Summit in Mexico City.Mexico City, August 31, 2026. The Arenal Fortuna destination was named the winner of the top prize in the “Mature Destination” category at the Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit, one of the most important events in Ibero-America regarding sustainable and social tourism.

This recognition highlights the evolution of the Arenal-Fortuna area of San Carlos into a well-established destination, for achieving outstanding integration of tourism with sustainability, business participation, local development, and the creation of opportunities for communities. This award was accepted this afternoon by representatives of the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, who initially stated that this honor recognizes the work that entrepreneurs, organizations, public institutions, academia, and the community have promoted over the years, consolidating a shared vision of sustainable tourism development for the destination.

This award does not merely recognize a tourist destination; it recognizes a community’s ability to work together, evolve, and build a vision for the future. Arenal Fortuna demonstrates today that a destination’s maturity is not measured solely by the number of visitors it receives, but by its ability to generate well-being, opportunities, and value for its people.

“Receiving this Ibero-American recognition fills us with pride, but above all, it challenges us as a destination to continue growing responsibly, strengthening our competitiveness, and ensuring that tourism remains a tool for development throughout the region,” said Edwin Araya, Executive Director of the Arenal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

“The Costa Rican Tourism Institute extends its sincere congratulations to the Arenal-Fortuna destination for receiving the top prize in the ‘Mature Sustainable Destination’ category.” “This award brings pride to Costa Rica and the tourism sector, deservedly highlighting the evolution of Arenal-Fortuna as an established destination that has successfully integrated tourism with sustainability, business participation, local development, and the creation of opportunities for communities,” emphasized Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the ICT.

This award was granted in recognition of the sustainable growth trajectory of a destination with more than 30 years of history, characterized by resilience and a tourism development model based on coordination and collaborative work—which has enabled it, over the years, to overcome crises, diversify activities, and remain competitive.

Currently, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations, with more than 20,000 hotel beds and a range of over 150 adventure, nature, and hot springs activities. The destination combines wellness, cultural identity, and nature, while generating employment and opportunities for its communities.

This recognition comes at a strategic moment for Arenal Fortuna, following the launch of its new destination brand, developed through a collective process to strengthen its identity and national and international profile. The distinction reaffirms its position as a leading tourist destination and its evolution toward a more sustainable, inclusive model that is deeply connected to the local territory.

This progress is the result of joint efforts among companies, organizations, and institutions, such as the Comprehensive Destination Management Program (PGID), which has been developed over the past three years in collaboration with and with the support of the ICT’s Department of Tourism Development. Additionally, Arenal Fortuna ranks among the top five highest-rated Tourism Development Centers in the country in the

“We celebrate with deep satisfaction this well-deserved achievement, which reaffirms and recognizes the work of the Arenal Chamber of Tourism of La Fortuna, its board of directors, and all affiliated companies for their vision in strengthening—with dedication and commitment—this iconic destination for the future, for the continuous improvement of Costa Rica’s tourism development hubs, and for tourism that is increasingly sustainable, inclusive, and a source of well-being for communities,” concluded Alberto López, General Manager of the ICT, who was present in Mexico City at the time the award was presented.

For more information, interested parties can visit www.arenalcostarica.cr or call 63347630

Press contacts:

Luis E. Jara Cubillo / [email protected] / 83414521 / ICT

Edwin Araya Gamboa / [email protected] / Executive Director, Arenal La Fortuna Chamber of Tourism / 63347630

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