Exportur

The 35th Expotur Tourism Market will be held from May 9 to 10, 2019 at the National Convention Center in San José. This year’s event is predicted to have the highest attendance figures in recent years, as well as an increase in sales companies, expenditure and overall income generated for the country.

Expotur 2019 is organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), along with support from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), and has been named the country’s main tourism marketing exchange service.

This year, micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises (MSMEs) in Costa Rica will play a leading role in this fair; these small businesses will be granted special conditions that will facilitate their participation in this fair because they are considered a fundamental part of tourism management and a driving force of the ICT. In fact, in the accommodation sector alone, 94% of establishments are comprised of MSMEs.

During the event, MSMEs will have two days to market their different products, as well as the opportunity for new entrepreneurs to participate. The goal proposed by the organization is to have 80 MSMEs registered. The MSMEs will receive a variety of benefits in Expotur 2019, such as a differentiated work area, two pre-show seminars and networking opportunities.

In the last 5 years, Expotur has witnessed an increase of 55 buying companies between 2014 and 2018. It is estimated that the company will receive 230 buying companies in 2019. According to the Expotur 2018 Economic Spill Study, the daily expenditure of foreign buyers during Expotur can reach up to $108.95.

“The 35th annual Expotur fair is a source of immense joy, not only because of its impressive achievements, but also due to its ongoing commitment to the national tourism sector at a time when competitiveness, which increases due to the proximity of other services, drives us to improve and specialize what we can offer,” said Erasmo Rojas, president of ACOPROT.

Costa Rica will be presented to all potential buyers as a multi-sustainable destination, where visitors will be able to find not only rare natural diversity, but also the opportunity to do business, enjoy the nightlife on offer, the ancient traditions, the wellness tourism sector, or even just the sun and beach, all the while ensuring sustainable practices.