AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica–China Diplomacy: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Costa Rica’s Manuel Tovar Rivera in New York that ties serve both countries’ long-term interests, citing 19 years of growing cooperation and a strategic partnership. Immigration & Legal Rights: A U.S. judge signaled concern in Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s fight over deportation rules, including whether Costa Rica can be his removal destination—an issue that could shape immigrant rights. Public Safety Spotlight: CID Gallup says Costa Rica publicly acknowledged receiving security guidance from El Salvador’s President Bukele, pointing to El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan as a model gaining regional attention. Transport Costs: Costa Rica’s regulator Aresep approved fare hikes—5.43% for buses and 1.39% to 2.82% for taxis—linked to higher international fuel prices, effective May 26. Insurance Watch: AM Best affirmed Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) ratings as “Excellent,” citing strong balance-sheet strength and operating performance. Tourism & Culture: President Laura Fernández drew viral attention at Chayanne’s concert at Estadio Nacional, showing up as a fan and helping spark “Chayannemania.” Business & Growth: Transcat reported double-digit revenue growth in Q4 and FY2026, with a San Jose, Costa Rica presence via SCM Metrology.

Costa Rica Tourism & Travel Safety: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training frontline staff to better assist travelers with non-visible conditions, while also rolling out water-safety messaging for visitors. National Team Update: Costa Rica’s federation has dropped three players—Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal—after a shooting incident outside a bar, leaving the June 10 friendly vs England in Florida in flux. Tourism Growth Watch: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s 2026 momentum, citing 653,000+ visitors in the first two months (+10.4%), with North America—especially Canada—driving demand. Business & Investment: Transcat, headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, reported 18% Q4 revenue growth and 19% full-year growth for fiscal 2026, with SCM Metrology adding Latin America operations. Regional Tourism Competition: A travel analysis points to an El Salvador–Guatemala tourism surge by road travel, raising questions about how Costa Rica should adapt its tourism model.

World Cup Roster Shock: Mauricio Pochettino has named the U.S. 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup—and Diego Luna’s omission is already sparking a loud backlash, with fans saying it’s bigger than one player and tied to how the team is being built. Costa Rica Travel Safety Push: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is partnering with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, putting safety alerts and water-safety guidance in the terminal for U.S. visitors. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica’s early-2026 visitor surge continues, with 653,000+ arrivals in Jan–Feb and a 10.4% jump, driven heavily by North America and faster air connectivity. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 5 is expected to bring the heaviest rain and possible storms across much of the country later this week. Mining Ban Standoff: In the legislature, opposition factions are closing ranks to keep Crucitas’ open-pit mining ban in place, setting up a direct clash with the Fernández administration.

Police Integrity Push: President Laura Fernández ordered polygraph tests for Costa Rica’s top police chiefs and ministers, saying she won’t tolerate “the slightest whiff of corruption and organized crime” as the country battles a drug-gang violence surge. Prison Reform: Costa Rica is also moving to adopt parts of El Salvador’s “Zero Idleness” prison model, aiming to cut costs and expand inmate work and training tied to reintegration. World Cup Prep (Costa Rica link): England’s World Cup squad is set, and the team’s warm-up includes a friendly in Orlando against Costa Rica—while Colombia names James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz in its 26-man roster, with friendlies scheduled vs Costa Rica. Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica promoted itself at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, pitching nature and biodiversity to Canada’s growing visitor market. Business/Travel: JetBlue plans to cut “underperforming” routes in New England to focus on Florida.

Prison Overhaul: Costa Rica says it will adopt El Salvador’s “Zero Leisure Plan,” shifting penitentiary policy toward work and training inside prisons, cutting costs, and using trades to support reintegration—after officials visited Salvadoran facilities and the government revised its prison-infrastructure budget downward. Tourism Push: Costa Rica is leaning hard into travel growth, promoting itself at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal with an “oasis of experiences” aimed at Canadians, while Expotur 2026 returns to San José May 27–29 to match local tourism sellers with international buyers amid rising visitor numbers. World Cup Spotlight: Colombia named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, led by James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, and will play friendlies vs Costa Rica in early June. Climate & Biodiversity: In Guanacaste, a bee genetics lab pilot is underway to build pollinator resilience, and Santa Barbara’s “Butterflies Alive!” is bringing Costa Rican butterflies back for the summer.

Wildlife Spotlight: A new National Geographic Traveller piece takes readers into Corcovado National Park, where howler monkeys “roar” at dawn and visitors can spot jaguars, pumas, tapirs, bull sharks, and crocodiles—reinforcing how the Osa Peninsula stays one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse hotspots. Conservation Push: On the Nicoya Peninsula, pledges totaling over $600,000 are helping move a Karen Mogensen Reserve expansion and corridor protection effort closer to reality, but organizers say an urgent $500,000 down payment is still needed. Weather Watch: Costa Rica is bracing for heavy rains and thunderstorms this Saturday as the Intertropical Convergence Zone brings unstable, humid conditions across regions. Local Governance Debate: Nicoya officials are urging lawmakers not to shift the July 25 Annexation holiday, arguing the date is part of Guanacaste identity—not just a tourism tool.

El Niño Alarm: Scientists warn a powerful El Niño could intensify into a “Super Niño,” with NOAA putting the odds of El Niño forming at 82% by May–July 2026 and 96% by Dec 2026–Feb 2027—raising the stakes for weather swings worldwide. Costa Rica Weather Watch: This Saturday, Costa Rica’s IMN says the Intertropical Convergence Zone will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, with conditions worsening through the afternoon and evening. Local Politics: In Nicoya, officials are pushing back on a bill that would move the July 25 Annexation holiday to a Monday, arguing the date is part of Guanacaste identity. Transport Costs: Aresep approved higher bus and taxi fares after fuel-price pressure, meaning commuters should expect route-by-route increases. Sports Spotlight: Keylor Navas helped Pumas hold Cruz Azul 0-0 in the Liga MX final’s first leg, keeping the title race wide open for the return match.

Wellness Tourism Spotlight: Travel and Tour World’s 2026 ranking puts Costa Rica among the top wellness destinations in the Americas and Caribbean, reflecting a shift toward shorter, nature-led trips and mental-health focused travel. Travel Deals Watch: Budget airfare is still possible this summer, with experts pointing to Central America and the Caribbean as steadier bets—San José is flagged as one of the cheaper options. Costa Rica in the News Mix: A new Spanish-language edition of The Gifts of Pain launches for Mental Health Awareness Month, while local culture continues to trend internationally, from Cannes recognition for Costa Rican cinema to Indigenous community stories tied to cacao and honey. Regional Context: For now, the Atlantic tropics are quiet ahead of hurricane season, but Florida is already in prep mode. Transport Costs: Costa Rica approved higher bus and taxi fares after fuel price increases, with the biggest impact on longer routes.

World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel has added Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri to the pre-tournament training camp in Florida, joining Rio Ngumoha, Josh King and Alex Scott as warm-ups against New Zealand and Costa Rica loom. Costa Rica Transport Costs: Aresep approved a fuel-driven jump in bus fares (+5.43%) and taxi rates (about +1.39% to +2.82%), with route-by-route increases across San José and beyond. Mangrove Honey Boom: In Puntarenas, families behind ApiMangle are turning mangrove-adjacent beekeeping into a distinctive honey and rural tourism draw. Legal Pressure in the Region: A U.S. federal judge dismissed the human-trafficking case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution “vindictive.” Immigrant Well-Being: Costa Rica placed 44th in the Remitly Immigration Index, ranking high for happiness and social support. Earthquake/Volcano Watch Risk: OVSICORI warns monitoring coverage is weakening as permanent funding runs out.

World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel has added Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri to the Three Lions’ pre-tournament camp in Florida, joining Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, Fulham’s Josh King and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as the squad prepares for warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica before the June 17 opener vs Croatia. Costa Rica Risk Alert: Costa Rica’s earthquake and volcano monitoring network is at risk of losing coverage as permanent funding has dried up since 2023, with OVSICORI warning stations could fail one by one without money to replace and upgrade equipment. Cannes Culture: Austria’s Sandra Wollner won Cannes Un Certain Regard with Everytime, while Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog took the Jury Prize—both spotlighting intimate human stories, including grief and transgender lives. Legal Fallout (US): A federal judge dismissed the Trump DOJ’s criminal case against wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling it vindictive prosecution.

Courtroom Shock: A federal judge in Tennessee tossed the Trump-era human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego García, calling it “vindictive” and tied to his fight over a wrongful deportation—DOJ says it will appeal. Costa Rica Politics: President Laura Fernández escalated her feud with top judicial officials, calling the attorney general a “national disgrace” after earlier praise for a summit—now it’s open confrontation. Trade Tension: Fernández also pushed back hard on Panama’s agricultural restrictions, warning she won’t allow “blocks” without legal basis as producers claim major losses. World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel named a Florida camp squad that includes Liverpool’s Nigeria-eligible teen Rio Ngumoha, with friendlies set vs Costa Rica and New Zealand. Nature & Culture: Costa Rican wildlife photographer Felipe Vega won at Santiago Wild with a one-minute film on tent-making bats from Sarapiquí.

Panama–Costa Rica Energy Clash: Panama has ordered an immediate, indefinite halt to electricity sales to Costa Rica, escalating a long-running trade fight over agricultural products after President Laura Fernández’s public comments. World Cup Fallout: In England’s World Cup squad drama, manager Thomas Tuchel left out big names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire—while recalling striker Ivan Toney; Scott will still travel for warm-ups, including a friendly vs Costa Rica. Local Culture & Tourism: Costa Rica is set to host WGI Latin America 2026 this weekend in Heredia, bringing elite marching arts groups from across the region. Conservation Spotlight: A National Geographic Traveller feature highlights how Cahuita National Park’s shared community management helps protect the Caribbean coast’s wildlife and reef. Business & Health: A biotech IPO story and a new Rhythmlink production plant in El Coyol, Alajuela, point to continued momentum in regenerative medicine and medical manufacturing.

World Cup Shock: England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man World Cup squad, but Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are out—and Harry Maguire says he’s “shocked and gutted” after learning he won’t travel. Ivan Toney is back in after a year away from international action, as Tuchel makes bold calls ahead of the Wembley announcement. Costa Rica–Panama Trade Clash: The fight over farm access is escalating: Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández is pressing Panama over what she calls an agricultural “blockade,” while Panama has retaliated by suspending electricity sales to Costa Rica. Travel Watch: JetBlue is ending its Orlando–San José nonstop route on July 8, shrinking options after Spirit already pulled out earlier this month. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago joined a U.S.-led group urging calm in Bolivia amid protests and blockades, backing democratic institutions and lawful public order.

Medical Tourism Expansion: Bogota-based Medical Tourism Packages (MTP) says it’s building new coordination routes from Caribbean hubs into JCI-accredited hospital networks in Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica—aimed at elective and non-emergency care for U.S. and Caribbean patients who often face higher out-of-pocket prices at home. Severance Fight: Edith Sánchez, Luis Miguel’s former personal assistant of 25 years, is publicly pressing for severance she says she’s owed, while the singer’s team says it will pursue legal action. Weather Emergency: A tropical wave hit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast hard, triggering flash flooding and road closures in Limón, with rivers rising fast and communities reporting significant damage. Football Offseason: Joel Campbell’s Alajuelense contract is not being renewed, leaving his next move open as the club shifts to a new coach. Ecosystem Payments: Costa Rica is expanding its Payment for Ecosystem Services 2.0 beyond forests to mangroves, coral reefs, and ocean conservation.

Flood Emergency: A tropical wave slammed Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast overnight, sending rivers over their banks in Limón and triggering flash flooding, evacuations, and road closures across cantons including Matina and Talamanca. Central Bank Collectibles: The Banco Central de Costa Rica is selling the final ₡25 “Sitios Emblemáticos” coin today, honoring San José’s Teatro Nacional, with limited collectible units and a matching non-colored version entering circulation. Money-Laundering Crackdown: The OIJ carried out a major Lusso operation, detaining eight people and seizing luxury assets tied to alleged narcotics-linked money laundering, including properties, vehicles, cash, and firearms. Football Offseason: Joel Campbell’s Alajuelense exit is official after the club declined to renew his contract, leaving his next move open as speculation swirls. Security Focus: President Laura Fernández says she’ll personally oversee weekly monitoring of actions against crime and homicides through a new task force. Tourism Boost: Lufthansa is adding more flights between Frankfurt and San José for the 2026-2027 season, signaling continued demand for Costa Rica travel.

Central Bank Pushes Back on Colón: Costa Rica’s Central Bank (BCCR) set a new record for exchange-rate stabilization, buying $774 million since Feb. 19 to slow the colón’s slide—pushing the reference dollar to a fourth straight historic low at ¢453.20 on May 18. Security Overhaul: President Laura Fernández says she’ll run weekly meetings with top security and justice officials through a new “Task Force,” focusing on actions against crime and homicides. Politics and Language Slip: A meeting with Frente Amplio leader José María Villalta sparked controversy after Rodrigo Chaves allegedly called Fernández “minister” instead of “president,” quickly reframed as a slip. Tourism Connectivity: Lufthansa will add flights between Frankfurt and San José, raising service to five weekly trips in the 2026–2027 winter season. Regenerative Luxury: Hotel Belmar’s new Artista villas open June 1 in Monteverde, built as a low-impact, car-free enclave.