By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has achieved a significant milestone on the global stage after being honored with the prestigious Most Desirable Country (Worldwide) Gold title at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026–2027. The recognition, presented by the renowned British travel publication Wanderlust, underscores the Central American nation’s standing as a world-class destination for eco-conscious travelers and international tourism.
The award announcement coincided with the annual World Travel Market (WTM) trade event in London, one of the travel industry’s premier global business platforms. Celebrating the win on-site was a Costa Rican delegation led by Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT), alongside 45 domestic tourism entrepreneurs actively conducting business in the British market this week.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the prestigious Costa Rica Tourism Award, TicosLand.com spoke with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his perspective on how such accolades elevate regulatory standards and strengthen consumer confidence in the hospitality sector.
“Receiving a national tourism award is more than a commercial milestone; it represents a verified commitment to regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection laws. Accolades like these signal to international investors and travelers alike that an enterprise operates under the highest legal and quality standards, ultimately reinforcing Costa Rica’s legal security and reputation as a world-class destination.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, these awards do far more than celebrate individual achievement—they reinforce the legal security and sustainable practices that make Costa Rica a premier destination for global travelers and investors alike. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insight on how regulatory excellence shapes the future of our nation’s tourism sector.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards carry substantial weight within the global travel community because results are determined directly by the magazine’s dedicated readership. Thousands of international travelers cast their votes based on personal experiences and destination appeal, providing authentic validation of Costa Rica’s market pull across European and global demographics.
Receiving the Most Desirable Country (Worldwide) Gold award represents a strategic opportunity and an important international endorsement for Costa Rica, recognizing the joint work with the private sector and a solid sustainable tourism model that generates authentic, unforgettable experiences across the country.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the ICT
The accolade highlights the synergy between Costa Rica’s public institutions and private enterprise. Over decades, the country has built a unified national tourism framework centered around environmental conservation, community empowerment, and high-value experiences, creating a durable model that setting standard across Latin America.
From a commercial standpoint, earning top honors in the Gold category offers a powerful marketing springboard across European markets. As high-value travelers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices and cultural authenticity, this endorsement strengthens Costa Rica’s competitive position against alternative long-haul destinations.
The presence of 45 Costa Rican private-sector leaders at WTM London reflects a ongoing drive to expand business connections in key source markets. By pairing official destination promotion with direct commercial outreach, the delegation aims to turn international awards into sustainable booking volumes and revenue growth for local communities statewide.
As global travel patterns continue to shift toward responsible and immersive experiences, Costa Rica’s latest accolade serves as confirmation that its long-term sustainable strategy remains aligned with consumer demand. The Gold distinction from Wanderlust readers will anchor upcoming promotional campaigns aimed at driving tourism growth through 2027.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT):
The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) is the official government agency responsible for promoting, regulating, and guiding sustainable tourism development throughout Costa Rica. Working in close coordination with private sector partners, the ICT drives international promotion, quality certification, and destination management to ensure tourism benefits communities across the nation.
For further information, visit wanderlust.co.uk
About Wanderlust:
Wanderlust is a premier British travel magazine and digital publication dedicated to independent, sustainable, and adventurous travel. Founded in 1993, the outlet provides expert destination coverage, travel advice, and environmental journalism, while its annual Reader Travel Awards recognize top destination brands, tour operators, and travel leaders worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and top-tier legal mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape the future of the legal profession. Building on a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces pioneering legal strategies while championing civic outreach. By striving to demystify complex legal principles for everyday citizens, Bufete de Costa Rica fulfills its foundational purpose of enriching the community and building a truly self-reliant, law-literate populace.
