Weekend tourism fair hopes to draw local tourists with special travel deals

The National Tourism Board (ICT) on Nov. 1-2 will host a National Tourism Fair 2014 at the Antigua Aduana, east of downtown San José.

The event will feature over 100 tourism businesses including hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and car rental agencies, among others. This year 100 small and medium-sized businesses focused on souvenir and artisanal products will participate.

The fair is part of ICT’s campaign “Vamos a Turistear” (Let’s go sightseeing!), which hopes to attract local tourists during the last stretch of the country’s green season from August to the third week in December.

The ICT this year will invest $630,000 in the campaign, a lower figure than last year when they spent $715,000, according to the agency.

Tourism Minister Wilhelm von Breymann said the fair is an ideal place for Ticos and Costa Rica residents to plan vacations with special prices and promotions.

“This years’ theme will be cultural events that make Costa Rica a distinctive destination,” he said.

In order to take advantage of special offers, Tico tourists should present their cédulas, or IDs, while residents “will have to show their DIMEX cards to confirm their status,” ICT’s Promotion Manager Ireth Rodríguez told The Tico Times.

Admission to the fair is free. Cultural activities, Tico food and barista exhibitions also are part of the event.

Information on promotions and destinations is available on the campaign’s website: www.vamosaturistear.com (in Spanish only).