EXPOTUR 2012 aims to attract the segment of meetings and conventions and position Costa Rica as a destination suited for this group.
Yadyra Simon, president of the Costa Rica Association of Professionals in Tourism considers that it is necessary to support the efforts of the government which announced the plans on the construction of the National Conventions Center that should be ready by the end of 2013.
This Center will include some 19.600 square feet (6.000 m2) of exhibition area. Simon was emphatic in the importance of working strongly and from now on, so that meeting planners set their interest in Costa Rica.
“We have everything to attract this type of tourism, from enjoying a privileged geographical location, to being a natural paradise, with suitable infrastructure and soon to have a Conventions Center of first level”, noticed the representative. She added that meeting planners work their agendas with much anticipation and for this reason, it is necessary to inform and attract them in advance.
“EXPOTUR 2012 will have guests of several countries that work this segment referred to as MICE so will show them our country for them to discover that we are a very attractive option”, added the ACOPROT president.
Cultural and sport festivals, conventions, fairs, exhibitions and other events have a great impact on the economies of international level, but especially on the tourism sector.
According to data of the Conventions Bureau of Costa Rica, this segment has increased in the country, lately and, being that the country has hosted many international events, we can now promote it, strongly. In addition, this niche contributes to balance visitor’s arrivals to Costa Rica due to the fact that it lacks seasonality, with greater incidence during our low season. EXPOTUR 2012 organizers say that they hope to attract around 30 countries in an event that it brings in the main international buyers and offers an excellent platform of negotiation. This event, organized by ACOPROT, will be take place May 9-11 at the Ramada Plaza Herradura, with more than 300 companies and tourist services of Costa Rica and Central America.
EXPOTUR 2012, www.expotur.com