AGP Executive Report

World Cup Weather Rules: FIFA says lightning risk could trigger long delays, with strict protocols already affecting warm-ups like England’s delayed friendly vs Costa Rica. Costa Rica Outlook: The World Bank trimmed Costa Rica’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% (from 3.6%), pointing to slower global momentum tied to Middle East energy shocks and higher inflation. Prison Policy: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández announced a bill requiring inmates to work, modeled on El Salvador’s approach to prison labor for security and other outputs. Jobs & Productivity: HR and legal experts in Costa Rica warn the World Cup could drive absenteeism and misuse of devices, but recommend proactive, flexible management to avoid disputes. Aviation Links: Porter Airlines expands its winter sun network with new nonstop service from Canada to Turks and Caicos, adding to routes that already include San José, Costa Rica. Media & Coverage: A BBC World Cup studio row highlights how broadcasters are handling remote hosting, with critics calling it “work from home” coverage.

Illegal Mining Crisis: Costa Rica’s Crucitas gold crisis is deepening as illegal mining spreads near the Nicaraguan border, with authorities warning of mercury and cyanide contamination, unsafe tunnels, and organized-crime involvement—turning a long-running concession dispute into a national environmental and security headache. Aviation & Tourism Links: Porter Airlines keeps expanding its “sun” network, adding new winter routes including San Jose, Costa Rica, while also announcing extra Caribbean connectivity (and other airlines are adding capacity in the region), underscoring how Costa Rica remains a key leisure and business travel draw. Nearshore Tech Expansion: MethodHub plans nearshore operations in Guadalajara and San José to deliver same-time-zone support for US/Canada customers, signaling continued investment in Costa Rica’s services and multilingual talent. Public Finance Watch: A new IMF-based snapshot flags Costa Rica as forecast to be in slight deflation (-0.4%) in 2026, a contrast to high-inflation peers—useful context for local pricing and fiscal planning. Law & Order: Costa Rica extradited a Canadian fugitive from Tamarindo to face drug and firearms charges tied to a major fentanyl case in British Columbia.

Crucitas Gold Crisis: Costa Rica’s illegal mining problem is escalating in the Crucitas area near the Nicaraguan border, with authorities warning of mercury and cyanide contamination, unsafe tunnels, and organized-crime involvement tied to “coligalleros,” turning a once-disputed concession into a national environmental and security headache. Border Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Border Police seized nearly 11 million colones (about US$23,900) worth of allegedly smuggled 2026 World Cup postcards in Golfito, citing missing tax documentation and warning that the crackdown targets revenue loss and unfair competition. Nearshore Tech Push: MethodHub plans nearshore operations in Guadalajara and San Jose to deliver same-time-zone support for US/Canada clients, adding a QuantumHire portal aimed at GCC-focused hiring and a Central America expansion strategy. Inflation Watch: The IMF’s 2026 outlook flags a wide global split, with Costa Rica projected to see slight deflation (-0.4%), while Venezuela and Sudan face extreme inflation. Tourism & Travel Links: Southwest Airlines announced winter 2027 expansion including a new direct route from Nashville to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, boosting air connectivity for business and leisure travelers. Regional Leadership: Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas was elected as the first Costa Rican and second woman to lead SICA’s General Secretariat, starting Aug. 9, 2026.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines says it will add new winter 2027 service linking Nashville to Liberia, Costa Rica, boosting direct airlift to Guanacaste as the carrier expands its Caribbean and Latin America network. Trade & Border Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Border Police seized 161 boxes of World Cup postcards worth nearly ₡11 million in Golfito after a vehicle arrived from Panama without proof of tax payment, aiming to protect state revenue and fair competition. Airport Economics: Juan Santamaría International Airport reported 2025 passenger growth to 6.4 million (a record) and said it contributed over US$62 million to the Costa Rican government, alongside US$28.3 million in airport investments. Global Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is among three Latin American women campaigning in Geneva to become the next UN secretary-general, pushing for renewed multilateralism and reforms. Health & Agriculture Risk: Coverage highlights the spread of New World screwworm in the US, linking the resurgence to illegal cattle smuggling across borders—an issue with direct implications for regional livestock health.

World Cup Logistics & Costs: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended World Cup visa refusals and steep ticket pricing ahead of kickoff, arguing the $60 entry price is the lowest in major U.S. sports and pushing back on criticism. Matchday Weather Disruption: England’s final warm-up vs Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by lightning and rain, with kick-off pushed back after ground staff responded quickly. England’s Tune-Up vs Costa Rica: England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in the warm-up, with Declan Rice scoring early and Anthony Gordon adding a penalty as the squad looked sharper ahead of the tournament opener. Health Benchmark for Costa Rica: A WHO-linked report highlights South Korea’s hypertension control success and notes Costa Rica among the few countries reaching control rates above 50%, pointing to lessons for healthcare systems. Costa Rica in the News Beyond Sports: A California man was sentenced for running an illegal gambling operation tied to Costa Rica, while a Nicaraguan suspect was extradited from Costa Rica to the U.S. over counterfeit passport and currency schemes. Business & Tourism Talent: Hyatt appointed Geoffray Maugin as VP Marketing & Loyalty for EAME, with prior work including a Costa Rica luxury eco-lodge project.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Delta adds a seasonal nonstop route from New York (JFK) to Guanacaste (Liberia), starting Dec. 19, 2026 through Apr. 10, 2027, with Saturday flights and about 6,596 seats across the season—another boost for Costa Rica’s north Pacific visitor pipeline. Business Costs & Jobs: The Competitiveness Promotion Council (CPC) proposes gradually reducing employer social security contributions tied to programs outside CCSS, arguing the current 7.25-point add-on raises formal hiring costs and can price people out of jobs. Immigration Reform: President Laura Fernández says her administration will send a bill to reform Costa Rica’s immigration law after reports of repeat illegal entries—some allegedly linked to organized crime and Crucitas gold mining—up to dozens of times per person. Agroecology & Rural Development: IICA reports AERAS has reached over 10,000 small farmers in Africa and Latin America with agroecology training and advisory support, aiming to improve resilience and livelihoods. Local Economy Watch: Costa Rica’s dollar trend is back in focus after the colón weakened slightly, affecting expats and retirees who earn and spend in USD. Regional Politics: A debate over UN Secretary-General candidates puts Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan in the spotlight.

UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, alongside Michelle Bachelet and María Fernanda Espinosa, pushed for a stronger, rights-focused UN at a Geneva debate as the organization faces a deep financial squeeze and rising conflict. Currency Watch: The U.S. dollar has inched up against Costa Rica’s colón after months of a strong colón, but economists say the “cheap dollar” era isn’t over yet—important for expats and remote workers. Tourism Rules: Canatur is pushing back on ride-sharing apps being used in official tourism promotion, arguing campaigns should only back legal, regulated transport. Meetings Tourism: Costa Rica will host FIEXPO Latin America 2026 (June 8–11) to grow the meetings, events and incentives sector. IMF Review: Costa Rica received another favorable IMF Article IV review, with a clear warning: stability must not become complacency. Immigration Reform: President Laura Fernández says a bill will reform immigration law after reports of repeat illegal entries tied to organized crime and illegal gold mining in Crucitas. Agroecology Expansion: IICA’s AERAS project says 10,000+ small farmers across Africa and Latin America are gaining advisory support to adopt agroecological practices. Drought Pressure: Guanacaste faces one of its worst droughts in years, hitting ranchers, farms, water systems and tourism.

Costa Rica Labor Watch: INEC reports Costa Rica’s unemployment stayed flat at 6.9% (Feb–Apr), but female employment fell by 52,000 year-on-year and women’s labor participation dropped. Airport Disruption: Heavy fog and rain at Juan Santamaría International Airport forced five flights to divert and triggered delays and some cancellations across domestic and international routes. Microplastics in the Economy & Food Chain: Costa Rican studies found microplastics in beaches, marine sediments, fish and shellfish, plus livestock and poultry—and even on Isla del Coco—raising new stakes for public health, agriculture, and conservation. Del Monte Corporate Move: Fresh Del Monte Produce rebranded as Del Monte Corporation after acquiring select Del Monte Foods assets, including a NYSE ticker change to “DMC.” Tourism & Wellness Spotlight: Two Costa Rica hotels—Hacienda AltaGracia and Lamangata—were named in Oprah Daily’s 2026 Hotel O-wards for wellness-focused stays. Global Trade Pressure: USTR proposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting imports from 60 economies, a reminder for exporters watching compliance risk.

Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. is proposing new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, with 10% or 12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies, including Costa Rica, and a July 7 hearing plus a July 6 comment deadline. Environment & Health: Costa Rican studies report microplastics across beaches, sediments, fish and shellfish, and even Isla del Coco—raising concerns for food safety and public health. Local Business & Infrastructure: ICE says it may demolish its historic La Sabana headquarters building after a structural-safety review, with options ranging from remodel to a new commercial or stadium-linked development. Aviation & Travel: Weather fog and rain at Juan Santamaría Airport caused diversions and delays on multiple international and some domestic routes. Tourism & Hospitality: Two Costa Rica hotels—Hacienda AltaGracia and Lamangata—were named in Oprah Daily’s 2026 Hotel O-wards. Immigration & Labor: Costa Rica received 25 deported foreigners from the U.S. under a March 2026 third-country agreement, with processing and checks before entry.

Trade & Market Access: Canada expanded market access for fish, seafood and aquatic products, including renewed pathways tied to Costa Rica—another reminder that compliance and health certificates can quickly reopen export doors. Immigration & Security: Costa Rica received a new batch of 25 deported foreigners from the U.S. under the March 2026 third-country agreement, with identity and security checks and weekly limits set by the bilateral deal. Energy & Real Estate: ICE says it may demolish its historic La Sabana headquarters building (Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón) because of structural safety concerns, with options ranging from remodel to a new commercial or stadium-linked development. Local Business & Jobs: Costa Rica’s legislature approved a reform giving Golfito free-zone operators the ability to negotiate direct extensions up to 10 years, avoiding a fresh bidding process at contract end. Tourism & Media: Costa Rica’s “Latidos en la Lluvia” cancer-survivor documentary is set for Amazon Prime Video later in 2026, backed by the tourism board and positioned as an adventure-and-recovery story. Global Macro: OECD reported April inflation at 4.4% year-on-year, with energy inflation still driving the picture.

Costa Rica Trade & Jobs: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved a reform to give commercial operators at the Depósito Libre Comercial de Golfito more contract stability, allowing existing concession holders to negotiate direct extensions of up to 10 years with JUDESUR instead of restarting public bidding. Tourism & Media: Costa Rica will bring an Amazon Prime Video documentary, “Latidos en la Lluvia,” later in 2026, following five Spanish women cancer survivors crossing the country via bike, foot, raft and kayak, with support from the tourism board (ICT). Aviation & Connectivity: Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman says the airline is targeting an IPO in 2027, and the carrier continues expanding international service that includes Costa Rica. Wellness & Hospitality: The Retreat Costa Rica launched its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided longevity programming and neuro-wellness services. Nature & Conservation: Costa Rica-linked conservation coverage highlights rewilding progress, including tapir recovery in the Tenorio area, while Costa Rica’s howler monkey protection efforts focus on reducing electrocution risks. Public Health Watch: CDC alerts expand enhanced Ebola screening in the U.S., adding another mandatory screening hub in Atlanta alongside existing protocols.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will add a weekly nonstop from Nashville to Liberia, Guanacaste, running Feb. 13–Mar. 6, 2027, giving Costa Rica’s Pacific-north beaches and parks another direct U.S. feeder market. Wellness & Hospitality: The Retreat Costa Rica launched its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, rolling out physician-guided nervous-system and regeneration programs priced from about $300 for a 60-minute session. Media & Tourism Promotion: Costa Rica’s documentary “Latidos en la Lluvia” is set to reach Amazon Prime Video later this year, following five cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast, active travel expedition supported by the tourism board. Public Health & Travel: Separate CDC alerts are raising new concerns for travelers and medical tourism in the U.S., including expanded Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and updated guidance tied to cosmetic procedures. Environment & Conservation: Rewilding work in Costa Rica’s Tenorio area is highlighted as tapirs and other wildlife return, while a separate story notes Costa Rica-sourced butterflies are being imported annually for a major exhibit abroad. Business & Markets: U.S. low-cost carrier Breeze Airways says it’s targeting an IPO in 2027, while international expansion includes Costa Rica service.

Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines is set to launch a weekly Nashville–Liberia (Guanacaste) route in 2027, adding another direct U.S. link for Costa Rica’s northwest tourism hub. Tourism Demand & Branding: A new “coolcation” ranking from Travel And Tour World puts Costa Rica among the Americas’ top cooler-weather nature escapes for 2026, while another report flags AI-generated tourist posters in Costa Rica as potentially hurting destination identity. Trade & Compliance: The U.S. Trade Representative moves forward with Section 301 forced-labor tariff proposals covering 60 economies, with Costa Rica mentioned among CAFTA-DR textiles/apparel exemptions—raising watchpoints for exporters. Nature & Risk: Costa Rica’s conservation push is also in the spotlight as howler monkey electrocution cases surge, with calls for stronger legal protection. Regional Policy Watch: Costa Rica’s foreign minister warns about Russian military presence in Nicaragua, underscoring security concerns for the region.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will add a weekly Nashville–Guanacaste (Liberia) nonstop in 2027, running four Saturdays in peak season (Feb. 13–Mar. 6), boosting access to Costa Rica’s northwest tourism hub. Travel Demand & Climate: A new “coolcation” ranking highlights Costa Rica among top Americas destinations for cooler, nature-led trips as heat drives vacation choices. Local Business & Risk: Costa Rica is under a nationwide green alert for heavier rains and saturated soils, with flood and landslide risk prompting tighter monitoring for residents and businesses. Wildlife & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s court ruling holds agencies accountable for power-line electrocutions, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara to protect howler monkeys and other wildlife. Trade Policy: The U.S. proposes Section 301 forced-labor tariffs that include Costa Rica-related CAFTA-DR exemptions, while broader tariff rates could affect regional supply chains. Workforce & Skills: A Costa Rica university-graduate study finds 68.5% were first-generation degree earners and 56.5% use AI tools at work, signaling a fast shift in skills demand.

U.S. Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 economies after forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Costa Rica (and Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic) flagged in the 12.5% tier; the plan also carves out exemptions for certain CAFTA-DR textiles and USMCA-compliant goods, and opens a public comment process. Costa Rica Weather Watch: Costa Rica is under a nationwide green alert as heavier rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk through June 9, prompting closer monitoring and urging residents and businesses to stay alert. Wildlife & Power Lines: A Costa Rica court ruling holds agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines and orders infrastructure changes in Nosara, as conservation groups push for safer designs. Public Beach Access Clash: In Garabito, crews removed a barrier at Punta Leona linked to Playa Blanca access; the operation escalated into police clashes and detentions, keeping the public-rights dispute unresolved. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case, renewing concerns for cattle and wildlife and highlighting the broader regional risk that already affects parts of Central America including Costa Rica.

Wildlife & Energy Regulation: Costa Rica’s courts ruled on howler monkey electrocutions tied to power lines, holding agencies accountable and ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara, as researchers push for practical fixes like insulated cables and safer crossings. Weather & Risk Management: The National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert as heavy rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risks through June 9, urging residents and businesses to monitor updates. Tourism & Public Access: Garabito’s crews removed a barrier to reopen access toward Playa Blanca, triggering police clashes and detentions tied to a long-running beach access fight near Jacó. Trade & Compliance: The U.S. proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, placing Costa Rica (and others) in the 12.5% tier, a move that could affect import costs and supply decisions. Insurance Sector: Costa Rica’s insurance market passed $2.4B in annual premiums, with growth increasingly driven by voluntary coverage rather than mandatory policies. Aviation Connectivity: Southwest announced a new Las Vegas–San José (Costa Rica) nonstop route, marking its longest international service. Agriculture & Food Security: The IMF urged Costa Rica to raise VAT on the basic food basket and the school bonus, plus adjust income tax exemptions and simplify corporate taxes.