AGP Executive Report

World Cup Travel Watch (Costa Rica link): England’s World Cup build-up is in full swing in the U.S., with the Three Lions set to play Costa Rica in Orlando on June 10 after beating New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa; Team Leadership: Thomas Tuchel confirmed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain for the tournament; Safety & Security: A mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured near where England will base for the World Cup, with injuries reported as non-life-threatening and no suspects in custody; Weather for Travelers: Tropical Storm Boris formed in the eastern Pacific and is forecast to bring heavy rain and flood risk to parts of Mexico; Costa Rica on Screen: Amazon Prime Video will release “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a Costa Rica-set documentary following five women cancer survivors crossing the country; Sustainable Travel Spotlight: Beyond Green marked World Oceans Day by highlighting coral reef conservation efforts across its member properties, including coral-protection work tied to Costa Rica’s broader nature-and-adventure tourism appeal.

World Cup Travel & Security: England’s World Cup build-up continues after a mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured near the team’s planned training base and hotel; police say injuries are non-life-threatening and no suspects are in custody, while England is set to play Costa Rica in Orlando before heading to Kansas City. Team Leadership for Travelers: Thomas Tuchel confirmed Declan Rice as England’s World Cup vice-captain as Rice and several Arsenal teammates joined the Florida camp ahead of the final warm-up vs Costa Rica. Costa Rica in Global Media: Amazon Prime Video will release “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a Costa Rica-shot documentary following five Spanish women cancer survivors crossing the country by bike, on foot, raft, and kayak, with an adventure-and-recovery focus. Wellness Tourism: The Retreat Costa Rica debuted its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided longevity and neuro-wellness programming at the resort.

Costa Rica Tourism & Media: Amazon Prime will release “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a one-hour documentary backed by the Costa Rican Tourism Board that follows five cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast adventure using bikes, kayaks, rafting, and hikes. New Flights & Access: Southwest will launch a weekly Nashville (BNA)–Liberia/Guanacaste (LIR) nonstop in 2027 (Feb 13–Mar 6, Saturdays), adding another direct U.S. link to Costa Rica’s northwest beaches and parks. Beach Access Update: Playa Blanca near Punta Leona in Garabito is now open to the public 24/7 after the municipality removed the barrier gate, ending a long-running dispute that previously led to police confrontations. Weather for Travelers: Costa Rica faces a wet, unstable weekend as a low-pressure system may strengthen into a tropical depression; expect downpours, thunderstorms, and localized flooding risk, with best conditions likely in the mornings. Wellness Stay News: The Retreat Costa Rica debuts its Vida Mía Longevity Centre with physician-guided programs and nervous-system-focused therapies. Coolcation Trend: Costa Rica ranks among the Americas’ top “coolcation” picks for 2026, spotlighted for cooler, nature-heavy escapes.

Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN is tracking a low-pressure system over Pacific waters that could strengthen into a tropical depression, bringing downpours, thunderstorms, and lightning risk across the country this weekend into early next week—no evacuation order yet, but travelers should plan for swollen rivers and localized flooding. Beach Access Update: Playa Blanca near Punta Leona in Garabito has reopened 24/7 after the municipality removed a barrier gate, ending a long-running dispute over public access; patrols are planned and police confrontations were reported during the removal. New Air Link: Southwest Airlines will launch a weekly Nashville-to-Guanacaste nonstop in 2027 (Feb 13–Mar 6), adding another direct U.S. option for beach and national-park travelers heading to Liberia. Tourism Branding Trend: Costa Rica is seeing AI-generated tourist posters in major areas like Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Arenal—branding experts warn the “overly polished” look may be turning visitors off. World Cup Spillover (Costa Rica tie-in): England’s warm-up schedule includes a friendly vs Costa Rica in Orlando next week, as teams acclimatize to hot, humid conditions.

New Air Access for Guanacaste: Southwest Airlines will launch a weekly nonstop from Nashville (BNA) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) for four Saturdays in peak season (Feb 13–Mar 6, 2027), adding another easy U.S. link to beaches and national parks. Beach Access Update: Playa Blanca near Punta Leona in Garabito is now open 24/7 after the municipality removed the barrier gate, ending a long-running dispute and triggering a police confrontation with resort staff. Coolcation Spotlight: Travel And Tour World ranked Costa Rica No. 8 among the Americas and Caribbean’s “coolcation” destinations for 2026, reflecting demand for cooler, nature-led trips as heat drives travel choices. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is moving to curb howler monkey electrocutions from power lines after a court ruling that orders infrastructure changes in Nosara. Tourism Branding Watch: Costa Rica is seeing AI-generated tourist posters in major areas, raising concerns they’re “beautiful but forgettable” and may weaken local identity.

Weather Watch: Costa Rica is under a nationwide green alert as heavy rains and saturated ground raise flood and landslide risk through Tuesday, June 9—especially across the Central Valley and parts of the Caribbean slope and Central/South Pacific. Beach & Community: A court-backed public access fight at Playa Blanca near Jacó turned physical in Garabito, with municipal crews removing a barrier and police clashing with people linked to a resort; authorities report detentions and injuries. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is moving to curb howler monkey electrocutions tied to power lines after a court ruling in Nosara ordered infrastructure changes. Travel Safety (Nature): Authorities warn travelers not to remove seashells—Liberia airport has confiscated nearly 8,900 kg over six years, treating it as illegal wildlife trafficking under Costa Rica’s conservation law. Tourism & Markets: Canada is highlighted as one of Costa Rica’s fastest-growing tourism markets, signaling continued demand for travel planning and lodging.

Wildlife & Power Lines: Costa Rica’s top court ruled on howler monkey electrocutions linked to power lines, holding agencies responsible and ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara, as rescue vets report rising cases tied to development and tourism. Weather Watch: The National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert as heavy rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk through June 9, with the Central Valley and parts of the Caribbean slope flagged for fast-rising rivers and blocked roads. Beach Access Clash: In Garabito, crews removed a barrier at Punta Leona to reopen what officials call a public road to Playa Blanca, triggering police confrontations and multiple detentions. Tourist Safety/Rules: Costa Rica is cracking down on travelers trying to take seashells home—authorities say thousands of kilograms have been seized at Liberia airport, with penalties under wildlife and natural-heritage laws. Air Travel: Southwest announced new routes, including a planned long nonstop to San Jose (SJO) from Las Vegas, signaling more direct US-to-Costa Rica connectivity.

Weather & Safety: Costa Rica issued a national green alert as heavy rains since Wednesday are swelling rivers, flooding homes, and bringing down trees. Local impacts: Cartago (Reventado River flash flooding), San José (Montes de Oca monitoring around Los Negritos creek lagoon and flooded roads), and Alajuela (drainage failures and road blockages). Wildlife & Travel Rules: Authorities at Liberia’s airport have seized nearly 8,900 kg of seashells from travelers over six years—shell removal and transport can trigger wildlife trafficking penalties, not just fines. Air Travel: Southwest plans its longest-ever international route: Las Vegas to San José (SJO), launching later this year. Health Watch: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, raising concern for livestock and, rarely, humans—worth noting for travelers and animal owners.

Wildlife & Safety: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after a surge in power-line incidents tied to development in popular tourist areas, with rescues like orphaned howlers at IARCR highlighting the risk to visitors and wildlife alike. Tourism & Travel Demand: Southwest Airlines says it will launch its longest-ever international route later this year: nonstop Las Vegas–San Jose (Costa Rica), a major boost for US-Costa Rica travel convenience. Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special legal category allowing thousands of Cubans (plus some from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia) to live and work legally, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Health Alert for Travelers: PAHO warns measles is rising across the Americas as the World Cup approaches, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access for travelers heading through the region. Legal/Extradition: Costa Rica’s appeals court cleared the way for deferred US extradition of “Macho Coca,” with surrender tied to the outcome of his local case.

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category letting thousands of Cubans (plus some from Nicaragua, Venezuela and Colombia) live and work legally, with applications tied to a 2014–2026 window and authorization granted for two-year renewable terms starting Sept. 1, 2026. Health & Travel Safety: PAHO issued a measles alert ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning that rising cases and heavy international travel could fuel spread; it urged stronger surveillance, vaccination access for travelers, and rapid response planning across the Americas. Tourism & Pets: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport reported a record surge in pet arrivals, highlighting new pet-friendly terminal areas and reminding travelers to meet SENASA/MAG requirements. Legal/Travel Impact: An appeals court in San José ordered deferred extradition to the U.S. for “Macho Coca,” with surrender tied to the resolution of his Costa Rican case. Community & Study Abroad: A $1,000 Phi Kappa Phi grant will send a student to study in Costa Rica.

Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is urging countries across the Americas to tighten measles surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a fourfold rise in cases this year; Costa Rica Updates: Costa Rica is investigating alleged police officers involved in a Santa Cruz robbery case, and Guanacaste Airport says pet-friendly travel is surging (record pet arrivals in early 2026) with dedicated terminal areas and SENASA/MAG requirements; Money-Saving Tips for Visitors: BAC Credomatic has started charging a 6% fee when foreign cardholders choose dynamic currency conversion, so travelers should decline and pay in colones; Tourism & Infrastructure: Lufthansa plans to expand Allegris premium service to new routes including San José, Costa Rica; Road & Weather Watch: Costa Rica is dealing with warm Pacific conditions that raise erosion and flooding concerns, plus ongoing rain/thunderstorm risk as a tropical wave moves through.

Health Watch: PAHO says measles cases are rising across the Americas, with travel to the 2026 World Cup (US, Mexico, Canada) raising concern—PAHO notes many cases involve people unvaccinated or with unknown status, and it lists Costa Rica among countries linked to outbreaks/importations. Travel Safety: The U.S. Foreign Office issued a World Cup travel update tied to Ebola in parts of Africa, including temporary entry restrictions for travelers recently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, plus advice to monitor symptoms for 21 days. Costa Rica Entry/Stay: Costa Rica announced a regularization program for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants whose cases are pending or denied, aiming to protect legal stay and allow work. Visitor Money Tip: Tourists in Costa Rica are being warned about a 6% optional card fee via dynamic currency conversion—decline paying in your home currency to avoid it. Getting There: Delta plans to relaunch nonstop JFK–Liberia (LIR) to serve Costa Rica’s Guanacaste beaches starting Dec. 19 (weekly in winter). Local Travel Cost Quirk: In Costa Rica, “super” gasoline is currently cheaper than regular at the pump, per ARESEP pricing.

World Cup Travel Spotlight: England’s World Cup preparations are in full swing in Florida, with the squad landing in Miami and starting heat-acclimatization in West Palm Beach; an open community training session is set for Palm Beach Gardens, and warm-ups include New Zealand (Tampa) and Costa Rica (Orlando). Squad & Match Context: FIFA’s published shirt-number list points to Tuchel’s likely XI, with Jude Bellingham No. 10, Harry Kane No. 9, and Marcus Rashford No. 11; England’s group opener is against Croatia in Dallas. Costa Rica Football Link: Colombia’s World Cup farewell match against Costa Rica ended 3-1 in Bogotá, with Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez among the scorers, as both teams fine-tune ahead of the tournament. Family Travel Demand: Intrepid Travel is launching a Premium Family range with Costa Rica options, adding more guided inclusions and kid-friendly experiences for families. Local Nature & Community: A Costa Rican coastline restoration story highlights how a tree-planting program has revived shade and habitat across Playa Guiones and nearby beaches. Weather Watch: Expect Costa Rica’s early-June pattern—mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds, rain, and thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific side and South Pacific.

World Cup travel tie-in: England’s Three Lions have landed in Miami to start their pre-tournament camp, with warm-up matches set for New Zealand (Tampa Bay) and Costa Rica (Orlando) before the squad heads to Kansas City for the tournament. Costa Rica in the spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover, spotlighting Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and coast-to-coast nature and wildlife—another boost for European tourism interest. Tourism planning: Costa Rica’s green-season forecast points to clearer mornings and afternoon thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific and Central Valley—plan hikes, beaches, and park visits early. Safety on trails: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss and a near-miss venomous pit viper strike, a reminder to keep distance from wildlife and watch footing. Climate watch: Oceanographers warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising erosion and flooding risk along parts of the Central Pacific as Costa Rica heads into the more intense swells later this year. Hospitality business: A new piece on hosting for Costa Rica tourism and hospitality stresses website reliability and booking performance during peak travel demand. Coffee tourism angle: Costa Rica names top coffees of 2026 at the Cup of Excellence, led by a Los Santos washed Java winning lot.

Weather & Planning: Costa Rica’s green-season rhythm is back—bright, mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds, rain, and thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific side and Central/South Pacific. Coastal Safety Watch: Scientists warn unusually warm Pacific waters could boost erosion and flooding risk later this year, with sea temps running well above normal near Playa Herradura. Tourism Spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover, highlighting Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and coast-to-coast nature and wildlife. Coffee Pride: Los Santos leads at the Cup of Excellence 2026, with a Java-variety washed coffee scoring 91.36 for the top spot. Travel Rights (Important): A Costa Rica court ordered state compensation after a traveler was removed from a flight due to a records error tied to an exit restriction—reminder: check your “impedimento de salida” status online and carry paperwork. Air Access: Lufthansa expands Allegris service to new winter destinations, including direct flights to San José (Costa Rica) starting Oct. 25. Adventure & Nature: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a near-miss pit viper strike after hearing a faint hiss. Local Culture: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” street format to San José’s Teatro Nacional area.

Airport & Infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization (new VIP lounge, expanded parking, and a General/Business Aviation Terminal) between late 2026 and mid-2027 to boost capacity and service for North Pacific travelers. Travel Disruption & Rules: Costa Rica is dealing with fallout from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight incident tied to a child support “travel ban” system error, plus a guide on how to check your “Impedimento de Salida” online via the Poder Judicial portal. Nature & Safety on the Trail: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss before a pit viper strike—another reminder to keep distance around wildlife habitats. Tourism Spotlight: A new VIP lounge and airport upgrades come as Costa Rica continues to market itself globally, including a recent push at Formula 1 events. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists described a new marine worm species found buried in sand at Playa Naranjo, adding to Costa Rica’s coastal conservation value. Culture in San José: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” street format to La Plaza de la Cultura in front of Teatro Nacional, turning a city stop into a travel-style viral moment.