© Costa Rica Department of Tourism
Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on its western and eastern shores, respectively, this peaceful Central American nation has been talking for years about complementing its world-renowned nature tourism with MICE appeal. Those discussions took a major step forward in February 2017 with ground-breaking on the long-anticipated National Congress and Conventions Center. Located near Juan Santamaría International Airport in the historic capital of San Jose, the facility, targeting a 2018 opening, will reportedly have capacity for 4,600 delegates.
The fertile Central Valley, with mountain-backed San Jose at its heart, anchors a diversified meetings industry that welcomes groups from the pharmaceutical, automotive, insurance, and other industries. Leading international brands with conference hotels include Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt and Wyndham. Less developed than the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean side offers group-capable properties such as the 23-room Le Cameleon and the Mayan-inspired Shawandha Lodge.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose
Hacienda-style Hotel set amid a 30-acre coffee plantation within the Central Valley.
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Spanish colonial style architecture set in a resort & marina complex - Bahia Herradura.