Published on Monday, November 9, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica has won the gold award in the top category, earning recognition as the world's most desirable long-haul destination for 2026 from British travel magazine Wanderlust, the Tourism Institute (ICT) announced.

Wanderlust, a monthly travel magazine based in Windsor, Berkshire, placed Costa Rica at the top of its annual list in the category "Most Desirable Country (Long Haul) 2026."

The country received the award following high scores from a panel of professional judges and votes from the magazine's readers.

 

This marks the fourth time Costa Rica has placed among the top three in the British awards. The country won bronze in 2021, gold in 2022 and silver in 2025.

"Receiving the 'Most Desirable Country (Worldwide) Gold' award represents a strategic opportunity and a significant international endorsement for Costa Rica,"said Marcos Borges, president of the ICT. "It recognizes the collaborative work with the private sector and a robust, sustainable tourism model that creates authentic, unforgettable experiences throughout the country."

According to ICT statistics, more than 36,000 tourists arrived in Costa Rica by air from the United Kingdom through June, making the country its third-largest European source market for visitors. During the same period, more than 1.6 million international travelers arrived in Costa Rica by air from all countries.

The award comes as Costa Rica steps up efforts to attract more European visitors, particularly from the United Kingdom. Those efforts include the country's participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the world's leading tourism trade shows.

In related developments, Lufthansa has expanded its nonstop service to Costa Rica, offering five weekly flights between Frankfurt, Germany, and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela.

Costa Rica generated more than $3 billion in tourism revenue during the first half of 2026, according to the Center for Tourism Studies.

Costa Rica launched a $13 million modernization project at La Managua Local Airport in Quepos Canton, Puntarenas Province. The project aims to improve airport infrastructure, operational safety and air connectivity along the country’s Central Pacific Coast.

The ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a tourism destination and supporting the country's tourism industry.

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What place in Costa Rica would you recommend to visitors from the UK? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com