AGP Executive Report

Tourism Investment: JW Marriott Costa Elena has opened in Guanacaste as the brand’s first all-inclusive resort. The 415-room property adds a major luxury offering on the northern Pacific coast. Small Business: Mastercard’s regional survey found 97% of SMEs accept digital payments, but 51% say fraud and cyberattacks are a major barrier to expanding their use. Coffee Pressure: Costa Rican producers say the strong colón is squeezing export earnings and prompting job cuts and more farm mechanization. Trade Policy: The National Liberation Party, which holds 17 seats in the 57-member Assembly, says it will oppose joining the CPTPP, citing risks to agriculture and concerns about competition from larger producers. Transport: Costa Rica’s Paquera ferry terminal upgrade, connecting the Nicoya Peninsula with the rest of the country, was recognized by the IDB for adapting its plans to avoid cost overruns and maintain service.

Trade: Costa Rica’s National Liberation Party says its 17 lawmakers will oppose joining the 12-member CPTPP trade pact. Membership could open new markets, but the party warns that local coffee, dairy, rice and other producers could face tougher competition. Tourism: JW Marriott has opened its first all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, a 415-room property with 17 pools, adding a major luxury brand to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. British Airways is also making its San José route year-round as it expands Latin American capacity. Infrastructure: A Costa Rican ferry-terminal project at Paquera, connecting the Nicoya Peninsula with the rest of the country, was named an IDB Group “Superhero of Development” for improving transport while avoiding cost overruns. Environmental enforcement: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and uncovered 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide, while more than 1,000 animals were recovered across the region.

Luxury Hospitality: JW Marriott opened its first-ever all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica, the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Guanacaste, with 415 rooms, 17 pools, 15 dining venues, and a new Griffin Club plus Mindfulness-focused offerings. Security & Crime Policy: Costa Rica plans to inaugurate CACCO, a Center for High Containment Against Organized Crime beside La Reforma prison, aiming to hold 5,100 inmates as the government pushes a tougher stance on organized crime. Business & Legal: Three Costa Rican former hotel workers in Atlanta sued Omni Hotels in federal court over alleged wage-law violations and retaliation tied to complaints about pay and housing. Trade & Logistics Risk: A Deloitte Econosignal report warns El Niño could raise costs across Central America in 2027, including potential disruptions to Panama Canal operations and shipping schedules. Regional Cooperation: The U.S. and nine other Americas countries issued a joint statement condemning Iran-linked “terrorist activities,” including calls for closer coordination against alleged proxy threats. Energy/Weather Watch: The El Niño outlook also flags uneven country impacts depending on hydroelectric dependence and agricultural exposure. Startups & Execution: ULACIT’s entrepreneurship chief Allan Matarrita says ideas are “worthless” without execution, urging founders to test, fail fast, and build around real purpose. Aviation Connectivity: British Airways will add a daily London–Buenos Aires nonstop from March 28, 2027, continuing to Santiago, boosting Latin America-Europe travel links.

Luxury Hospitality: JW Marriott opened its first-ever all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica—JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Guanacaste—bringing 415 rooms, 17 pools, 15 dining venues, and a new Griffin Club plus Mindfulness House. Tourism & Connectivity: British Airways will add a daily non-stop London–Buenos Aires service from March 28, 2027, continuing to Santiago, while also shifting capacity that frees seats for the Brazilian market. Jobs & Economy: Costa Rica job losses are mounting, with at least 6,000 roles cut over three years as multinationals restructure or exit, including banana and tech-sector layoffs tied to exchange-rate pressure and operational changes. Security & Infrastructure: Costa Rica plans to inaugurate the CACCO megaprison on Oct. 14, aiming to contain organized crime with 5,100 high-containment inmates—raising the business question of whether enforcement capacity can translate into convictions. International Trade & Risk: A U.S.-led joint statement including Costa Rica condemns Iran-linked “terrorist activities” across the Western Hemisphere, signaling tighter cross-border coordination. Food & Agriculture: A new report warns banana supply in the U.S. faces rising weather, disease, and cost pressures, with El Niño adding uncertainty for growers across the region.

Costa Rica Jobs: Costa Rica’s job market is still under pressure, with at least 6,000 positions lost over the past three years as major firms shut plants or cut operations, including Standard Fruit and Qorvo. Tourism Demand Shift: Canadians are increasingly choosing Costa Rica over the U.S.; ICT data shows 232,949 Canadian arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, up 24.1%, as airlines add routes and frequencies. Emergency Services Costs: The Costa Rican Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches to close a growing funding gap, with potential impacts on nighttime ambulance coverage. Agri Risk: Heavy rains in the Caribbean are damaging cacao plantations, with some producers reporting 50%–60% flower losses that could hit harvests months from now. Business & Tech: Peptides Costa Rica launched a mobile app to streamline research-product ordering and account management within the country, aiming to cut friction and avoid customs delays. Sustainability: A new push for wildlife corridors on Costa Rican farms is helping reconnect habitats by encouraging forest regrowth and native tree planting.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading the UN chief race after winning 3 of 4 Security Council straw polls, improving her standing in the latest vote. Global Influence Watch: A Latinobarómetro survey says China now has a more positive image than the U.S. across Latin America, with 65% viewing China favorably vs. 57% for the U.S. Tourism Demand Shift: Canada is sending more visitors to Costa Rica—232,949 arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, up 24.1%—as Canadians look beyond the U.S. Air Connectivity: Southwest is expanding routes for summer 2027, including new nonstops from Austin and Nashville to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste (LIR) and other destinations. Health & Services Under Pressure: The Costa Rican Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches to close a growing funding gap. Business & Innovation: Peptides Costa Rica launched a mobile app to streamline ordering and batch documentation for research buyers inside the country. Weather Risk to Exports: Heavy rains in the Caribbean are damaging cacao flowers and could cut harvests for months, with some farms reporting 50%-60% losses.

Climate & Agriculture: Heavy rains in Costa Rica’s Caribbean are damaging cacao plantations, with some Talamanca producers reporting 50%–60% flower losses—threatening harvests months ahead and disrupting small-farmer orders. Tourism & Hospitality: A Manuel Antonio luxury hotel/residential project tied to Ocean Cove MA Development (marketed as Maravé Manuel Antonio, LXR Hotels & Resorts) faces a criminal environmental complaint alleging harm to waterways, protected areas, forest cover, and sediment runoff toward Playa La Vaca. Innovation & Health Tech: UCR student Eddie Alvarado Elizondo developed a compact, eco-friendly disinfectant tablet that dissolves in under nine minutes and claims 99.99% pathogen kill, aiming to cut packaging and logistics waste. Local Business & Community: Heredia’s Feria del Café con Memoria Herediana 2026 spotlights coffee entrepreneurship and local history with specialty exhibitors, ICAFE competitions, and public cultural programming. Trade & Travel Links: Southwest Airlines announced new Austin nonstop routes starting June 2027, including Liberia, Costa Rica—boosting Central America connectivity for business and leisure travelers.

Costa Rica & Region Politics: Brazil’s presidential election is underway Sunday, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a tight race that could force a runoff on Oct. 25—an outcome with major implications for trade, security, and ties with the U.S. Costa Rica & UN Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a frontrunner in the UN secretary-general race after the latest Security Council straw poll, as debate grows over how much independence the next leader can truly have. Costa Rica Business & Innovation: A UCR student team has developed a compact, eco-friendly tablet disinfectant that dissolves in under 9 minutes and targets 99.99% pathogen kill, aiming to cut packaging and logistics waste. Local Economy & Tourism: Heredia hosts a free Coffee Heritage fair Sunday, featuring specialty coffee exhibitors, ICAFE competitions, and cultural programming. Crypto & Finance: Jeeves raised $110m to expand stablecoin-native banking for global payments, underscoring continued investment momentum in fintech across multiple countries. Aviation & Connectivity: Southwest is adding new nonstop routes from Austin, including Liberia, Costa Rica, boosting Central America access for business and leisure travelers.

Air Connectivity (Costa Rica): Southwest Airlines is expanding from Austin in summer 2027 with new nonstop links to Liberia, Costa Rica (June 5–Aug 1, weekends), alongside routes to Nassau and Punta Cana—boosting Central America access for business and leisure travelers. UN Leadership Race (Costa Rica): Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is advancing in the UN Secretary-General contest, leading a Security Council straw poll stage as the process turns into a behind-the-scenes bargaining test over independence and senior appointments. Global Influence (Costa Rica): A Latinobarómetro poll finds China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America; Costa Rica is one of the few countries where U.S. influence still ranks higher than China. Fuel Costs (Costa Rica): Costa Rica approved a sharp fuel price jump effective Saturday: diesel up ¢97, regular up ¢12, and super up ¢38 per liter, with knock-on effects for transport and agriculture. Agro-Industry (Costa Rica): A study highlights how orange peel waste from a Costa Rican juice operation helped restore degraded pasture into forest over 16 years, turning industrial byproducts into long-term land recovery. Crypto Finance: Jeeves raised $110m to scale stablecoin-native banking/payments for global enterprises.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is expanding its 2027 network from Austin and adding direct links that include Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) starting June 5, plus a return of Austin–San José (SJO) service and renewed Austin–Nashville connectivity that boosts Guanacaste’s U.S. travel options. Energy Costs: Costa Rica approved a new fuel price hike effective Saturday—diesel up ¢97, regular up ¢12, and super up ¢38—raising costs for transport, agriculture, and shipping. Biotech & Health: ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b trial results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases for its intranasal pertussis vaccine BPZE1, with the study run across the UK, Australia, and Costa Rica. Business Finance: Crypto funding highlights include Jeeves’ $110m equity round to scale stablecoin-native banking for global payments, alongside other disclosed deals. International Perception: A Latinobarómetro poll finds China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica among the few where U.S. influence still leads.

Fuel Prices Jump in Costa Rica: ARESEP approved a sharp increase starting Saturday: diesel up ¢97 (¢688→¢785), regular gasoline up ¢12 (¢707→¢719), and super up ¢38 (¢726→¢764), with LPG also rising—an expected hit to transport, freight, and other diesel-dependent sectors. Crypto & Fintech Funding: Jeeves secured a $110m equity round to scale its stablecoin-native banking and payments platform across 35 countries, while World Assets disclosed $49m in token sales and WLD sales, and Solana Company priced a $15m offering. Biotech in the Spotlight: ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases for its intranasal pertussis vaccine BPZE1, including a trial site in Costa Rica. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport (ICT) and Southwest announced new 2027 nonstops from Austin and Nashville to Liberia, aiming to boost U.S. travel links to Guanacaste. Business Expansion: McDonald’s opened its 81st Costa Rica location in Puntarenas, creating 36 jobs. Global Context for Costa Rica: A Latinobarometro poll found China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica among the few exceptions.

Fuel Prices: Costa Rica’s regulator Aresep approved a new hike: diesel up ¢97 (to ¢785/l), “Super” up ¢38 (to ¢764/l), and “Regular” up ¢12 (to ¢719/l), with LPG rising ¢4—an extra cost pressure for transport, freight, and thermal power. Retail & Jobs: McDonald’s is set to open its 81st restaurant in Costa Rica, in Puntarenas (El Roble), creating 36 jobs and adding services like Drive-Thru, McDelivery, digital kiosks, and McCafé. Fintech & Payments: Jeeves, a stablecoin-native banking platform, announced $110M equity funding and a stablecoin wallet with payouts to 190 countries, expanding its stablecoin card footprint to include Costa Rica. Aviation & Tourism: Breeze Airways will launch its first nonstop Tampa–San José route on Oct. 3, with fares starting at $149 and service twice weekly. Business & Energy Policy: Costa Rica’s broader business environment also faces a macro backdrop as a new Latinobarómetro poll finds China viewed more positively than the U.S. across Latin America, with Costa Rica among the few exceptions.

Costa Rica Household Finance: New research from the Financial Consumer Office (OCF) says over 90% of Costa Ricans recognize the value of saving, but only about half manage to do it consistently—debt, low income, and surprise expenses are the main blockers, with retirement the top reason to save. Crypto Compliance Shift: Crypto casinos are cutting upfront KYC checks to attract players, but most still verify later—often after deposits or big wins—under tightening rules like FATF’s Travel Rule and Europe’s MiCA. Tourism Recognition: Costa Rica topped British National Geographic Traveller’s 2026 Reader Awards for adventure and responsible travel, with strong marks for conservation and sustainability approvals. Workplace Wellness (Local Angle): A new piece highlights Nicoya’s “Blue Zone” habits—movement, simpler food choices, social connection, purpose—as practical lessons for companies building wellness programs. Business & Travel Growth: Breeze Airways announced new nonstop routes, including its first flights to San José, Costa Rica, as it expands point-to-point travel. International Business Setup: A guide notes foreigners can own and run businesses in Costa Rica (often 100% ownership), but day-to-day operational work generally requires residency or a work permit. Shield of the Americas: A joint statement from the Shield of the Americas meeting adds critical mineral supply chains to the coalition’s economic pillar, alongside security and trusted-supplier rules for digital infrastructure. EV Market Watch: Coverage points to fast EV adoption gains in Ecuador, underscoring how regional electrification is accelerating. US Embassy Clarification: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica denied rumors claiming it revoked visas of sitting Costa Rican officials, urging people to rely on official channels.

Auto & Retail Expansion: Inchcape agreed to buy Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover retail businesses in Peru and Volvo units in Costa Rica, adding two Costa Rica locations to its Latin America footprint. UN Diplomacy & Trade: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan again led a UN Security Council straw poll for secretary-general, reinforcing momentum for a first woman at the top—though any veto could still derail the race. Drug Enforcement & Public Budgets: Costa Rica transferred about 45 metric tons of seized cocaine to the U.S. for destruction via a C-17, with officials citing budget limits to dispose of the drugs domestically. Security Cooperation: The OAS urged full renewal and support for Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, calling for UN Security Council action and funding. Local Business & Fraud: Two women were arrested in Costa Rica over an alleged driving-school scam tied to social media promotions and unpaid lessons. Regional Sentiment: A new Economist Latinobarómetro survey says favorability toward China is rising across Latin America, including Costa Rica, while views of the U.S. have fallen. Visa Rumors: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica denied social media claims that it revoked visas for serving officials.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth closed-door straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes versus 8 for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, though a veto by a permanent member could still derail the momentum. Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. expanded visa restrictions under the “Shield of the Americas” push against transnational organized crime, with Costa Rica among the signatories of the Sept. 22 declaration. Domestic Politics: Former foreign minister Manuel Tovar urged the Prosecutor’s Office and DEA to monitor Rodrigo Chaves amid visa and enforcement rumors, while the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica denied claims that visas for serving officials had been revoked. Crime & Justice: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized cocaine to the U.S. for destruction because local authorities say they lack budget to destroy it at home. Fraud Crackdown: Two women were arrested in Heredia and San José over an alleged driving-school scam that took upfront payments and then delayed or avoided classes. Business & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to scale stablecoin-native banking for global payments, including a wallet with payouts across 190 countries. Trade & Industry: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s growing role as a nearshoring gateway for manufacturing and innovation.

UN Secretary-General race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading again after the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes, but still faces the veto risk from the US, China, France, the UK and Russia. Costa Rica diplomacy: Costa Rica used its UN General Assembly address to back Grynspan’s bid and flag concerns over Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela, calling for a more agile and accountable UN. El Niño economic hit: A Chilean climatologist warns this year’s El Niño could worsen Latin America’s economic woes, mainly through rainfall disruption, higher temperatures, farm losses, and rising food prices. Costa Rica business & tech: Jeeves raised $110M to expand stablecoin-native banking, adding Costa Rica among new markets for its stablecoin cards and payments. Digital payments expansion: Apple Pay finally launches in India with Axis Bank, highlighting how regulatory and partner readiness can unlock new payment markets. Trade & connectivity: Starlink Mobile launched in Ecuador via state carrier CNT, and the rollout model mirrors Costa Rica’s earlier satellite-to-phone approach. Local infrastructure: President Laura Fernández announced upgrades in Quepos, including modernization plans for the La Managua airfield and new road/bridge works.