Costa Rica is awarded the title of “Best Nature Destination” at the prestigious Forbes Travel Awards 2026

Costa Rica reaffirms its international leadership as a benchmark in sustainable tourism, conservation and biodiversity, by receiving the distinction as the “Best Nature Destination”, in the first edition of the Forbes Travel Awards 2026, which recognize excellence, innovation and sustainability in world tourism.  

These awards from the editorial committee of the prestigious magazine are the most influential in the industry. In addition to evaluating infrastructure, they highlight the strategic influence and capacity of destinations to generate a positive and regenerative impact on the environment.

William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, celebrated the news and thanked the Forbes Travel editorial committee for the recognition. “Costa Rica is recognized worldwide for having 6.5% of the planet's biodiversity, its marvelous natural landscapes, and for protecting more than a quarter of its territory with national parks and conservation areas. This recognition fills us with joy and allows us to reflect on and strengthen our sustainable tourism model, providing our visitors with unique experiences so they can begin to live what is truly essential, focusing on tourism that allows us to reconnect precisely with ourselves and with nature,” the minister stated.

As an editorial award from the Spanish edition of Forbes, requiring no registration or sponsorship process, this recognition strengthens Costa Rica's position as a true global leader in nature tourism. The award highlights a model that integrates a balance between conservation, well-being, and environmental responsibility.  

Factors such as the extensive national park system and a virtually untouched natural landscape, comprised of forests, volcanoes and coastlines, were vital to surpassing other international competitors in the nature category.

Costa Rica shines among other international destinations

The awards ceremony, held this week on March 17 in Madrid, Spain, brought together leading figures in the tourism industry, including representatives from hotel chains, airlines, and government officials from other countries. Costa Rica shared its recognition with other outstanding destinations such as Chile (best international destination), Austria (best cultural destination), and the city of Madrid (best business destination).

Costa Rica's prestige in Europe is reflected in sustained growth. During the first two months of 2026, our country received 103,902 tourists from the "old continent" by air, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year.

Within this dynamic, Spain continues to be one of the main European source markets for travelers to Costa Rica.  

Source: ICT.