Costa Rica’s natural wealth took centre stage in London through an audiovisual experience designed to spark British travellers’ interest in the country. The initiative, called Costa Rica Experience, was part of the tourism promotion activities carried out during World Travel Market (WTM) 2026, one of the leading international events in the travel industry.
The experience was set up at Outernet London, a digital entertainment venue in the British capital. Using large-format screens, animations and 2D and 3D visual effects, visitors were invited to explore some of Costa Rica’s landscapes and ecosystems.
An Audiovisual Journey Through the Country’s Natural Heritage
The experience showcased images of tropical forests, waterfalls and various native wildlife species, including sloths, monkeys and hummingbirds. The visuals were accompanied by nature sounds, such as birdsong and the sound of waterfalls, creating an immersive introduction to the country’s landscapes.
The activation also featured tastings of Costa Rican coffee and chocolate, interactive competitions accessed through QR codes, and musical performances by Costa Rican artists living in the United Kingdom and other European countries.
The initiative was developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), in partnership with British Airways. It forms part of efforts to strengthen Costa Rica’s presence in the British market and encourage more travellers to consider the country as a holiday destination.
45 Costa Rican Companies Take Part in the Tourism Fair
Alongside the audiovisual experience, Costa Rica participated in the 47th edition of World Travel Market, held in London from 3 to 5 November 2026.
The national delegation included 45 tourism-sector companies: 22 hotels, 17 tour operators, five car rental companies and one inbound travel agency.
The exhibition space featured elements inspired by Costa Rica’s biodiversity, with images of landscapes, flora and fauna, as well as plants and an organic visual design.
Activities at the stand included coffee tastings, an interactive photo area and a cinema room where visitors could listen to the sounds of forests and wildlife. The initiative “Siembra tu Huella” (Plant Your Footprint) was also introduced, distributing kits to grow edible plants and encourage small-scale sustainable actions.
Promoting the Green Season and Year-Round Tourism
During the fair, Costa Rica also presented the video Rainy Season, a promotional piece highlighting the experiences available in the country during the green season.
The initiative aims to broaden the perception of Costa Rica as a travel destination beyond the months traditionally associated with the dry season. Promoting different seasons can help diversify tourist demand and bring greater visibility to destinations and activities across the country throughout the year.
The stand also included access ramps to make it easier for visitors to reach the exhibition and meeting areas, as part of the accessibility measures incorporated into the space.
The United Kingdom, an Important Market for Costa Rican Tourism
According to figures released by the ICT during the fair, Costa Rica welcomed 49,377 visitors from the United Kingdom by air between January and September 2026. This made the British market the third-largest source of European tourists to the country during that period.
According to the event organisers, World Travel Market brought together around 40,000 travel professionals and 4,000 exhibitors from different countries. For Costa Rica, taking part in this event provides an opportunity to establish business contacts, showcase its tourism offering and strengthen relationships with travel agents and international tour operators.
Through initiatives such as Costa Rica Experience, the country aims to make its biodiversity and natural attractions central to its international tourism promotion. The goal is to turn the interest generated into opportunities for the national tourism sector and encourage more visitors throughout the year.
Sources
- Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). “Costa Rica Captivates London with an Immersive Nature Experience During WTM 2026.”
- Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Official information on Costa Rica’s participation in World Travel Market 2026.
- World Travel Market. Official information on the 2026 edition of the tourism trade show.
- La República. “Costa Rica Promotes Its Biodiversity in London with an Immersive Experience During WTM 2026,” 8 November 2026.
- Teletica. “Costa Rica Captivates London with an Immersive Nature Experience,” 8 November 2026.
