AGP Executive Report

Route 27 Disruption: A sinkhole near Coyolar in Orotina has forced a full closure of Costa Rica’s Route 27 (km 56), triggering major San José–Central Pacific delays after heavy rains damaged a culvert system; MOPT expects a temporary regulated lane for light vehicles by tomorrow and a Bailey bridge installation early next week while Globalvia continues emergency repairs. Tourism & Travel Policy: Costa Rica’s tourism brand has canceled an Uber alliance after backlash, signaling tighter control over partnerships as the country pushes its destination image. Digital Work & Visas: A fresh explainer breaks down Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa—eligibility, income requirements, and document prep—aimed at travelers planning longer stays. Visitor Safety/Access: San José’s airport has inaugurated a new arrivals area to boost capacity and efficiency, while Juan Santamaría International Airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to improve traveler support. Nature & Experiences: A roundup highlights Costa Rica’s nature-first appeal, from forest-bathing wellness ideas to new wildlife finds and pollinator-focused conservation efforts.

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: A new explainer highlights how Costa Rica’s remote-work visa lets eligible applicants live and work legally for up to two years, with income and document prep key to avoiding delays. Tourism & Travel Safety: San José’s airport is rolling out a new arrivals area for smoother summer travel, and Juan Santamaría International Airport has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support travelers who need extra assistance. Nature & Wildlife Tourism: Costa Rica continues to lean into conservation-led experiences, from bee genetics pilots in Guanacaste to sea turtle nesting insights and fresh reports on new species found at Playa Naranjo. Family Travel Products: Intrepid Travel is expanding its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica trips designed for small groups and “hassle-free” planning. Local Community Tourism: A medical mission in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains shows how travel can support remote communities through hiking-based outreach. Sports Tourism Tie-In: England’s World Cup warm-ups include Costa Rica (June 10 in Orlando), with ticket sales reportedly lagging—something travelers may watch as match-week plans firm up.

Airport Accessibility: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Safety for U.S. Visitors: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, adding safety and water-risk info for arrivals. Tourism Growth Watch: A new look at Costa Rica’s 2026 momentum points to strong early-year visitor gains, with North America—especially the U.S. and Canada—driving demand. Regional Competition: El Salvador–Guatemala tourism is surging via road trips and short getaways, a trend that could reshape how Costa Rica competes for regional travelers. Family Travel Product: Intrepid expanded its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica itineraries designed for small groups and easier logistics. Wildlife & Nature Appeal: A bird-watching roundup highlights top global spots, including Costa Rica, reinforcing the country’s eco-tourism draw. Community & Service Travel: A GCU medical mission team spent nine days hiking into Talamanca cloud forest settlements to support indigenous communities. Sports Tourism Tie-In: England’s World Cup warm-ups in Florida include a friendly vs Costa Rica in Orlando, with ticket sales reportedly lagging—useful for travelers tracking match-week plans.

Airport Accessibility: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training frontline staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Safety for Visitors: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, pushing safety alerts and emergency contact info for U.S. travelers—plus water-safety messaging for beachgoers. Tourism Growth Watch: A new look at Costa Rica’s 2026 momentum points to 653,000+ visitors in Jan–Feb (+10.4%), with North America driving demand and route connectivity boosting arrivals. Weather Alert: Costa Rica braces for a wetter end to May as Tropical Wave No. 5 and the ITCZ bring the heaviest downpours (and possible storms) Thursday into Friday across much of the country. Family Travel Trend: Intrepid expands its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica trips aimed at smaller groups and “hassle-free” planning. Regional Tourism Pressure: El Salvador–Guatemala’s road-driven tourism surge is reshaping Central America’s travel map, raising questions for Costa Rica’s positioning.

Airport Safety Push: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, putting safety enrollment info and water-safety videos in the terminal to help Americans get alerts and faster embassy contact during emergencies. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica is leaning into a “new era” under Laura’s leadership—order, modernization, and faster delivery—while visitor numbers keep climbing (653,000+ arrivals in Jan–Feb, up 10.4%). Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 5 is expected to bring the heaviest rain and possible storms across much of the country later this week, especially afternoons and evenings. Regional Travel Context: Panama and Costa Rica agreed to a diplomatic truce at the UN to cool trade frictions, with talks focused on trade, customs, security, and migration. World Cup Travel Buzz: England is set to train in Palm Beach Gardens, and Curacao will also camp in South Florida—more sports-driven travel spillover for the region.

Tourism Push: Costa Rica just went big in Canada—its tourism institute staged an “oasis of experiences” at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, aiming to boost a market that’s already driving strong arrivals. Travel Deals & Costs: With the US dollar sliding against the colón (down nearly 50 colones since January), and airlines reshuffling routes, travelers are watching prices closely—San José is even flagged as a budget-friendly option in summer fare roundups. Nature & Safety: A surfer at Playa Pavones was left in serious condition after a needlefish pierced his heart, while sea-turtle nesting season and new Costa Rican marine biodiversity finds keep the spotlight on wildlife. Local Watch: Nicoya officials are pushing back on a proposal to move the July 25 annexation holiday, saying the date is part of Guanacaste identity. What’s Next: Expotur 2026 returns May 27–29 in San José as tourism arrivals keep climbing.

Tourism Push: Costa Rica is going big in Canada—its tourism institute set up an “oasis of experiences” at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, aiming to win more Canadian visitors. Air Travel Watch: JetBlue says it will cut “underperforming” routes this summer and redeploy planes toward Florida, a move that could affect travelers flying via New England and parts of the Northeast. Business Momentum: Expotur 2026 returns to San José May 27–29, with 140 international buyer companies and a reported 1.03M foreign visitors in Costa Rica’s first quarter (+11.3%). Local Costs: Bus and taxi fares are rising after fuel-price pressure, with Aresep approving a nationwide bus increase and smaller taxi hikes. Nature & Wildlife: Sea turtle nesting season is underway, and new research highlights Costa Rica’s ongoing biodiversity discoveries.

Overnight Jungle Reality Check: National Geographic Traveller spotlights Corcovado’s wild mornings on the Osa Peninsula—howler monkeys calling at dawn, plus bull sharks, crocodiles/caimans, anteaters, and the chance to spot jaguars, pumas, and tapirs—turning a Costa Rica “sleep in the jungle” trip into a full-on nature immersion. Transport Costs: Aresep approved a 5.43% bus fare rise nationwide and 1.39%–2.82% taxi increases after international fuel prices jumped, with some routes climbing by tens of colones. Local Holiday Debate: Nicoya officials are pushing back on a bill that would shift the July 25 Nicoya Annexation holiday to a Monday, arguing the date is part of Guanacaste’s identity. Nature Watch Funding: OVSICORI warns earthquake/volcano monitoring could weaken further without permanent funding. Wellness Tourism Buzz: A new 2026 ranking lists Costa Rica among the Americas’ top wellness destinations.

Annexation Holiday Fight: Nicoya officials are pushing back hard on a bill that would move the July 25 Annexation of the Partido de Nicoya holiday to the following Monday, saying the date is part of Guanacaste identity—not a tourism tool. Transport Costs: Costa Rica’s regulator Aresep approved a 5.43% bus fare jump nationwide and taxi increases up to 2.82% after international fuel prices rose, with some routes climbing by just a few colones and others by much more. Wellness Travel Buzz: Travel and Tour World named Costa Rica among the Americas’ top wellness destinations for 2026, spotlighting shorter, nature-focused trips. Nature & Culture: A Puntarenas mangrove honey project (ApiMangle) is drawing visitors to a community-run experience tied to local bees and mangrove conservation. Tourism Watch: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber kept a moratorium on tree-felling permits in the Gulf of Papagayo tourism zone in place, maintaining a legal freeze tied to hotel development.

Wellness Travel Spotlight: Travel and Tour World just ranked Costa Rica among the Americas’ fastest-growing wellness hubs for 2026, pointing to demand for nature-focused, flexible, and more sustainable getaways as travelers rethink long-haul costs. Cheaper Summer Fares: Dollar Flight Club says the best bets for savings are short-haul routes to Central America and the Caribbean, with San José fares averaging as low as about $276 and Punta Cana around $279. Local Transport Costs: Costa Rica’s regulator Aresep approved a fuel-linked fare rise—bus prices up about 5.43% nationwide and taxi increases up to roughly 2.82%—so expect higher rides in the coming days. Nature & Culture Pull: A new feature highlights Indigenous Bribri cacao life in the Talamanca Mountains, while another story spotlights mangrove-bee honey tourism in Puntarenas. Cannes Momentum: Costa Rican cinema made waves again at Cannes, with Best Actress shared for Valentina Maurel’s Siempre soy tu animal materno.

Transport Costs: Costa Rica’s regulator Aresep approved a 5.43% bus fare jump nationwide and taxi increases of 1.39%–2.82%, citing higher international fuel prices. The changes vary by route, with many fares rising by small amounts but some longer trips climbing by much more. Environment & Development: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber kept a moratorium on tree-felling permits in the Gulf of Papagayo tied to hotel development, extending a legal freeze in one of Guanacaste’s key resort zones. Science Funding Warning: OVSICORI says earthquake and volcano monitoring could weaken if permanent funding isn’t restored, with stations at risk of failing as budgets run down. Local Tourism & Nature: In Puntarenas, families behind ApiMangle are turning mangrove-adjacent bee honey into a rural tourism draw, while Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot to strengthen pollinators in Guanacaste.

Earthquake/Volcano Monitoring Funding Warning: OVSICORI says Costa Rica’s seismic and volcanic monitoring is weakening since 2023 as permanent funding dried up, risking stations failing one by one and leaving the country with “no eyes or ears” in the field. Airport Upgrade for Travelers: San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport has opened a new 3,800 m² arrivals area, adding space for baggage checks, MAG/CUSTOMS processes, car rentals, and a meeting plaza—part of a US$62M modernization. Bee Conservation Pilot: Reserva Conchal launched a Guanacaste bee genetics pilot to strengthen pollinators using applied science, queen-bee work, and closer monitoring. World Cup Travel Tie-In: England’s pre-World Cup camp in Florida is adding young players, including Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, with a friendly vs Costa Rica in Orlando—good news for fans planning a match-day trip. Sports & Culture Buzz: Cannes Un Certain Regard crowned Austria’s Everytime and Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog, keeping Costa Rica-linked film coverage in the spotlight.

Airport Upgrade: San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport opened a bigger, more efficient arrivals area (3,800 m²) with added baggage inspection space, MAG and Customs areas, and better passenger flow—part of a US$62M modernization push. Conservation & Nature Tourism: Reserva Conchal launched a bee genetics pilot in Guanacaste to strengthen pollinators using applied science, queen-bee work, and closer monitoring. Travel Culture: Costa Rica hosts WGI Latin America 2026 this weekend at Heredia’s Palacio de los Deportes, bringing elite color guard, percussion, and winds groups from across the region. Local Governance & Safety: President Fernández escalated tensions with top judicial officials, calling the attorney general a “national disgrace,” as the country’s political spotlight stays on the courts. What’s missing: No major new Costa Rica flight-route announcements in the latest hours beyond the airport upgrade.

Travel & Culture: Costa Rica’s Cahuita National Park spotlights a community-run conservation model, where locals like guide Yazmin Varela Mora say the park “belongs to us” and benefits the people who manage it. Air Connectivity: JetBlue is ending its daily Orlando–San José nonstop on July 8, shrinking one popular Florida option after Spirit already pulled out of Costa Rica. Events in Costa Rica: WGI Latin America 2026 kicks off May 23-24 at the Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, bringing 15 elite color guard, percussion, and winds groups from across the region. K-Pop in San José: UCR hosts the free 2026 K-POP World Festival national final on May 30, with categories for solo singing, solo dance, and group dance. What’s missing: No major Costa Rica-only breaking travel policy news in the latest batch—most headlines are culture and connectivity.

Flight Changes for Costa Rica Travelers: JetBlue is ending its daily nonstop Orlando (MCO)–San José (SJO) route on July 8, citing higher fuel costs and a shift toward Fort Lauderdale—leaving fewer direct options after Spirit already pulled out of Costa Rica earlier this month. New International Links: Chicago Rockford International Airport is adding tropical routes for 2027, including Liberia Guanacaste, Costa Rica (launching Feb. 5, 2027). Costa Rica Money Watch: The Central Bank of Costa Rica says it hit a new record for exchange-rate stabilization, buying $774M since Feb. 19 to support the colón. Tourism & Culture: The Banco Central released the final ₡25 collectible coin in its provincial landmarks series, honoring San José’s Teatro Nacional.

Medical Travel Expansion: Medical Tourism Packages (MTP) says it’s adding dedicated coordination routes from Caribbean hubs into JCI-accredited hospital networks in Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica, aiming to cut the big out-of-pocket gap U.S. patients face. Costa Rica in the Spotlight: Canadian actor Khobe Clarke (Yellowjackets, Cruel Summer) entered Costa Rica on May 15, sparking local buzz over whether it’s work or a break. New Routes & Seats: Lufthansa will boost Frankfurt–San José from 3 to 5 weekly flights in the 2026–27 winter season, and Breeze Airways launches Tampa–San José nonstop on Oct. 3 (first nonstop in 25+ years). Money Watch: Costa Rica’s central bank hit a new record for stabilizing the exchange rate, with the colón pressing to historic lows. Weather: Expect afternoon downpours and thunderstorms, especially Pacific and mountain areas—plan beach time early.