Nestled in the heart of the Colombian Caribbean, Cartagena de Indias stands out with its historical beauty, charming streets, and deep connection to culture and nature. This tourist destination aspires to become a world-renowned supercity by embracing a model of responsible and sustainable tourism that harmonizes environmental preservation with sustainable economic progress and social transformation.
Towards Sustainability
The Tourism Sector Plan 2024-2028 aims to position Colombia as a nature tourism destination, recognized for its highly competitive and sustainable products and services. This plan seeks to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Cartagena aligns with this vision, striving to stand out as a tourist destination capable of offering differentiated, innovative, and high-quality products. The city aims to generate significant added value for its visitors and promote social and urban transformation through a wide range of products and tourist attractions.
Furthermore, Cartagena is working on developing products and experiences that leverage the riches of its ecosystem. Examples include maritime sports in the insular area, allowing exploration of biodiversity without harming natural resources, and the implementation of electric vehicles for tourism purposes.
Growth in Tourism Employability
Cartagena’s goal is to significantly increase economic income from the tourism sector. To achieve this, it is essential to respect the sociocultural authenticity of local communities, maintaining their traditional values and generating employment opportunities that foster active participation in the city’s dynamics.
One of the fundamental pillars is promoting formality in the tourism sector so that involved actors can generate profitability and strengthen a sustainable circular economy. In this way, Cartagena not only positions itself as an attractive and competitive destination but also as a large-scale equitable system.
Tourism Infrastructure to Boost Cartagena
Future projects in Cartagena will contribute to urban and rural renewal through the improvement and construction of tourism infrastructure. These projects will promote responsible and sustainable tourism, giving the city the splendor it deserves.
Among the planned works are the construction of the Creative District and the Grand Malecón del Mar, which will elevate the sense of belonging and highlight Cartagena’s tourist characteristics, reaffirming its commitment to a tourism revolution.
A Prosperous Future in Numbers
The growth of tourism in Cartagena is reflected in the number of international visitors. Compared to March 2023, the city has experienced a 32% increase in international passenger arrivals during the first quarter, highlighting the city’s successful promotion efforts abroad.
These numbers are expected to continue rising with the expansion of the airport terminal and the opening of new commercial routes, such as the charter flight to Warsaw, scheduled to begin operations in November 2024.
With these initiatives, Cartagena de Indias reaffirms its commitment to a tourism model that not only attracts visitors but also promotes sustainability and inclusive economic development, solidifying its position as a world-class destination.