Expotur 2025: Crime and Rising Costs Challenge Costa Rica’s Tourism
Costa Rica's tourism trade show highlights growth in sustainable tourism amidst rising security concerns and economic challenges.
Expotur 2025, Costa Rica’s premier tourism trade show, recently concluded at the Costa Rica Convention Center.
The event, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), featured over 120 local businesses and attracted buyers from 27 countries, demonstrating Costa Rica’s commitment to remaining a leader in global tourism.
This year’s focus was on innovation and sustainability, aiming to expand into new markets such as India and China.
The trade show emphasized Costa Rica’s strengths in sustainable and adventure tourism, with exhibitors presenting offerings that included eco-lodges and wellness retreats.
The focus was on eco-friendly initiatives like carbon offsetting and community-driven projects.
New tourism products highlighted at the event included immersive rainforest experiences and volcano hikes, catering to thrill-seekers and eco-conscious travelers.
Buyers from emerging markets, notably Brazil and India, expressed interest in these offerings, indicating a growing appeal beyond traditional visitor demographics.
The event plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s tourism industry, which accounts for 8% of the nation’s GDP and sustains over 200,000 jobs, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
Expotur 2025 is projected to contribute between $5 and $6 million in tourism revenue, providing a substantial boost to local businesses still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trade show facilitated new partnerships, allowing exhibitors to secure deals that could foster long-term economic growth.
ACOPROT President Yadyra Simón remarked on the importance of the event as a platform to connect with the global community.
However, Expotur 2025 took place against the backdrop of increasing security concerns in Costa Rica.
The Judicial Investigation Agency reported approximately 6,300 tourist-related crimes in 2024, which include a range of incidents from petty theft to violent crimes in prominent tourist areas like Jacó and San José.
Consequently, this rise in crime has prompted travel advisories from countries such as Canada and the United States, contributing to a reported 13.8% decline in tourist arrivals over a recent six-month period.
Additionally, the strengthening of the Costa Rican colón, which reached a recent high of ₡499.80 per dollar, has further impacted costs for visitors, leading local businesses to raise prices.
Reports from adventure tour operators in Nosara indicated a 20% drop in bookings as budget travelers seek more affordable destinations.
In response to these challenges, organizers of Expotur 2025 plan to expand the event's reach and intensify its focus on sustainability.
Efforts are underway to attract more buyers from emerging markets, alongside the introduction of workshops intended to foster innovation within the industry.
The ICT is addressing security concerns by deploying 1,500 new police officers to tourist areas in an effort to enhance safety for visitors.
As Costa Rica’s tourism industry navigates these complex challenges, Expotur continues to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping its future.
The event, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), featured over 120 local businesses and attracted buyers from 27 countries, demonstrating Costa Rica’s commitment to remaining a leader in global tourism.
This year’s focus was on innovation and sustainability, aiming to expand into new markets such as India and China.
The trade show emphasized Costa Rica’s strengths in sustainable and adventure tourism, with exhibitors presenting offerings that included eco-lodges and wellness retreats.
The focus was on eco-friendly initiatives like carbon offsetting and community-driven projects.
New tourism products highlighted at the event included immersive rainforest experiences and volcano hikes, catering to thrill-seekers and eco-conscious travelers.
Buyers from emerging markets, notably Brazil and India, expressed interest in these offerings, indicating a growing appeal beyond traditional visitor demographics.
The event plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s tourism industry, which accounts for 8% of the nation’s GDP and sustains over 200,000 jobs, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
Expotur 2025 is projected to contribute between $5 and $6 million in tourism revenue, providing a substantial boost to local businesses still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trade show facilitated new partnerships, allowing exhibitors to secure deals that could foster long-term economic growth.
ACOPROT President Yadyra Simón remarked on the importance of the event as a platform to connect with the global community.
However, Expotur 2025 took place against the backdrop of increasing security concerns in Costa Rica.
The Judicial Investigation Agency reported approximately 6,300 tourist-related crimes in 2024, which include a range of incidents from petty theft to violent crimes in prominent tourist areas like Jacó and San José.
Consequently, this rise in crime has prompted travel advisories from countries such as Canada and the United States, contributing to a reported 13.8% decline in tourist arrivals over a recent six-month period.
Additionally, the strengthening of the Costa Rican colón, which reached a recent high of ₡499.80 per dollar, has further impacted costs for visitors, leading local businesses to raise prices.
Reports from adventure tour operators in Nosara indicated a 20% drop in bookings as budget travelers seek more affordable destinations.
In response to these challenges, organizers of Expotur 2025 plan to expand the event's reach and intensify its focus on sustainability.
Efforts are underway to attract more buyers from emerging markets, alongside the introduction of workshops intended to foster innovation within the industry.
The ICT is addressing security concerns by deploying 1,500 new police officers to tourist areas in an effort to enhance safety for visitors.
As Costa Rica’s tourism industry navigates these complex challenges, Expotur continues to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping its future.
