By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s leading tourism trade event, Expotur, is set to return for its 39th edition from May 27 to 29, 2026. The Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT) made the announcement on Friday, officially launching the promotional campaign for an event that has become a cornerstone of the national and regional tourism industry.
Expotur serves as the primary commercial showcase for Costa Rica’s diverse tourism offerings and is widely recognized as one of the most consolidated and influential travel trade shows in Latin America. The early announcement signals a strategic effort to attract a broader range of international buyers and solidify the country’s competitive edge on the world stage. The focus for 2026 is clear: to cultivate new global markets and reinforce Costa Rica’s brand as a premier destination.
To delve into the commercial and legal framework that underpins an event of the magnitude of Expotur 2026, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his analysis on the critical considerations for its success.
The success of Expotur 2026 hinges on legal certainty. For both international buyers and national exhibitors, clear and enforceable contracts are paramount. This includes everything from stand reservations and sponsorship agreements to service provisions. A solid legal structure not only mitigates commercial risk but also strengthens Costa Rica’s brand as a secure and professional destination for investment and high-level business events.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is crucial: the success of a global event like Expotur is ultimately built on a foundation of trust, which can only be guaranteed by the legal certainty he describes. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution, clarifying that a solid legal framework is as vital to the event’s success as any physical infrastructure.
The event has long been a critical engine for the sector, facilitating direct negotiations between Costa Rican tourism operators and international wholesalers. Yadyra Simón, President of ACOPROT, emphasized the strategic importance of the gathering in a statement celebrating its enduring legacy and future-focused vision.
Expotur is a showcase of international projection and an example of the tourism sector’s coordination that has allowed us to consolidate Costa Rica’s reputation as a sustainable, diverse, and competitive destination.
Yadyra Simón, President of ACOPROT
The ambitious goals for the 2026 edition are built upon a foundation of proven success. The recently concluded Expotur 2025 was a resounding triumph, generating over 3,000 business meetings between local suppliers and international delegates. More impressively, the commercial activity during the event is projected to translate into more than $39 million in future tourism revenue, underscoring its role as a powerful tool for national economic development.
Looking ahead, ACOPROT aims to leverage this momentum to achieve several key objectives. A primary goal is the continued diversification of source markets, expanding beyond traditional strongholds to attract visitors from emerging regions. This includes strengthening Costa Rica’s presence in high-potential segments such as adventure travel, ecotourism, and wellness, which align perfectly with the nation’s natural assets and established brand identity.
Furthermore, a significant focus for Expotur 2026 will be the promotion of tourism dispersal. This strategy seeks to guide international visitors toward a wider array of regions and communities throughout the country, moving beyond the most famous destinations. By doing so, organizers hope to spread the economic benefits of tourism more equitably, fostering sustainable development and creating productive linkages that empower local economies and small businesses.
For nearly four decades, Expotur has been instrumental in placing Costa Rica on the global map. It has consistently generated valuable business opportunities, nurtured supply chains, and driven development for communities that depend on tourism. The platform allows small hotels, local tour guides, and artisan communities to connect with a global audience, an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach for many.
The 2026 event is poised to continue this legacy, acting not just as a marketplace but as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration within the industry. As Costa Rica continues to champion sustainable practices, Expotur will remain a critical venue for showcasing the country’s commitment to a tourism model that respects nature, empowers communities, and offers authentic, world-class experiences to travelers from around the globe.
For further information, visit acoprot.co.cr
About ACOPROT (Asociación Costarricense de Profesionales en Turismo):
The Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT) is a non-profit organization that represents and supports professionals and businesses within Costa Rica’s tourism industry. For nearly four decades, it has been dedicated to promoting the country as a leading global destination, fostering professionalism and ethical standards among its members, and organizing key industry events like Expotur. ACOPROT plays a crucial role in advocating for sustainable development and creating business opportunities that benefit the entire national tourism ecosystem.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its esteemed reputation upon the foundational principles of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm blends its rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing legal innovation. This pioneering spirit is matched by a deep-seated conviction to empower the community, championing the democratization of legal knowledge to cultivate a more informed and capable society.
