• On the 7th and 8th of May, the 31st edition of Expotur in the Convention Center of the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose, Herradura, will take place.
• On May 9th and 10th the doors will open to the public in the second edition of “Expotur Arming your Vacation,” which will discuss vacation options within the country.

The key interest for the tourism market in the country highlights the cultural component in terms of the tourist experience in this 2015 edition of Expotur. Expotur host entrepreneurs from 29 countries will meet with representatives of 242 national and Central American tourist companies during the 7th and 8th of May at the Wyndham Hotel’s Convention Center in San Jose, Herradura.In order to place Costa Rica as an attractive tourist destination worldwide, hotels, tour operators, rent a car companies, airlines, event planners, medical tourism companies and tourism institutions will join Expotur 2015 to negotiate, discuss strategies and give presentations for two days to 151 potential investors, companies and visitors from around the world.

“This year we have achieved an interesting mix of wholesalers. We will visit wholesalers in North America, South America and Europe, and discuss with this group of guests the wholesale luxury market,” said Massi Devoto, President of the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT) organizing body.

“This year’s Expotur is about focusing on the supply of cultural tourism. Emphasizing the finer points of food, culturally endemic crafts, musical artistry, dance and songs, Rural Tourism and the Community while working in conjunction with the ICT who have allocated space for 20 companies in this segment to submit their presentations. This is the largest expansion focusing on this segment in the history of Expotur,” Devoto said.

Meanwhile, Wilhelm von Breymann (Minister of Tourism) said the ICT has worked hard to promote various tourism products, and encourages others in saying that cultural tourism has great potential. This niche meets the needs of present tourists who are seeking authentic travel experiences.

“We opted to drive culture as a distinguishing feature of the tourism industry through the development of strategies of differentiation, and the consolidation of tourism products and destinations. This will strengthen local enthusiasm and thereby increase competitiveness, quality products and add value to the experiences of visiting tourists. Therefore, we are making this important showcase to promote cultural events along with our natural resources and the quality of tourism, which make our destination an authentic and unique place,” said von Breymann.

Devoto also highlighted the contribution made by Expotur to the tourism industry, “estimates that each year as a result of negotiations with Expotur, and thanks to the public/private investments made, generates about 4% of all tourism per year ie between 70 thousand and 100 thousand visitors. This implies that the foreign exchange contribution is between 74 and 98 million dollars according to the average expenditure data handled by the ICT. We have made great efforts over the years, and especially this year, to invite wholesalers from America and Europe. The selection of these representatives has been very difficult and very competitive with the aim of expanding and diversifying demand. ”

Expotur Arming your Vacations

Once the negotiation rounds have finished, on May 9th and 10th local entrepreneurs receive the general public. “Vacation options within the country with varied attractions that will satisfy the tastes of all family members; attendees will have the opportunity to see new destinations and different options as to beaches, mountains and adventures,” said Devoto.

During the two days of Expotur Arming Your Vacation, visitors will also find attractive offers and packages, activities like workshops for adults, purchasable crafts and special events.