By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With three months still remaining before its opening, Expotur 2026 is already demonstrating unprecedented success, signaling robust international confidence in Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism sector. Organizers have announced that an impressive 80% of the available slots for international buyers have been filled, with 114 high-prestige firms from around the globe confirmed to attend the nation’s most important tourism trade event.
The annual fair, scheduled to take place from May 27th to 29th at the Crowne Plaza in La Sabana, serves as a critical nexus for the national tourism industry. It provides a structured platform for Costa Rican businesses, ranging from boutique hotels to adventure tour operators, to forge lucrative partnerships with influential international travel wholesalers and agencies. The high confirmation rate so early in the year underscores the strong and growing global demand for the unique “Pura Vida” experience that Costa Rica offers.
To understand the legal and commercial implications surrounding an international event of this magnitude, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis.
Expotur 2026 represents a critical juncture for both tourism and foreign investment. It’s essential for participants to ensure their contractual agreements are solid, covering intellectual property, liability, and international commercial terms. The success of these ventures often depends on the legal foresight applied before the event even begins, turning handshakes into secure, long-term business relationships.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal foresight is indeed the bedrock upon which the promising connections of Expotur 2026 can be built into lasting ventures, a crucial reminder that a handshake’s value is truly secured by the strength of the contract that follows. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert perspective on this foundational aspect of international business.
This year marks the 39th edition of the event, a milestone that cements its legacy as one of the most enduring and respected tourism commercialization events in Latin America. Its longevity and consistent success have transformed it into more than just a trade fair; it is now a strategic engine for economic growth, directly impacting employment and fostering sustainable development across the country’s diverse regions.
Yadyra Simón, President of the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), the organizing body behind the event, expressed immense optimism about the upcoming edition. She highlighted the fair’s established reputation as a key factor in attracting top-tier participants year after year.
The 39th edition will be a success as it is recognized as one of the oldest trade fairs in Latin America. Today, it is consolidated as a strategic platform for the commercialization and international projection of the national tourism product.
Yadyra Simón, President of ACOPROT
The primary objective of Expotur 2026 is to facilitate and strengthen business linkages, or “encadenamientos,” between local enterprises and their global counterparts. These connections are vital for the health of the industry, enabling smaller Costa Rican companies to gain access to international markets they might otherwise be unable to reach. The face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities are designed to cultivate long-term relationships that translate into a consistent flow of visitors and revenue for the national economy.
The selection of the Crowne Plaza in La Sabana as the venue is also strategic. Located in the heart of the capital, it provides easy access for both local vendors and international attendees, reinforcing San José’s role as the central hub of Costa Rica’s commercial and cultural activities. The venue is well-equipped to handle the scale of the event, which involves hundreds of scheduled appointments and networking sessions over the three-day period.
The enthusiastic response from international buyers is a powerful testament to Costa Rica’s successful branding as a world leader in eco-tourism, adventure travel, and wellness. It reflects a global travel market that increasingly values authentic, sustainable, and nature-centric experiences. The deals brokered at Expotur will have a ripple effect, supporting not only hotels and tour companies but also transportation providers, local artisans, restaurants, and rural communities that depend on tourism.
As the final preparations get underway, the focus for ACOPROT and its partners will be on ensuring the remaining 20% of buyer slots are filled with equally prestigious firms, further maximizing the event’s potential. The early success of Expotur 2026 is not just a win for the organizers but a clear and encouraging indicator of a thriving and resilient future for tourism in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit acoprot.co.cr
About ACOPROT:
The Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism (ACOPROT) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and professionalization of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It represents a wide range of industry stakeholders and works to foster ethical practices, create business opportunities, and advocate for policies that support sustainable tourism growth. ACOPROT is best known as the primary organizer of Expotur, the country’s most significant annual international tourism trade fair.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to professional integrity and exceptional legal practice. The firm leverages its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele to drive innovation and advance the standards of law. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound dedication to public service, aimed at demystifying legal complexities and fostering a society where knowledge empowers every citizen.
