rules in place. Visa Access Update (for travelers): The U.S. expanded its $750 expedited visa interview pilot to include Costa Rica, offering earlier appointments within 10 business days (subject to availability).

Open Water Sports Tourism: Bahía Tambor in the Gulf of Nicoya has been confirmed as a star stop for the Open Water Circuit, with strict sustainability rules aimed at protecting the marine and coastal ecosystem. Wildlife & Media: A new Costa Rica documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” spotlights how humpback whales from two hemispheres overlap in Golfo Dulce, with filming across the gulf and Bahía Ballena and a free online release after TV premiere. Border Travel Costs: Bus fares on Route 505 (San José to the Nicaragua border) jumped sharply, including ₡5,820→₡7,430 to Peñas Blancas and ₡5,450→₡6,960 to La Cruz, affecting travelers and cross-border commuters. Beach Access Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court orders the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning of possible prosecution if officials don’t comply. Dental Tourism Push: Costa Rica is rolling out a certification for dental clinics targeting foreign patients, signaling a push to capture higher-spending medical travelers—especially from the U.S. Energy Update: The Abangares Solar Park project moves forward to strengthen clean power generation and energy security in Guanacaste.

Beach Land-Use Crackdown: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court orders Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning officials could face prosecutors if they don’t comply. Medical Tourism Push: Costa Rica rolls out a new dental tourism certification for clinics that treat international patients, aiming to capture higher-spending visitors—especially from the U.S. Wellness Tourism Strategy: The country promotes its “Wellness Pura Vida” plan, positioning nature-based reconnection and longevity-focused experiences as a national tourism brand. Health System Disruption: Nurses at Hospital México walk off the job after talks fail, citing staffing shortages and working-condition disputes, disrupting inpatient care. Energy for Tourism Regions: Guanacaste’s Coopeguanacaste advances the Abangares Solar Park to strengthen clean power supply during the dry season. Travel Policy Update: The U.S. State Department tests a $750 fee for faster B1/B2 visa interview appointments in select countries, with Costa Rica listed among participating missions. Wildlife & Nature: A court case also highlights ongoing environmental pressures, while separate coverage notes invasive lionfish spread across the Western Atlantic after aquarium releases.

US Visa Update for Travelers: The U.S. State Department launched a pilot for a $750 fee to book earlier B1/B2 visa interview appointments (within 10 business days, if available), while still requiring standard security checks; Costa Rica Tourism Strategy: Costa Rica is rolling out its “Wellness Pura Vida” push, branding nature-based reconnection, mental health experiences, and active longevity as core tourism products; Energy & Infrastructure: Coopeguanacaste is moving ahead with the Abangares Solar Park to strengthen grid reliability during the dry season and expand renewable power for tens of thousands of families; Airport & Ground Travel: Adobe Rent a Car shared how pickup works at SJO and LIR, including terminal desk coordination and free shuttle service; Health Services Disruption: Nurses at Hospital México walked off the job after talks stalled, citing staffing shortages and working-condition disputes, impacting inpatient coverage; Wildlife & Nature Travel: A Costa Rica study-abroad trip is immersing students in tropical field research, including leatherback sea turtle nesting monitoring at Pacuare Reserve.

Tourism & Airports: Costa Rica logged 2.0M international arrivals in Jan–Jul 2026, up 6.4%, with Guanacaste’s Liberia airport leading growth (698,079 visitors, +13.3%)—a boost for travelers heading to Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and the Nicoya Peninsula. Wellness Tourism: Costa Rica rolled out the “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy, pitching nature-led reconnection, mental health, and active longevity experiences across the country. Energy & Infrastructure: Coopeguanacaste is pushing the Abangares Solar Park to strengthen dry-season power supply and expand renewable generation, supporting tens of thousands of families. Health Services: Nurses at Hospital México walked off the job after talks stalled, with 181 of 275 nurses joining the action and care disruptions reported in inpatient areas. Travel Policy (US): The U.S. State Department began a pilot charging $750 for expedited B1/B2 visa interview appointments in select countries, including Costa Rica, aiming for interview slots within 10 business days (not faster processing). Retiree Safety: A retirement-focused report highlights Costa Rica as one of the safer options for expats, while warning about petty crime. Local Culture: San José’s Galería Namu remains shuttered after its 2024 closure, ending a long-running cultural stop for visitors.

Tourism & Wellness: Costa Rica is pushing its new “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy, pitching the country as a holistic longevity destination built around nature reconnection, forest bathing, and active wellbeing experiences. Energy & Infrastructure: Coopeguanacaste is moving forward with the Abangares Solar Park to strengthen clean power supply during the dry season and support Guanacaste’s tourism economy. Travel Disruptions: Heavy rains and tropical waves have triggered flooding and major disruptions, with hundreds displaced and schools closed in affected regions, while the government faces pressure to issue an emergency declaration for the Caribbean coast. Airport Watch: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is outpacing the main gateway, with strong growth in international arrivals and more visitors flying directly toward northern Pacific beach areas. Retiree Safety: A new expat-focused report highlights Costa Rica as one of the safest places for retirees, while still warning about petty crime and car valuables. Local Life for Visitors: A mobility study finds 80% of Costa Ricans use apps like rideshare platforms, signaling easier day-to-day movement for travelers too. Biodiversity & Conservation: A newly highlighted “coffee frog” species is drawing attention to how pesticide use and habitat pressures on coffee farms could threaten local wildlife.

Costa Rica Flooding & Travel Disruptions: Two tropical waves hit Costa Rica in three days, sending nearly 500 people to emergency shelters, closing 862 schools, and keeping the Caribbean coast, Northern Zone and Turrialba under an orange alert as saturated ground makes even lighter rain risky. Airport Growth for Beach Travelers: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is outpacing the main gateway, welcoming 698,079 international tourists in Jan–Jul (+13.3%), with July arrivals up 12.6%, making it easier to fly straight to Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and the Nicoya Peninsula. Emergency Declaration Pressure (Limón): President Laura Fernández toured flood-damaged Limón communities as lawmakers pushed for a formal emergency declaration to speed up funding and reconstruction. Wildlife on Coffee Farms: A Costa Rican “coffee frog” species (Isthmohyla nacientes) is highlighted as potentially threatened by pesticide runoff and habitat pressures—an eye-opener for eco-minded visitors. Digital Nomads & Remote Work Interest: A study ranks Costa Rica among the top digital-nomad destinations, alongside Georgia, Spain and others, reflecting growing demand for longer stays and work-friendly travel. Car Rental Pickup Clarity (SJO/LIR): Adobe Rent a Car published details on how travelers collect vehicles at Juan Santamaría (SJO) and Daniel Oduber (LIR), including terminal desk coordination and free shuttle service. Mobility Apps Adoption: A new survey finds 80% of Costa Ricans use mobility platforms, with strong approval tied to upfront pricing and safer, more transparent urban transport.

Airport Car Pickup Clarity: Adobe Rent a Car laid out how travelers collect vehicles at SJO and LIR, including the in-terminal desk, shuttle to the nearby office, and how flight numbers are used to coordinate handover. Exchange Rate Watch: The dollar keeps sliding in Costa Rica, hitting ¢448.96, with analysts pointing to bi-weekly colón demand from salary payments and delays in how rate cuts feed through. Mobility Apps & Regulation: A new study says 80% of Costa Ricans use mobility platforms, with strong approval for upfront pricing and driver identification—plus growing calls for safer, more transparent rules. Surfing Spotlight: The Garabito Surf City Pro at Playa Hermosa moves into quarterfinals, semifinals and a final session, with Costa Rican surfers pushing for home momentum. Waste Hitting Tourism: Guacalillo Beach is seeing ongoing trash wash up from the Tárcoles River, driving weekend cleanups and highlighting how upstream dumping and heavy rains keep undermining beach tourism. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: A coffee-farm “coffee frog” species is back in the spotlight, while researchers also monitor an agami heron refuge near Caño Negro—both tied to habitat pressures and conservation needs. Travel Safety for Retirees: International Living ranks Costa Rica among the safest retirement picks, while warning visitors about petty crime and leaving valuables in cars. Dental Tourism Boom: New figures highlight Costa Rica’s growing role in dental tourism, with many patients coming from the U.S. and spending far more than typical travelers. Digital Nomad Interest: Spain tops a global digital-nomad ranking, but Costa Rica lands in the top five—fueling continued interest in remote-work travel. Scam Alert: AI can geolocate ordinary holiday photos, so scammers may use your images to guess where you are and target you. Mother’s Day Holiday: Costa Rica’s Día de la Madre is a fixed national holiday on Aug. 15 (no Monday transfer), with pay rules that can mean double time for those who work.

Surf & Events: The World Surf League Garabito Surf City Pro is in full swing at Playa Hermosa, with Costa Rican surfers pushing through quarterfinals, semifinals and a final run in one session. Weather Watch: Costa Rica has a yellow alert as Tropical Wave No. 32 brings rain into the weekend, with the Caribbean and Northern Zone first and the Pacific later—plus gusty winds that can affect travel plans. Beach & Environment: Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River is seeing heavy trash wash-ups, with volunteers cleaning regularly but new debris arriving after rains—an ongoing headache for both residents and tourism. Wildlife Tourism: A private estate near Caño Negro is now a key refuge for about 1,000 agami herons, with UNED researchers monitoring nests and breeding success. Medical Travel: Costa Rica continues to draw dental tourists from the U.S., with dental care making up a large share of international medical services and boosting local tourism-linked spending. Solo Travel Rankings: Travel And Tour World lists Costa Rica among the top solo destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026. Local Culture: Costa Rican Mother’s Day is a full national holiday on Aug. 15, with offices and many services shut.

Surf & Events: The World Surf League Garabito Surf City Pro is in its decisive stage at Playa Hermosa, with quarterfinals, semifinals and the final set to run in one session starting early morning. Weather & Roads: Costa Rica has a Yellow Alert as Tropical Wave No. 32 brings rain into the weekend, with the Caribbean and eastern Northern Zone seeing showers first and the Pacific later—check routes before you go. Beach Safety & Waste: Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River mouth is getting hit by recurring trash wash-ups, from plastics and cardboard to syringes, with weekend cleanups struggling against fresh debris after heavy rain. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: A private estate near Caño Negro is becoming a key refuge for about 1,000 agami herons, with UNED researchers monitoring nests and breeding success. Travel Demand: Costa Rica continues to climb as a solo-travel favorite and a medical/dental tourism hub, with dental tourism driving a big share of international health visits.

Beach Cleanup Crisis: Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River is getting hit hard by trash flowing from the Central Valley, with volunteers finding everything from plastic and cardboard to syringes and cosmetics—prompting weekend cleanups that keep getting undone by heavy rain. Travel Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN raised yellow alert for the Caribbean and eastern Northern Zone as Tropical Wave No. 32 brings rain through the weekend, with wind gusts and showers likely to affect road plans and beach time. Tourism Demand Signal: A new study highlights Costa Rica’s growing pull for dental tourism, with millions of U.S. adults traveling for care and Costa Rica capturing a big share—driven by cost, insurance gaps, and the chance to combine treatment with a vacation. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Researchers are monitoring a rare agami heron colony near Caño Negro after about 1,000 birds took refuge on a private estate, adding a fresh conservation story for eco-minded visitors. Getting There: Southwest is expanding international service from Nashville, including new Saturday flights to Liberia, Costa Rica starting March 2027. On-the-Ground Experience: The water taxi from Sierpe to Drake Bay is being spotlighted as a memorable ride through mangroves and wilderness—more adventure than transport.