Sergio LLubere

Tourism and Travel Operations professional with more than 20 years of experience coordinating international educational programs, customized travel experiences, reservations, supplier management, travel logistics, and tourism operations throughout Costa Rica. Proven expertise managing multi-day travel programs, coordinating hotels, transportation providers, tour operators, travel agencies, restaurants, and strategic tourism partners while ensuring operational excellence, budget compliance, and exceptional customer experiences. Extensive experience working with U.S. universities, international travelers, tourism suppliers, and multicultural teams.

Strong background in itinerary planning, operational coordination, budget management, expense reconciliation, supplier negotiations, and business relationship development. Fluent in English with full professional proficiency and extensive experience communicating with international clients, suppliers, and academic institutions.

Program Director & Tour Operations Coordinator at Arcos Learning Abroad (Present)

• Coordinate 10–20 international educational travel programs annually for U.S. universities throughout Costa Rica.
• Manage groups ranging from 10 to 30 participants while ensuring seamless program execution.
• Coordinate hotel reservations, transportation, restaurants, educational excursions, guided tours, and cultural activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, tour operators, and local suppliers.
• Coordinate multiple vendors simultaneously to ensure smooth operational execution.
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and complete post-program financial reconciliation.
• Resolve operational challenges efficiently while maintaining exceptional participant satisfaction.
• Coordinate programs for universities including Salem University, Cal Poly, Butler University, Texas A&M University (TAMU), Miami University, and many others.
• Maintain continuous communication with university representatives, suppliers, and local partners to ensure operational excellence.

Operations & Travel Coordinator at Trekking Adventures CR

• Coordinate customized travel experiences for domestic and international travelers throughout Costa Rica.
• Design personalized itineraries according to client expectations, travel objectives, and budgets.
• Coordinate hotel reservations, private transportation, guided tours, adventure activities, and tourism logistics.
• Prepare detailed quotations and customized travel proposals.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with hotels, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), national and international travel agencies, transportation providers, corporate organizations, employee associations, and tourism suppliers.
• Negotiate rates, contracts, and service agreements while maintaining strong business relationships.
• Coordinate operational logistics before, during, and after each trip to ensure a seamless travel experience.
• Monitor reservations, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction throughout each program.
• Support business development, digital marketing initiatives, customer relationship management, and daily operational activities.

Tour Guide at VIP City Tour

• Delivered premium sightseeing experiences for international visitors.
• Guided historical and cultural tours in English and Spanish.
• Coordinated daily tour logistics while ensuring exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.

Tourism Operations Coordinator at La Marta Wildlife Refuge – Universidad Metropolitana Castro Carazo

• Coordinated reservations and logistics for educational groups, tourism programs, and special events.
• Managed customized tour packages and visitor operations.
• Coordinated transportation, accommodations, and activity schedules.
• Supervised customer service and complaint resolution.
• Supported operational administration, budgeting, and marketing initiatives.

Administrative Assistant at Fundación Vida Verdiazul

• Assisted in project development and grant applications.
• Prepared financial and technical reports.
• Coordinated volunteer training programs.
• Supported administrative and operational activities.

Tour Guide & Coordinator at Tirimbina Biological Reserve

• Coordinated visitor reservations and educational activities.
• Guided ecotourism experiences in English and Spanish.

Environmental Educator & Tour Guide at INBioparque

• Led environmental interpretation tours.
• Coordinated workshops, camps, and educational activities.
• Delivered bilingual environmental education programs.

Environmental Education Coordinator at SURA Environmental Consultancy

• Organized environmental education workshops and scientific fairs.
• Coordinated educational camps and community outreach programs.

Master's Degree in Human Resources – Universidad San Marcos (2021)

Master's Degree in Tourism Education – Universidad Metropolitana Castro Carazo (2012)

Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Business Administration – Universidad Metropolitana Castro Carazo (2010)

Professional Diploma in Tourism – ACOPROT (2005)

Certification in General Naturalist Guide – INBioparque / ACOPROT (2003)