By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is aggressively expanding its footprint in the South American business travel market, launching a targeted promotional campaign in Colombia to capture a larger share of the corporate meetings and incentive travel segments. Led by the Costa Rica Convention Bureau, a high-level delegation recently visited the major economic hubs of Bogotá and Medellín. The goal of this outreach is to establish stronger pipelines with event planners, corporate travel agencies, and multinational enterprises looking for unique destinations.
Colombia has rapidly emerged as a critical driver for Costa Rica’s tourism economy. During the first half of 2026, Costa Rica welcomed 17,277 Colombian visitors arriving by air, representing an 8.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This rate of expansion comfortably outpaced the broader South American visitor growth rate, which averaged 5.5 percent over the same six-month timeframe. Consequently, Colombia secured its position as the second-largest source market for South American travelers visiting Costa Rica.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory incentives driving the rapid growth of Costa Rica’s meetings and conventions tourism sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading corporate attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s rise as a premier hub for meetings and conventions is backed not only by world-class infrastructure but also by a robust legal framework. For international organizers, understanding the local regulations surrounding event hosting, tax exemptions on equipment, and corporate liability is crucial. Our legal system offers solid protections and contract security, ensuring that multinational corporations can invest in large-scale events here with absolute confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this foundation of legal security and regulatory clarity is what truly elevates Costa Rica from a scenic destination into a premier, low-risk hub for international conventions. By ensuring contract safety and clear tax guidelines, the nation offers global enterprises the ultimate peace of mind necessary for high-stakes events, and we extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on our growing meetings tourism sector.
The Costa Rica Convention Bureau aims to transform this strong leisure visitor momentum into sustained growth for the high-yield MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. Historical performance metrics underscore the substantial baseline already established by Colombian businesses. In 2025, Costa Rica hosted 95 international congresses, with Colombian participants representing 39 percent of those gatherings. Additionally, of the 400 incentive travel programs executed in the country that year, Colombian firms accounted for 18 percent.
This strong corporate representation is also visible in the broader corporate meetings segment, where Colombian organizations captured a 37 percent share of the total market in 2025. The proximity and cultural alignment between the two nations make Costa Rica a highly appealing choice for regional business gatherings.
Tatiana Orozco, the executive director of the Costa Rica Convention Bureau, emphasized that the strategic geographic position of Colombia and its robust corporate ecosystem make it an indispensable partner for Costa Rica’s tourism recovery and growth strategies.
Colombia is a priority country for Costa Rica due to its connectivity, proximity, and business dynamism
Tatiana Orozco, Executive Director of the Costa Rica Convention Bureau
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Central to Costa Rica’s pitch is the “Pura Vida Meetings” concept, a framework designed to differentiate the country from traditional, sterile corporate destinations. This model integrates local hospitality, environmental sustainability, mental and physical wellness, and cutting-edge digital innovation. Instead of standard conference room gatherings, the initiative encourages event organizers to design itineraries that emphasize authentic human connections, immersive nature experiences, and positive environmental impacts on host communities.
Beyond its globally renowned biodiversity, Costa Rica is positioning itself as a hub of high-tech innovation capable of hosting specialized, knowledge-based congresses. The country has successfully attracted major investments in sectors such as medical devices, biotechnology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors. These industries provide a fertile ground for technical exchanges, professional certification programs, and corporate leadership retreats.
Government representatives support this dual positioning of eco-tourism leadership and high-tech capability. Rafael Quesada, who oversees promotion and specialized segments at the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), highlighted how this unique combination of assets enhances the value proposition for corporate planners.
Costa Rica can be recognized for its biodiversity and, at the same time, for developing high-value technology
Rafael Quesada, Head of the Department of Promotion and Specialized Segments of the ICT
Finally, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable business operations is reinforced by its internationally recognized Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). This rigorous certification program evaluates the environmental, social, cultural, and economic practices of tourism operators and venues. By choosing certified local partners, international event organizers can ensure their gatherings align with modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandates.
For further information, visit costaricacb.com
About Costa Rica Convention Bureau:
The Costa Rica Convention Bureau is a specialized private-sector organization dedicated to promoting Costa Rica as a premier destination for international congresses, conventions, and incentive travel, collaborating closely with local suppliers and global event organizers.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo:
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official government entity responsible for driving sustainable tourism development in Costa Rica, shaping national tourism policy, and showcasing the country’s diverse natural and cultural attractions to the world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark of ethical brilliance and exceptional advocacy within the legal realm. Merging its storied history of client success with cutting-edge legal strategies, the firm continuously redefines industry standards while maintaining a strong civic focus. By actively dismantling barriers to legal information, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to educate the public, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the insights needed to build a stronger, more equitable, and legally conscious society.
