AGP Executive Report

Luxury Tourism & Travel: JW Marriott opened its first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica—Costa Elena in Guanacaste—featuring 415 rooms, 17 pools, swim-out suites, and a private Griffin Club. Tourism Demand Shift: Canadians are flocking to Costa Rica instead of the U.S.; arrivals rose 24.1% in the first eight months of 2026, with new airline routes boosting access. Public Safety for Visitors: San José airport added QR codes to help U.S. travelers register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and get safety updates. Crime & Justice: Costa Rica extradited five men, including a Costa Rican, to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges tied to a major meth seizure. Organized Crime Crackdown: The country is set to inaugurate a new megaprison (CACCO) aimed at containing organized crime—raising questions about reclaiming safe streets. Labor & Rights: A lawsuit claims Omni Hotels evicted foreign workers after pay complaints, alleging wage-law violations and retaliation. Economy & Jobs: Job losses continue as major companies cut operations, with experts pointing to investment slowdowns and exchange-rate pressure. Health Services: The Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches due to financial strain. Environment & Food Security: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao, with some farms reporting 50%–60% flower losses.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading in the UN Security Council’s latest informal straw poll, winning 3 of 4 polls and improving her standing after the General Assembly’s high-level week. Local Economy & Jobs: Job losses are mounting as major companies cut operations and restructure, with experts pointing to weaker FDI and higher costs in key sectors. Tourism & Travel: Canadians are flocking to Costa Rica—arrivals up 24%—as travelers shift away from the U.S.; and San José airport added QR codes to help U.S. visitors use the STEP safety enrollment program. Public Services Under Strain: The Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches due to a growing funding shortfall. Crime & Justice: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader to Florida, and the U.S. Embassy denied rumors about visa revocations for Costa Rican officials. Health & Migration: Costa Rica is stepping up health checks for Indigenous workers crossing from Panama for the coffee harvest, including malaria and tuberculosis testing. Environment & Food: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao plantations, with some farms reporting major flower losses. Culture & Events: Iron Maiden fans have camped out at La Sabana ahead of the Oct. 8 concert.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading the latest UN Security Council straw poll, winning 3 of 4 secret ballots and improving after the General Assembly’s high-level week, though the final pick still depends on veto-wielding permanent members. Tourism & Travel: San José’s airport is adding QR codes to help U.S. visitors register for the State Department’s STEP safety alerts, and a new pier at Isla San Lucas makes the former prison island easier to reach. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica extradited a meth ringleader to Florida, and authorities are also investigating why an alleged DEA-wanted drug trafficker was seen at Laura Fernández’s victory celebration. Healthcare: The Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches amid a growing financial shortfall. Economy & Daily Life: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao harvests, while new data shows many Costa Rican households struggle to save despite recognizing its importance. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach in a Nations League match with relegation pressure.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading in the UN Security Council’s latest informal straw poll, finishing first for the third time as diplomats weigh a final recommendation that still hinges on veto-wielding permanent members. Tourism & Safety: San José’s airport is adding QR codes for U.S. travelers to quickly enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler program, aiming to improve safety and emergency contact. Drug Fight: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction via a U.S. Air Force C-17, citing budget limits at home and highlighting cooperation with the DEA. Local Economy & Weather: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao before pods form, with some farms reporting 50%-60% flower losses and months of uncertainty ahead. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach in a Nations League match vs Nicaragua, with relegation pressure on the line. Environment & Culture: A new interactive “Discover Costa Rica” map launches, while Heredia’s free coffee heritage fair returns this weekend.

Regional Democracy: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS pressure on Nicaragua, calling out an “authoritarian drift” and backing a push for free elections with international observation. Tourism & Safety: San José’s airport rolled out QR codes to help U.S. travelers register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety updates. Drug Enforcement: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, citing budget limits, in a DEA-coordinated operation. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan again topped the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll as the race to replace António Guterres narrows. Local Culture: Heredia will host a free coffee heritage fair this Sunday, featuring specialty roasters, competitions, and live entertainment. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach in a Nations League match vs Nicaragua, with relegation pressure looming. Money Worries: A new survey finds over 90% value saving, but only half manage to do it consistently due to debt and low incomes. Aviation Routes: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest routes from Austin and Nashville starting in 2027.

Nicaragua Democracy Push: Costa Rica urged stronger regional pressure at an OAS foreign ministers meeting, calling Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo government an “authoritarian drift” and backing free elections with international observation. UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan kept topping the UN Security Council’s latest informal straw poll, with diplomats saying momentum is building even as veto power could still block her. Tourism Safety Tech: San José’s airport rolled out QR codes to help U.S. travelers register with the State Department’s STEP program for faster safety alerts and consular contact. Drug Trafficking Update: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, citing budget limits, in a DEA-coordinated operation. Local Economy & Cost Pressures: A new household survey found most Costa Ricans value saving, but only about half manage it consistently due to debt, low income, and unexpected expenses. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuted as Costa Rica coach with relegation pressure in the Nations League against Nicaragua.

ICE Custody Deaths: Reports say 2026 is becoming the deadliest year on record for ICE, with dozens dying in detention as oversight is weakened. Airport Safety for U.S. Tourists: San José’s Juan Santamaría International added QR codes for U.S. travelers to quickly register with the free STEP safety service. Tourism Routes: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest direct routes from Austin and Nashville starting in 2027. UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan again topped the UN Security Council’s latest straw poll, keeping her as the frontrunner. Drug Extradition & Transfers: Costa Rica extradited suspects to the U.S. on drug charges and also sent 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction. Visa Rumors Denied: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica rejected social media claims that it revoked visas of current Costa Rican officials. Household Finances: New research says over 90% value saving, but only about half manage to save consistently due to debt and low incomes. Nature & Conservation: A prize-winning Costa Rica rainforest photo series highlights tapirs’ role in protecting rare trees, while a study shows orange-waste helped regrow forest on degraded pasture. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach with relegation pressure in Nations League play.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes but still short of a clear consensus as veto powers remain decisive. Drug Enforcement & Extradition: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, while authorities also extradited an alleged meth ringleader to Florida. U.S. Visa Rumors: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media claims that it revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, calling them false rumors. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest routes from Austin and Nashville to begin in 2027. Local Economy & Cost of Living: A new OCF study says only half of Costa Rican households save consistently, with debt and low income cited as major barriers. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach in a Nations League match against Nicaragua with relegation pressure looming. Environment & Conservation: Prize-winning photography highlights tapir-tree relationships in Costa Rica’s rainforest, and a long-running orange-waste restoration story shows how degraded land regrew into forest.

UN Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Secretary-General race after the Security Council’s fourth straw poll, with diplomats saying she topped the vote but still lacks a clear consensus as veto-wielding powers weigh in. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader, “Beto” Farid Alberto Morales Araya, to Florida, tied to a major 2025 crystal meth seizure. U.S. Visa Rumors: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media claims that Washington revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, calling them false rumors. Drug Bust Cooperation: Costa Rica also sent about 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, citing budget limits for doing it at home. Economy & Households: New research says over 90% of Costa Ricans value saving, but only about half manage to save consistently due to debt and low incomes. Tourism & Culture: A new free “Discover Costa Rica” interactive map launches in Spanish and English, and Costa Rica was named a top pick in National Geographic Traveller UK awards for adventure and responsible travel.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept topping the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, leading with 10 “encourage” votes, though still short of a clear consensus as veto powers could block any candidate. Local Politics & Diplomacy: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied fresh rumors that Washington revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, while critics like Óscar Campos urged the Prosecutor’s Office to act amid the chatter. Drug Enforcement: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction, with a U.S. Air Force C-17 handling the transport, citing budget limits for doing the work at home. Immigration Pressure (US): Tom Homan said ICE will “surge resources” in sanctuary cities. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuted as Costa Rica’s coach with Nations League survival on the line after early losses. Tourism: Skyscanner data shows rising Canadian interest in Liberia, Costa Rica, and National Geographic Traveller UK ranked Costa Rica No. 1 for responsible travel. Household Economy: New research says over 90% value saving, but only about half manage to do it consistently due to debt and low incomes.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Security Council’s informal straw polls, topping the fourth round with 10 “encourage” votes, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi trail behind; the process is non-binding for now, but the five veto-wielding permanent members still hold the final say. Drug Trafficking Cooperation: Costa Rica sent about 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction via a U.S. Air Force C-17, citing local budget limits; the U.S. Embassy says the shipment is worth about $1.25 billion. Diplomatic Tensions at the UN: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media rumors about revoked visas for Costa Rican officials, as critics also urged scrutiny of President Rodrigo Chaves amid the fallout from the “Shield of the Americas” meeting. Ukraine Child Return Talks: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly speaker met Ukraine’s parliament chief in Madrid to discuss the return of abducted Ukrainian children and tighter sanctions on Russia. Local Politics & Governance: Former Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar disputed the reasons for his dismissal after President Laura Fernández removed him over alleged communication failures about the UN-linked summit.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi trail behind; the process still hinges on veto power from the US, China, Russia, France and the UK. Nearshoring & Jobs: Costa Rica is being highlighted as a fast-rising nearshore manufacturing and innovation hub as global supply chains shift toward resilience, talent and high-value exports. U.S. Visa Rumors: Costa Rica’s U.S. Embassy denied social media claims that Washington revoked visas for Costa Rican officials, calling the posts false. Drugs Sent for Destruction: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction, citing local budget limits, with DEA and the U.S. Air Force involved. Local Politics Shake-Up: Former foreign minister Manuel Tovar is facing fallout after his dismissal, with competing accounts about the “Shield of the Americas” meeting and what he told President Laura Fernández. Immigration Crackdown (U.S.): Tom Homan says ICE will intensify enforcement in sanctuary cities, promising a surge of resources.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, with diplomats reporting she topped the vote but still lacks a clear consensus; the process will narrow the field before a formal recommendation to the General Assembly. Diplomatic Push: Costa Rica used its UNGA 81 address to back Grynspan for the top UN post and flag concerns over Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. Nigeria Weighs In: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima said Abuja will support a UN chief who advances Africa’s aspirations, and he met Grynspan in New York ahead of that decision. Local Politics: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the “Shield of the Americas” meeting without informing her, sparking questions over communication and timing. Health & Science: Costa Rica will host an unprecedented heart surgery technique for a rare condition, while a new study suggests the country may have over 40,000 fungal species. Economy & Tourism: UN-linked and domestic business coverage also points to Costa Rica’s evolving economy, plus tourism rivalry debates and a warning that the dollar could face renewed downward pressure late in 2026.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is edging ahead in an informal UN Security Council poll, with sources saying she’s narrowly in front as the race stays tight among seven candidates. Diplomacy Watch: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima says Abuja will back a UN chief who supports Africa’s aspirations, and he met Grynspan in New York to discuss equity, justice, and multilateral reform. Local Politics: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in NYC without informing her, raising fresh questions about internal coordination. Health & Innovation: Costa Rica will host a rare congenital heart surgery this week using a modified Cone repair technique not previously performed in the country, with international specialists training local teams. Economy & Cost of Living: Costa Rica set maximum prices for 517 medicines, aiming for near-30% reductions starting in December. Tourism & Travel: Yellow fever vaccination documentation will be required for travel to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1. Sports: Bryan Ruiz takes over as Costa Rica’s national team coach after Fernando Batista’s firing, with Concacaf Nations League matches vs Nicaragua and Haiti ahead.

UN Secretary-General Race: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan and said Abuja would back a candidate guided by equity, justice, and fairness, with support tied to Africa’s representation and gender inclusion. Global Politics: China says the next UN chief must be competent, impartial, and upright, and it’s weighing whether to support Grynspan or Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett. Foreign Affairs: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after missing a key Shield of the Americas meeting in New York, raising questions about government coordination. Health & Safety: Doctors in Costa Rica will perform a rare congenital heart surgery (modified Cone repair) for the first time in the country, while Panamanian authorities rescued three Costa Rican fishermen missing for six days at sea. Economy & Policy: Costa Rica caps prices on 517 medicines, and starting Oct. 1 requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travel to eight new destinations. Sports: Bryan Ruiz takes temporary charge after Fernando Batista was fired following Costa Rica’s Nations League start. Tourism: ICT says Costa Rica’s real tourist rivals are far beyond the region, and it marked World Tourism Day with nationwide guided walks.

Yellow Fever Rules: Starting Oct. 1, Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers heading to eight new higher-risk destinations, with the shot taken at least 10 days before travel and exemptions for specific age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and severe immunosuppression. Medicine Costs: The government set maximum prices for 517 medicines, aiming for cuts of nearly 30% from Dec. 23. Dollar Watch: UNED warns the colón could see renewed pressure against the dollar in late 2026 as year-end “aguinaldos” and other payments boost foreign currency availability. UN Leadership Race: China says the next UN secretary-general should be “competent, impartial and upright,” and reports suggest it’s weighing support for Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan versus Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Diplomatic Fallout: President Laura Fernández fired foreign minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the Shield of the Americas meeting in New York without notifying her. Sports: Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League opener, while Curaçao stunned Costa Rica with a 4-3 comeback.