400 Business Leaders And More Than 4,500 Meetings Boost Business At The Tourism Destinations Business Matching Event, ICT 2026

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The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is holding the third edition of the Tourism Destinations Business Matching Event on September 8 and 9, organized by the Tourism Development and Promotion divisions as part of the Comprehensive Destination Management Program and the“Vamos a Turistear” strategy.

The event, taking place at the Wyndham San José Herradura Convention Center, brings together nearly 400 tourism entrepreneurs and agents from all regions of the country, with the aim of revitalizing the value chain and strengthening the commercial offering ahead of the 2027 season.

According to data collected through the appointment scheduling system, the business matchmaking event has already recorded more than 4,500 scheduled appointments, and meeting scheduling remains active.

Participants have access to a modern system for scheduling cross-appointments, ensuring a transparent, efficient, and productive exchange between exhibitors and buyers during both days of the event.

2026 Edition: A Showcase of Opportunities and Regional Inclusion

For 2026, the ICT is incorporating the participation of solidarity-based associations, expanding the marketing platform and opening new opportunities to diversify sales toward domestic and corporate tourism. In total, 143 exhibiting tourism companies will connect directly with more than 135 travel agents from 95 accredited agencies.

Marcos Vargas, Executive President of the ICT, emphasizes that the 2026 Tourism Destinations Business Matching Event provides a free platform to expand commercial opportunities for tourism companies across the country.“This edition strengthens the participation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), rural tourism ventures, and companies with newly designated tourism status, with representation from the country's seven planning regions (Caribbean, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Central and Southern Pacific, Northern Plains, and Central Valley). The results of previous editions confirm the value of this format: high levels of satisfaction and effective business generation, strategic partnerships, and new tourist routes,” says Vargas.

Diversity of Options and Cultural Richness

The offerings on display range from accommodations such as hotels, rural inns, lodges, villas, and glamping sites to attractions featuring mountains, beaches, adventure, wellness, and birdwatching, as well as experiences in indigenous territories. In addition, a wide range of activities is promoted, including coffee and chocolate tours, hiking, zip-lining, river rafting, specialized transportation services, and cultural experiences for both domestic and international visitors.

Complementing these offerings, the event features a craft market represented by collectives from the“Artesanías con Identidad” program and the “” platform, highlighting Costa Rica's cultural richness as a distinguishing feature of the national tourism experience. Furthermore, the ICT's Department of Tourism Sustainability has an information booth on the Tourism Sustainability Certification (CST) and other social programs aimed at the sector.

The event's track record supports this effort: during the October 2025 edition, 90% of respondents expressed satisfaction with how the event unfolded, and 82% confirmed that they had established new business contacts and strategic alliances.

By hosting this event, the ICT reaffirms its commitment to promoting a diverse range of emerging and established destinations, fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative tourism model.

Press contact:

Luis Jara Cubillo /... / 83414521

The post 400 Business Leaders And More Than 4,500 Meetings Boost Business At The Tourism Destinations Business Matching Event, ICT 2026 appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

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