Costa Rica received an international tourism award this week after being named “Best Nature Destination” at the inaugural Forbes Travel Awards 2026.
The award was presented in Madrid during the first-ever Forbes Travel Awards ceremony. This recognition was granted by the editorial committee of Forbes Travel. According to available information, the winners are selected internally by the editorial committee and are not based on sponsorships or application processes.
According to tourism experts, this recognition is expected to further strengthen Costa Rica’s international image, which has been built over many years around protected natural areas, rich biodiversity, and a low-impact sustainable tourism model.
Costa Rica was recognized in the “Best Nature Destination” category alongside other winners, including Chile as “Best International Destination,” Austria as “Best Cultural Destination,” and Madrid as “Best Business Destination.”
The award reflects the qualities that have made Costa Rica one of the strongest tourism brands in the region. These include its extensive system of national parks, protected forests, volcanoes, coastlines along two oceans, and a tourism model based on environmental conservation and sustainability. According to local reports, more than a quarter of the country’s territory is under protection.
