AGP Executive Report

Regional Democracy Watch: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS action against Nicaragua’s “authoritarian drift,” calling for free, pluralistic elections with international observation and a diplomatic monitoring mechanism after Ortega and Rosario Murillo tightened control. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is reported narrowly ahead in the UN secretary-general straw polls, with the process still shaped by Security Council bargaining and veto power. Travel & Tourism: Celebrity Summit’s repositioning voyage will stop in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica en route to the Panama Canal, with winter itineraries starting from Tampa. Air Travel: Southwest announced new summer 2027 nonstop routes from Austin, including Liberia, Costa Rica. Local Culture: Heredia hosts a free Coffee Heritage fair with specialty exhibitors, ICAFE events and live music on Oct. 4. Sports: Costa Rica’s Naomi won the XXXIII Puerto Calero Marlin Cup, earning a spot in the Costa Rica Offshore World Championship.

Regional Democracy Watch: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS pressure on Nicaragua, calling out an “authoritarian drift” and backing free elections with international observation, while the OAS approved a monitoring mechanism and member states called for detainees to be released. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading another Security Council straw poll as the UN secretary-general contest tightens, with the push for a first woman at the top colliding with behind-the-scenes bargaining. Travel & Safety: San José’s airport rolled out QR codes for U.S. tourists to quickly register with the State Department’s STEP program, aiming to speed up safety alerts and consular contact. Cost of Living: Fuel prices rose in Costa Rica—diesel up ¢97, super up ¢38, regular up ¢12—after Aresep approved the increase. Air Connectivity: Southwest announced new Austin nonstop routes to Liberia, Costa Rica, plus Nassau and Punta Cana, with tickets already on sale for summer 2027. Sports & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using Dominican sports facilities after crowd trouble, one day after Haiti’s 4-1 win.

Tourism & Travel (Costa Rica): San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out QR codes for U.S. visitors, steering travelers to the free STEP safety registration so consular teams can reach them in emergencies. Air Connectivity: Breeze Airways added a new Tampa–San José route starting Oct. 3, with flights twice weekly. Airline Expansion (Guanacaste): Southwest announced new 2027 nonstop service from Austin to Liberia (Costa Rica) and from Austin/Nashville to Guanacaste. Cost of Living: Fuel prices jumped Saturday after Aresep approved increases—diesel up ¢97, super up ¢38, regular up ¢12. Sports & Regional Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using Dominican facilities after crowd trouble, with Haiti set to play Costa Rica next. Geopolitics (LatAm): A Latinobarómetro poll found China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic as exceptions. Culture: Película>Pelikula returns for its 25th edition Oct. 4–11, aiming to bring audiences back to theaters.

Aviation & Tourism: Breeze Airways launches its first nonstop Tampa–San José, Costa Rica route on Oct. 3, with flights Wednesdays and Saturdays and one-way fares starting at $149. Air Connectivity: New figures from Airports Council International show Costa Rica at 1.62 international passengers per inhabitant in 2025—higher than most regional markets—highlighting the country’s outsized travel reach. Local Travel Tech: Costa Rica unveils a free bilingual interactive “Discover Costa Rica” map, built with the Foreign Ministry and UCR, to showcase parks, ecosystems, maritime territory, and cultural history. Nature & Conservation: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning photo series documents how an adult Baird’s tapir teaches a youngster to survive in Costa Rica’s rainforest, including a midnight rescue of a tapir suffering screwworm infestation. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rise nationwide starting Saturday: diesel up ¢97, regular up ¢12, and super up ¢38 per liter. Indigenous Youth: Cultural Survival opens the 2027 Indigenous Youth Fellowship call, offering $2,500–$5,000 for youth-led projects (deadline Oct. 25).

Tourism & Travel: Experts say tourism’s future hinges on sustainability and authenticity, with UN Tourism citing 70% of travelers wanting more responsible options and calls to avoid unnecessary flights and respect local cultures. Air Connectivity: Breeze Airways will launch its first nonstop Tampa–San José route on Oct. 3, with service twice weekly and fares starting at $149. Digital Tourism Tools: Costa Rica unveiled a free interactive “Discover Costa Rica” map in Spanish and English, built with UCR and the foreign ministry to showcase parks, ecosystems, culture, and the country’s maritime territory. Local Business & Jobs: McDonald’s is set to open its 81st Costa Rica location in Puntarenas on Oct. 17, creating 36 jobs. Energy Costs: ARESEP approved fuel hikes: diesel up ¢97, super up ¢38, regular up ¢12, plus a LPG cylinder increase. Regional Politics: A Latinobarometro poll finds China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic the exceptions.

Costa Rica–U.S. Cooperation: Costa Rica extradited alleged meth ringleader Farid Alberto Morales Araya (“Beto”) to Florida, after a major 2025 seizure of 48 kg of crystal meth, with the handover coordinated with the DEA. UN Leadership Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a leading contender for the next UN secretary-general after another round of Security Council straw polls, keeping the spotlight on her bid. Local Planning & Resilience: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research (CIGeo) to turn territory data into tools for communities and local governments, including flood and climate-disaster risk management. Public Health & Safety: Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja shows signs of stronger eruptions, while UNICEF warns El Niño-related rainfall risks could threaten millions of children across Latin America. Travel & Tourism: British travelers ranked Costa Rica top for adventure and responsible travel in National Geographic Traveller (UK) reader awards, and Canadian travel demand is surging for Liberia as a gateway to Guanacaste. Sports: Bryan Ruiz takes over as Costa Rica coach for a Nations League survival match against Nicaragua.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading in the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, with diplomats saying she’s narrowly ahead as the process moves toward a formal recommendation. International Diplomacy: The OAS urged the UN to fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, with Costa Rica among the signatories calling for funding, equipment, and logistics. Costa Rica-US Relations: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica denied social media rumors that Washington revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials. Drugs & Security: Costa Rica sent about 45 metric tons of seized cocaine to the U.S. for destruction via a U.S. Air Force C-17, citing budget limits at home. Local Governance: A union challenged Belize’s appointment of Abelardo Mai Jr. as acting solid waste director, alleging hiring protocol bypasses. Business/Trade: Inchcape agreed to buy Volvo units in Peru and Costa Rica and a Jaguar Land Rover unit in Peru. Regional Opinion: A new Economist Latinobarómetro survey says favorability toward China is rising across Latin America, including Costa Rica.

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—still short of a final lock-in because veto-wielders can derail the process. Diplomacy & politics at home: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after attending the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York without informing President Laura Fernández; Tovar later posted a “truth will set you free” message, while reports dispute details of Trump’s attendance. U.S. visa rumors denied: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica rejected social media claims that Washington revoked visas of serving Costa Rican officials, calling them false rumors. Drugs & enforcement costs: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized cocaine to the U.S. for destruction, citing budget limits that prevent domestic disposal. Scam crackdown: Two women were arrested in Costa Rica over an alleged driving-school fraud scheme promoted on social media. Economy & trade: A report highlights Costa Rica’s growing role in nearshore supply chains, positioning the country as an innovation and manufacturing gateway.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading the UN Security Council’s fourth secret straw poll to replace António Guterres, winning 10 “encourage” votes versus 8 for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, but still faces the veto power of the US, China, France, Russia and the UK. Immigration & Deportations: The US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to resume rapid “third-country” deportations for now, while fast-tracking the legal fight for a full hearing in December. El Niño Risks for the Region: A Chilean climatologist warns this year’s El Niño could worsen Latin America’s economic woes by disrupting rainfall, raising temperatures, and hitting agriculture, water access and jobs. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink Mobile launched in Ecuador via state carrier CNT, and Costa Rica recently joined the same direct-to-device model. Local Tech/Finance: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking cards, adding Costa Rica among new markets. Sports Note: England coach Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham could become the team’s permanent captain.

UN Secretary-General race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is pulling ahead in the UN Security Council’s fourth secret straw poll, with sources saying she narrowly leads the field as seven candidates remain in contention. Diplomacy watch: China says it backs a UN chief who is competent, fair, and loyal to the UN Charter, while Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Grynspan and signaled support based on equity, justice, and Africa’s representation. Costa Rica politics: President Laura Fernández began a Puntarenas tour announcing major infrastructure plans for Quepos, including modernization of the La Managua airfield and new bridge work. Immigration and courts: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Trump’s “third-country” deportations to resume for now, a move that could affect migrants routed through Costa Rica. Sports: Bryan Ruiz was named Costa Rica’s new national team coach after Fernando Batista’s sacking, with Concacaf Nations League matches next. Business & tech: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking cards, adding Costa Rica to its rollout.

UN diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan and said Nigeria will back a UN Secretary-General candidate guided by equity, justice and fairness, with support shaped by Africa’s aspirations and gender inclusion. Costa Rica politics & governance: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after failing to inform President Laura Fernández about attending the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York. Football: Costa Rica sacked coach Fernando “Bocha” Batista after a disastrous CONCACAF Nations League start; Bryan Ruiz will take over on an interim basis for matches vs Nicaragua and Haiti. Economy & tourism: Costa Rica’s tourism rivals debate is heating up: the ICT says Costa Rica’s real competition is far beyond Central America, while industry groups point to nearby destinations and note the stronger colón. Health & science: Heart to Heart Global Cardiac Care says a rare congenital heart surgery will be performed in Costa Rica for the first time, with international specialists training local teams. Environment & travel: A study suggests Costa Rica could host more than 40,000 fungal species, far above what’s been documented so far.

UN Diplomacy: China says the next UN secretary-general must be “competent, impartial and upright” and uphold the UN Charter, as the race narrows to candidates including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan. Local Politics: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández fired foreign minister Manuel Tovar after he met with Trump at the Shield of the Americas, raising concerns about how the government manages its UNGA plans. Health Policy: Costa Rica set maximum prices for 517 medicines, aiming for nearly 30% cuts starting Dec. 23. Public Health Travel: Starting Oct. 1, Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight new higher-risk destinations. Economy & Cost of Living: UNED warns the dollar could face renewed downward pressure in late 2026 as year-end foreign-currency flows increase. Trade & Industry: Medical devices drove 46% of Costa Rica’s exports (Jan–Aug), reaching about $7.29B. Environment & Science: A new study suggests Costa Rica could host more than 40,000 fungal species. Disaster Response: Tropical wave 47 flooded 400+ homes, with shelters opened in Guatuso and Liberia. Sports: Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League, while Costa Rica’s U-20 official Letticia Viana wrapped up a FIFA tournament run.

UN Leadership Race: China urged the next UN secretary-general to be “competent, impartial and upright,” as debate intensifies over whether Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan or Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett should get the top job. Regional Security in Haiti: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing Haiti’s UN-backed gang suppression force mandate and called for full funding, equipment, and logistics to enable deployment. Drug Interdiction: The U.S. Coast Guard seized 25,256 pounds of cocaine in the eastern Pacific, including an interdiction south of Costa Rica under Operation Pacific Viper. Costa Rica Politics & UN Fallout: Costa Rica’s foreign minister was dismissed after an unapproved meeting tied to the “Shield of the Americas,” adding pressure to the country’s UN diplomacy. Local Policy Watch: Costa Rica proposed ending electric-vehicle tax breaks, a move that could raise costs for EV buyers if the bill passes. Business & Growth: RIMAN expanded to 22 markets, adding France, Germany, Romania, and Ecuador, with Costa Rica listed among its Latin American presence. Sports: Costa Rica’s Fernando Batista stayed defiant after a 2-0 Nations League loss to Haiti. Culture & Community: A Santa Ana mother’s math game business, Itanwix, continues exporting educational games across Latin America.

UN Leadership Race: The UN’s next secretary-general contest is heating up as António Guterres nears his Dec. 31 exit, with candidates including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and the UN’s trust crisis looming large. Costa Rica Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s foreign minister was dismissed after attending a Trump security meeting without informing the president, adding to the week’s political fallout. Tourism & Community: Costa Rica’s Tourism Board (ICT) marked World Tourism Day with free guided walks across all seven provinces, pushing “Pura Vida” and more inclusive access. Sports—Chess: The Philippines beat Costa Rica 3-1 in the Women’s Chess Olympiad, leaving Costa Rica outside the top chase. Sports—Football: Costa Rica’s women’s team also faced a setback in the Olympiad, while regional football results continued to ripple across CONCACAF. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Fay holds steady in the Atlantic as other major storms churn in the Pacific, keeping hurricane tracking in focus. Global Spotlight: Spain confirmed a faster 2-year citizenship route for citizens of select countries, including Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Tourism: The ICT kicked off World Tourism Day with free, guided “Recorré Costa Rica y sentí el Pura Vida” walks across all seven provinces, led by certified guides and aimed at reconnecting locals with nature and heritage. UN & AI Governance: Club de Madrid and RegulatingAI held a high-level UNGA81 round table on who builds, oversees, and governs AI for the public interest, as the UN pushes new AI governance efforts. UN Leadership Race: With António Guterres set to leave at year’s end, UNGA coverage highlights the widening contest for the next secretary-general, including support for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett amid reported U.S. opposition. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Costa Rica, called for renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and backing it with personnel and funding. Local Business/Travel: Hilton opened Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Heredia, positioning it around wellness and nearby nature attractions. Sports (Costa Rica ties): Costa Rica is mentioned in regional football and youth sports coverage, including U-20 tournament viewing and cricket links.

UN Leadership Race: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned the world is nearing a “dangerous precipice” as António Guterres prepares to leave Dec. 31, with the race for his successor still unsettled. Costa Rica at the UN: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains in the mix for UN secretary-general talks, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s bid faces reported U.S. resistance. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Costa Rica, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back Haitian-led security solutions. Local Impact: Costa Rica changed the Route 1 traffic pattern near San Ramón as construction continues through December, with drivers rerouted via access roads and Route 135. Tourism & Business: Hilton opened Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Heredia, expanding the brand into Costa Rica’s Central Valley with nature-and-wellness positioning. Public Safety: U.S. Coast Guard reported firing warning shots at a go-fast boat south of Costa Rica and seizing over 25,000 pounds of cocaine in a multi-vessel operation.