AGP Executive Report

Health Alert for Travelers: The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya reappeared, with local spread confirmed in Playa Langosta; the Ministry of Health says the outbreak was identified July 1, and the U.S. Embassy notes both locals and visitors are affected—so travelers are urged to use enhanced mosquito precautions. Road & Flood Disruptions: Heavy rain and landslides are disrupting Caribbean-bound travel, with Route 32 (San José–Limón) repeatedly closing near the Zurquí tunnel and alternate routes also affected, including closures in Sarapiquí. Tourism & Travel Infrastructure: Southwest Airlines has canceled its planned Las Vegas–Costa Rica nonstop before launch, citing elevated fuel costs and aircraft efficiency, while tourism officials previously welcomed the link as a new option for western U.S. travelers. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica authorities rescued an endangered squirrel monkey (titi) from illegal trade in Coto Brus after a citizen complaint, with the animal moved for veterinary care and possible return to habitat. Travel Culture Spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica a top pick for Gen Z travelers, highlighting spots like Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo, and the Peninsula Papagayo.

Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 warning for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste (Playa Langosta) after chikungunya was confirmed circulating locally in mosquitoes, meaning travelers face risk from bites in the area—not just from imported cases. Family Travel Deals: Multiple outlets highlight how to book all-inclusive family resorts using hotel points (notably Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy), with options across the Americas. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica authorities rescued an endangered squirrel monkey (titi) from illegal trade in Coto Brus after a citizen complaint, with the animal headed to a licensed center for veterinary care and possible reintroduction. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island prison—often compared to “Alcatraz”—is being promoted through guided tours that spotlight its preserved history and coastal setting. Air Access: Iberojet will add a third weekly Madrid–San José flight starting late November, boosting a key Europe link ahead of peak season. Travel Disruption: Southwest canceled its planned Las Vegas–Costa Rica nonstop before launch, citing operational and fuel-cost pressures. Gen Z Spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica among top picks for Gen Z travelers, pointing to Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo, and Peninsula Papagayo.

Public Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste (focused on Playa Langosta) after confirmed local chikungunya transmission, meaning mosquitoes in the area can spread the virus—not just travelers who arrived infected. Mosquito Precautions: Health guidance highlights using repellent (DEET or picaridin), wearing loose light clothing, and taking extra bite-prevention steps during daytime exposure. Tourism & Travel Context: The outbreak is tied to one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach hubs for U.S. visitors, so travelers may want to adjust plans and stay alert to local updates. Costa Rica in the Spotlight: Separate travel-related coverage also notes Costa Rica’s growing visibility in international media and tourism conversations, from film-industry activity to destination awards.

Tourism & Safety: The CDC issued a Level 2 warning for Americans traveling to Costa Rica due to chikungunya activity, advising extra mosquito protection (repellent, long sleeves/pants, screened or air-conditioned lodging) and noting higher risk for newborns, older adults, and people with conditions. Travel Infrastructure: San José’s airport is getting its first hotel, a sign of continued upgrades aimed at smoother arrivals and longer stays. Air Access: WestJet plans new winter routes that include nonstop service to Liberia, Costa Rica, boosting Canadian connectivity for peak season. Nature & Community: Costa Rica is mobilizing communities to protect threatened coral reefs, with local action framed as key to long-term conservation. Travel Inspiration: National Geographic Traveller (UK) launched its 2026 Reader Awards, with a prize that includes a 15-day wildlife holiday in Costa Rica. Sports (Costa Rica in the mix): Costa Rica is listed in Concacaf Nations League League A for the 2026/27 group stage draw.

CDC Health Alert: The U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province amid chikungunya activity, including Playa Langosta—urging extra mosquito-bite protection (repellent, long sleeves, screens/AC) and noting higher risk for newborns and older adults. New Hotel at the Airport: San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport is getting its first on-site hotel: the Moxy (173 rooms), linked by a pedestrian bridge so guests can walk to check-in kiosks and the departure hall without going outside. Air Connectivity Boost: WestJet is adding winter 2026–2027 nonstop service to Liberia, Costa Rica, as part of a broader expansion of routes from Canada. Travel Inspiration & Wellness: A new National Geographic Traveller (UK) Reader Awards program is launching with a prize that includes a 15-day wildlife holiday in Costa Rica, spotlighting responsible travel and emerging destination trends. Celebrity Travel Buzz: Tyler Posey and Phem shared honeymoon photos from Costa Rica, adding fresh social-media attention to the country’s “Pura Vida” appeal. Tourism-Adjacent Culture: Rosalía dedicated a song and displayed the Costa Rican flag during a Bogotá concert after spotting fans who traveled from Costa Rica.

Health Alert for Travelers: The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province due to chikungunya, with extra precautions urged around Playa Langosta—use insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, and consider screened or air-conditioned lodging. New Hotel at San José Airport: Construction is underway on the Moxy at Juan Santamaría International Airport, set to open around mid-2027, with a pedestrian bridge so guests can walk to the terminal and even use hotel kiosks for check-in and baggage tags. More Direct Flights to Costa Rica: WestJet will add a new nonstop Winnipeg–Belize City route and also expand Costa Rica service from Canada; separately, Southwest is launching Saturday nonstop Austin–San José starting March 13. Tourism & Travel Business Buzz: ITB Americas 2026 (Nov 10–12) is ramping up as a Pan-American B2B travel marketplace with 70% of the exhibition floor already sold. Celebrity Travel Spotlight: Tyler Posey shared honeymoon photos from Costa Rica, highlighting hikes, beaches, and the “Pura Vida” vibe. Local Travel Planning Tip: Costa Rica’s July 25 (Annexation of Nicoya) and Aug 2 (Virgen de los Ángeles) holidays have different pay rules, so travelers with work plans should double-check schedules and payroll expectations.

New Hotel at San José Airport: Marriott’s Moxy at Juan Santamaría is under construction and will be the first in Central America to connect directly to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge, with check-in kiosks and baggage-tag printing—targeting mid-2027 opening. Health Alert for Beach Travelers: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for chikungunya in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, focused on Playa Langosta; officials report local mosquito transmission and recommend extra bite protection. More Direct Flights to Costa Rica: Southwest launches a new Austin–San José nonstop on March 13 (Saturdays), adding another easy gateway for U.S. travelers. Guanacaste Gets More Canada Service: WestJet will add Ottawa–Liberia direct flights starting Dec. 20, 2026 (Sundays through early April 2027). Tourism Inspiration & Celebrity Buzz: Tyler Posey and his wife shared honeymoon photos in Costa Rica, highlighting hikes, beaches, and the “Pura Vida” vibe. Local Travel Planning Tip: Costa Rica’s July 25 (Nicoya annexation) and Aug. 2 (Virgen de los Ángeles) holidays have different pay rules—worth double-checking for payroll accuracy.

Health Alert (Chikungunya): The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, focusing on Playa Langosta, after local mosquito-borne chikungunya cases rose. Travelers are urged to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and choose screened or air-conditioned lodging. Air Access (Southwest): Southwest Airlines will launch a new nonstop Saturday route from Austin to San José starting March 13, adding another direct option for U.S. travelers heading to Costa Rica. Cruise Planning (2027): Carnival is adding 32 rare cruises for 2027, including “Carnival Journeys” itineraries that go beyond standard ports—useful for travelers building longer vacation plans that may include Costa Rica-area stops. Travel Safety Tip: A portable carbon monoxide detector is being highlighted as a lifesaver for trips, since the gas is odorless and can be mistaken for “flu-like” symptoms.

Health & Safety: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica after a chikungunya outbreak in Guanacaste (notably Playa Langosta/Santa Cruz), urging U.S. travelers to take enhanced precautions as local mosquito transmission is now underway. Tourism & Travel Planning: A new “ocean time” guide highlights how coastal trips can boost mood and sleep—while also stressing ways tourism can protect the shoreline. Air Connectivity: Air Canada adds winter nonstop options from Canada to the Caribbean and Central America, including new service to Roatán and routes involving Santo Domingo and Mérida. Lodging & Luxury: Hotel Equities will manage SLS Punta del Este in Uruguay (opening early 2029), bringing a condo-hotel rental program and a wellness-focused guest experience. Cruises: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises unveiled new 2027–28 itineraries, including a Costa Rica–linked arrival under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and expanded expedition-style exploration. Local Health Administration: Panama and Costa Rica introduced a binational health card to help migrant workers (including Ngäbe Buglé communities) keep medical care continuity across borders.

New Direct Flights to Guanacaste: WestJet will launch a weekly Ottawa (YOW)–Guanacaste (LIR) nonstop starting Dec 20, 2026 through Apr 4, 2027, adding to its growing Canadian network into Liberia. More U.S. Access for Guanacaste: United Airlines will begin daily Guanacaste (LIR)–Washington Dulles (IAD) service Dec 17, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027, using a 737 MAX 9. Health Update (Mpox): Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed a third mpox case— a 37-year-old man in Heredia linked to the second case—reported as stable and under isolation. Tourism Trend (All-Inclusive): A look at how all-inclusive travel is shedding its old “buffet-and-daiquiri” image and expanding into higher-end resorts, including a Costa Rica opening noted for September. Wellness Stay in La Fortuna: The Vessyl opens as a 4D sound wellness resort under Arenal’s rainforest canopy, pitching nervous-system regulation and immersive nature experiences. Local Infrastructure/Travel Planning: Southwest scrapped a planned LAS–San José (SJO) international route before the first flight, a reminder to double-check schedules. Culture & Travel Ideas: A Costa Rica-focused guide highlights night hikes and “blue space” coastal travel planning that aims to protect the sea.

New Direct Flights to Guanacaste: Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is adding winter nonstop service to Ottawa (YOW) starting Dec 20, 2026, with WestJet operating weekly Sundays through Apr 4, 2027—another boost for Canadian beach travel. More U.S. Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the first nonstop Washington-Dulles (IAD)–Guanacaste route on Dec 17, 2026, running daily until Jan 4, 2027. Health Update—Mpox: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed a third mpox case, a 37-year-old man in Heredia linked to the second case; the patient is stable and isolating. Wellness Resort Opens: The Vessyl debuts in Costa Rica as a 4D Sound Wellness Resort near Arenal, aiming to blend immersive sound, nature, and nervous-system regulation. All-Inclusive Trend Hits Costa Rica: A new wave of upgraded all-inclusive stays is spreading to major hotel brands, with Costa Rica set to welcome a JW Marriott all-inclusive in September. Road Safety Alert: A bridge on Route 235 toward Manuel Antonio has been flagged for “imminent failure” after severe corrosion findings. Tourism Push to South America: ICT is targeting Argentina and Chile with a 2026–2027 strategy, including Argentine creator visits to spotlight eco-adventure ahead of peak travel. Weather Watch: Windy conditions today, with the heaviest rain expected Tuesday—especially on the Caribbean and Northern Zone.

New Air Links: United Airlines will launch the first nonstop flight from Guanacaste (LIR) to Washington-Dulles (IAD) on Dec 17, 2026, running daily through Jan 4, 2027—an East Coast boost for peak-season travelers. Resort Spotlight: The Vessyl opens near La Fortuna as the world’s first 4D Sound Wellness Resort, aiming to blend immersive sound, nature, movement and community for nervous-system “reconnection.” Cruise & Nature Travel: PONANT EXPLORATIONS adds a Costa Rica by Sea itinerary for 2028, pairing small-ship sailing with Smithsonian Journeys experts. Infrastructure for Visitors: Construction has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier (Gulf of Nicoya), designed to replace a deteriorated platform and improve safer, faster boarding. Weather Watch: Expect windy conditions today, then heavier rain Tuesday—worst on the Caribbean and Northern Zone, with higher slide/road ponding risk. Tourism Performance: ICT reports Costa Rica’s first-half 2026 air arrivals rose 7.8% to 1,605,360 tourists, with North America leading. Sustainability: A coalition launches “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to cut reef pressures during the Oct 2026–Feb 2027 El Niño heat-stress window. Road Safety Alert: A Manuel Antonio access bridge on Route 235 has been flagged for “imminent failure” after severe corrosion findings. Travel Disruption Note: Southwest has scrapped its planned LAS–San José (SJO) route before the first flight.

Tourism Growth Watch: Costa Rica’s air arrivals rose 7.8% in H1 2026, reaching 1,605,360 tourists, with North America leading and the U.S. still the top source market. Market Push: The ICT is targeting Argentina and Chile to revive South American demand, including a delegation of Argentine digital creators spotlighting eco and adventure experiences. Infrastructure & Access: Work has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier, designed to replace a deteriorated platform and improve safer, faster docking for up to four vessels. Road & Safety Alerts: Route 32 reopened after a landslide debris closure, but authorities warned of continued rain and stronger winds affecting the Caribbean corridor. Local Tourism Finance: BCR launched BCR Pyme Acción Turismo to help tourism SMEs fund climate-adaptation upgrades and keep operations resilient. Coral Protection: Environmental groups kicked off “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to cut reef stress during the Oct 2026–Feb 2027 heat-risk window. Manuel Antonio Link Risk: A bridge on the Route 235 corridor to Manuel Antonio faces an “imminent failure” warning after severe corrosion was found. Travel Health & Risk: Reports of a viral outbreak and health alerts tied to mosquito and diarrhea risks are circulating for tourist hotspots, urging travelers to check guidance before trips.

Tourism Growth: Costa Rica logged 1,605,360 air arrivals in H1 2026, up 7.8% year-over-year, with North America leading (1,210,654; +8.1%) and the U.S. still the top source market. Sustainable Finance: Banco de Costa Rica launched BCR Pyme Acción Turismo, a new financing line for tourism SMEs to boost productivity and climate adaptability, with support from ICT, SBD and GIZ. Coastal Safety Upgrade: Construction has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier in the Gulf of Nicoya, replacing a deteriorated platform and designed to dock up to four vessels at once. Reef Protection Push: Environmental groups kicked off “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to help coral survive El Niño heat stress from Oct 2026 to Feb 2027 by cutting pressures from tourism and maritime activity. Travel Disruption: Route 32 in Braulio Carrillo National Park reopened after a landslide debris closure, easing travel between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast. Luxury Spotlight: Forbes named Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique among five “vacation-worthy” luxury stays worth planning a trip around. Family Travel Support: A Tampa airport autism practice program helped families rehearse flying steps before heading to Costa Rica. Cruise News: Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys expanded its 2028 program, adding “Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast.” Food Tourism Buzz: Travel And Tour World ranked the Americas’ top food destinations for 2026, with Mexico leading the list.

Tourism Finance: Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) launched BCR Pyme Acción Turismo, a new financing line for tourism SMEs to boost productivity and climate adaptability, with eligibility spanning lodging, eco-lodges, rentals, and more. Visitor Growth: Costa Rica logged 1,605,360 tourist arrivals by air in H1 2026, up 7.8% year-on-year, led by North America (1,210,654; +8.1%), with the U.S. still the top source. Reef Protection: A nationwide coalition kicked off “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to help coral recover ahead of stronger El Niño heat, urging coastal communities and tourism operators to cut reef pressures during Oct 2026–Feb 2027. Access & Safety: Construction has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier in the Gulf of Nicoya, replacing a deteriorated platform and designed to dock up to four vessels at once. Road Update: Route 32 reopened after a landslide debris closure that disrupted travel between San José and the Caribbean coast. Luxury Spotlight: Forbes highlighted Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique as a “trip-worthy” luxury stay in Guanacaste. Cruise Expansion: Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys added a 2028 Costa Rica by Sea itinerary focused on Pacific wildlife and rainforests.

Tourism Growth: Costa Rica logged 1,605,360 air arrivals in H1 2026, up 7.8% year-over-year, with North America leading (1,210,654; +8.1%). The U.S. stayed the top source (966,661; +4.9%), while Canada jumped 26.5% to 197,528. Coral Reef Protection: A coalition launched “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to cut human pressure on reefs during the Oct 2026–Feb 2027 El Niño heat-stress window, urging coastal communities, fishers, surfers, dive operators, and tour companies to reduce impacts. Road Access Update: Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park reopened at 3:03 p.m. after a landslide closure disrupted travel to the Caribbean coast for hours. Luxury & Stays: Forbes highlighted Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique as a “trip-worthy” luxury resort, while Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo announced a major late-2026 enhancement project and Mohari Hospitality became sole owner of Peninsula Papagayo. Cruise Expansion: Ponant added 15 Smithsonian Journeys voyages for 2028, including “Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast.” Travel Watch: For World Cup viewing in Costa Rica, Teletica’s Canal 7 carries matches over the air; Fox+ and Teletica’s TDMAX app are options for full coverage.