With a progress of over 80% in the construction of the National Congress and Convention Center, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) is betting on positioning the country as a destination for corporate tourism and meetings with the purpose of diversifying its offer and attracting more visitors and investors.

The National Congress and Convention Center was the missing element for the ICT, the new building which has a cost of approximately US$35 million is located just minutes away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and just 10km from San Jose, a key location that will facilitate the access from visitors.

“The significant progress on this project represents a wise choice for Costa Rica, by taking on the challenge of diversifying its tourism offer. We are a consolidated destination and we have managed to bring more airlines that connect the country and attract tourists and investments; now, with the National Congress and Convention Center finished we will be ready to compete in this demanding market that requires this type of infrastructure that positions the country at the forefront and at the same time seals our commitment with sustainability”, commented President Luis Guillermo Solis.

The corporate and meetings tourism market moves approximately $11 billion dollars every year, and over 120 million conventions are organized around the world annually according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Another advantage of this market is that it doesn’t low and high seasons, and the type of visitor it attracts usually has a high purchasing power.

According to the ICT for 2018 and 2019 there’s already seven congresses confirmed.

The Convention Center is expected to be inaugurated in April 5, 2018.