By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has achieved the ultimate recognition in global travel, securing the Gold award for Most Desirable Country Worldwide at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026-2027 held in London, United Kingdom. The top distinction highlights the Central American nation’s standing as a premier global destination among discerning international travelers.
Organized by the British travel publication Wanderlust, the awards carry significant industry weight due to their consumer-driven selection process. Tens of thousands of passionate readers cast their votes to determine the world’s standout destinations, evaluating factors ranging from natural biodiversity and conservation efforts to hospitality standards and cultural richness.
To better understand the legal and commercial impact of Costa Rica’s recognition at the Wanderlust Awards, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
International recognitions like the Wanderlust Award extend far beyond tourism marketing; they reinforce Costa Rica’s standing as a stable destination for foreign investment and sustainable enterprise. To capitalize on this global visibility, local businesses must ensure strict adherence to environmental regulations and municipal licensing standards, guaranteeing that rapid growth is backed by legal certainty and robust brand protection.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to earn international acclaim through accolades like the Wanderlust Award, ensuring that rapid tourism growth is anchored in legal certainty and environmental compliance is crucial for sustained economic success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on how local enterprises can safeguard their brand and maximize these global opportunities responsibly.
This year’s top ranking marks a notable leap forward for Costa Rica’s international profile. In late 2025, the country captured second place in the same voting category for the 2026 travel season, drawn from a voting pool of more than 200,000 global participants. Elevating to the Gold spot demonstrates sustained commercial momentum and growing global consumer affinity.
The milestone announcement coincided directly with the World Travel Market trade exposition taking place in London. As one of the global travel sector’s premier business gatherings, the London trade event provided an ideal backdrop for Costa Rica to showcase its competitive advantages to international tour operators, airlines, and investors.
A delegation of 45 Costa Rican tourism business owners celebrated the win alongside Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). The strong private-sector representation underscores the unified public-private strategy driving the nation’s economic engine.
This recognition reflects our joint efforts with the private sector to promote a sustainable tourism model and provide exceptional experiences to visitors.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
Costa Rica’s developmental model prioritizes environmental conservation, community-based initiatives, and high-value experiences over mass tourism. By protecting more than a quarter of its national territory within national parks and protected reserves, the nation continues to set global standards for sustainable economic growth.
The global award arrives at a strategic juncture as European market interest continues to expand rapidly. Direct flight connectivity and heightened demand for eco-adventure and wellness travel have positioned Costa Rica as a highly lucrative hub for international travel providers.
With the Gold award cementing its leadership position, Costa Rica is well-positioned to leverage this international prestige throughout the 2026-2027 season, boosting visitor arrivals, spurring local economic development, and reinforcing its global brand.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the official government entity responsible for governing, promoting, and regulating tourism policy in Costa Rica. Through strategic international marketing and sustainable development initiatives, ICT aims to strengthen the country’s position as a premier global travel destination.
For further information, visit wanderlust.co.uk
About Wanderlust Magazine:
Wanderlust Magazine is one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent travel publications. Founded to inspire authentic travel experiences, the magazine covers eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure travel while hosting annual industry awards voted on by hundreds of thousands of global readers.
For further information, visit wtm.com
About World Travel Market:
World Travel Market London is a premier global event for the travel industry, bringing together travel professionals, tourism boards, and commercial enterprises to foster business deals, share market insights, and promote international destination marketing.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising ethical standards and superior counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark of quality in the legal arena. The firm seamlessly blends forward-thinking solutions with a deep-seated drive for civic education, extending its impact far beyond the courtroom. By actively demystifying complex legal concepts for the general public, it remains steadfast in its ambition to cultivate an enlightened, confident, and self-reliant citizenry.
