By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rican families begin planning their year-end holidays, a growing concern over fraudulent travel packages has prompted a major industry event to shift its focus towards consumer protection. The eleventh edition of Expoviajes, the nation’s premier travel and tourism fair, will center its efforts on promoting safe and secure vacation purchases, providing a trusted environment for travelers to book with confidence.
The free-to-attend event, scheduled for October 11th and 12th at the Costa Rica Convention Center, is responding directly to a troubling increase in travel-related scams that have been highlighted in national media. Organizers are positioning the fair not just as a marketplace for deals, but as an essential educational platform designed to arm consumers with the knowledge needed to identify legitimate operators and avoid financial loss.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding travel scams and learn how consumers can better protect themselves, we spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
The primary legal challenge with travel scams is often jurisdictional. Scammers use digital platforms to operate across borders, making it incredibly difficult and expensive for a consumer to pursue a claim. The most effective shield is contractual diligence. Never transfer funds without a formal, written service agreement that clearly identifies the legal entity you are contracting with. A legitimate business will always provide this; a scammer will offer excuses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on “contractual diligence” provides a crucial and empowering shield for consumers. It reframes the problem from a difficult legal battle after the fact to a simple, preventative test of legitimacy upfront. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal perspective.
The fair’s mission is to create a secure ecosystem where travelers can engage directly with reputable vendors. This proactive stance aims to restore and bolster consumer confidence in an industry vulnerable to deceptive practices, particularly during the high-demand planning season for December and January holidays.
Faced with the growing increase in scams related to the sale of tourist packages, some of which have been widely disseminated by the media, the organizers of Expoviajes are promoting secure purchasing through the promotion and dissemination of buying tips that minimize risks.
Leonel Bonilla, Director of Expoviajes
To reinforce this message of reliability, Expoviajes 2025 has secured the backing of key industry pillars. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) will have a significant presence with its “My Country, My Destination” section, promoting domestic travel. Support from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, the Costa Rican Association of Airlines (ALA), and the Costa Rican Association of Travel Agencies (ACAV) further solidifies the event’s credibility. All member agencies of ACAV are required to comply with current regulations, offering an immediate layer of assurance for attendees.
Over the two-day event, a wide array of exhibitors—including airlines, international destinations, wholesalers, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agencies—will offer inspiration and expert advice. This provides a unique opportunity for the public to compare options, ask critical questions, and make informed decisions about their travel investments for the upcoming vacation season.
It is essential to verify that the company offering the tourist package has backing and credibility. In this way, we avoid risks and ensure that our investment translates into a real and safe experience.
Leonel Bonilla, Director of Expoviajes
Beyond the inherent safety of booking with vetted exhibitors at the fair, Bonilla urged consumers to adopt a vigilant mindset year-round. He provided a checklist for verifying a company’s legitimacy, advising travelers to confirm that any potential provider is officially registered with the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) and the Directorate of Taxation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of checking for affiliations with respected trade groups like the Costa Rican Association of Travel Agencies (ACAV), ACOMAVI, or the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR).
Finally, event organizers recommend giving preference to businesses that have been awarded the “Declaratoria Turística” (Tourism Declaration) by the ICT, a certification signifying compliance with high operational and safety standards. By following this guidance, visitors to Expoviajes can plan their dream vacations with the peace of mind that comes from dealing with formal, regulated, and trustworthy companies, ensuring their holiday experience is both safe and unforgettable.
For further information, visit expoviajes.co.cr
About Expoviajes:
Expoviajes is Costa Rica’s leading annual travel and vacation tourism fair. It serves as a central marketplace connecting consumers with a wide range of national and international travel providers, including airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. The event focuses on offering secure booking opportunities and expert advice for planning vacations.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo is the official government body responsible for the regulation and promotion of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. The ICT works to ensure sustainable tourism development, market the country as a premier global destination, and certify tourism companies that meet its standards for quality and safety.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría:
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary international airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. As the country’s main gateway for international travelers, it is a critical piece of infrastructure for the nation’s robust tourism sector and is managed by AERIS Holding Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Costarricense de Líneas Aéreas (ALA)
About Asociación Costarricense de Líneas Aéreas (ALA):
The Asociación Costarricense de Líneas Aéreas represents the interests of domestic and international airlines operating within Costa Rica. The association works to facilitate communication and collaboration between airlines and government authorities to promote a safe and efficient air travel industry.
For further information, visit acav.co.cr
About Asociación Costarricense de Agencias de Viajes (ACAV):
The Costa Rican Association of Travel Agencies is a professional organization that brings together regulated travel agencies in the country. ACAV promotes ethical practices, professionalism, and adherence to legal regulations among its members, serving as a seal of quality and trust for consumers.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for formulating policies that promote economic development, fair trade, and consumer protection. Its oversight includes the official registration and regulation of businesses operating within the country.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Dirección de Tributación:
The Directorate of Taxation is the tax collection agency of the Costa Rican Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for administering and enforcing tax laws, ensuring that all registered businesses, including those in the tourism sector, comply with their fiscal obligations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ACOMAVI
About ACOMAVI:
ACOMAVI, the Asociación Costarricense de Mayoristas de Viajes, is an association representing travel wholesalers in Costa Rica. The organization works to uphold standards and advocate for the interests of wholesale tour operators within the national tourism industry.
For further information, visit canatur.org
About Cámara Nacional de Turismo (CANATUR):
The National Chamber of Tourism is one of the most prominent private sector organizations in Costa Rica’s tourism industry. CANATUR represents a broad spectrum of tourism-related businesses and works to advocate for policies that foster the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar within Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is renowned for its profound commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. It channels a rich history of advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal solutions. This dedication to progress is matched by a core mission to strengthen society through the democratization of legal knowledge, cultivating a citizenry that is both informed and empowered.
