Costa Rica consolidates its position as a sustainable and premium destination for meeting tourism
Within the framework of the ICCA Latin America & Caribbean Summit 2025, we spoke with Rafael Quesada, head of the Promotion and Specialized Segments Department of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), about the country's participation in international events, its growth in corporate and associative tourism, and the focus on sustainability and quality of services
What does it mean to you to participate in such an important ICCA event?
ICCA is one of the world's leading tourism and meetings associations. This type of event opens up opportunities for us to bring important conferences to Costa Rica, establish negotiations, and strengthen networking among Latin American destinations. Although we compete, it's a collaborative effort; we get to know each other and support each other, which helps the region grow united in tourism and meetings.
A report on the growth of corporate and MICE tourism through 2031 was recently published. How do you see it in Costa Rica?
From our perspective, the sector will continue to grow. In Costa Rica, corporate incentives are essential, although the association component is also important. We have a solid convention center, and the numbers show sustained growth. We focus on both the quantity and quality of our events, always seeking memorable experiences for our visitors.
How are we progressing in meeting our event promotion and recruitment goals for this year?
These initiatives are being implemented very well. We are strengthening collaboration with the Convention Bureau and the private sector, which builds trust and connects all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem. This ensures that events have a broader and more coordinated impact, beyond the specific event or the invited audience.
Costa Rica is known for its focus on sustainability. How does this apply to the events you host?
Sustainability is integrated into all our events. Companies that organize conferences strive to offset their carbon footprint, implement sustainable initiatives, and offer experiences that bring visitors closer to these values. Furthermore, Costa Rica boasts 98-99% clean energy and numerous national parks, reinforcing the country's environmental commitment.
What does it mean to you to offer a premium service and how does it combine with sustainability?
The premium concept translates into high-quality services tailored to our clients' needs, combining first-class infrastructure with memorable experiences. At the same time, we offer a "pura vida" service that reflects well-being, care, and sustainability. This combination makes Costa Rica an excellent choice for those seeking responsible destinations with a legacy and meaningful experiences in meeting tourism.