Colombia hopes to project an image of itself as a safe and biodiverse holiday destination at a tourism fair in Spain this week, where the Lonely Planet will launch its latest Spanish-language guide to the South American country.
Spanish website Elcatavinos reported that the country’s government hopes tourists will begin to recognize Colombia as a safe holiday destination, with a wealth of culture as well as natural resources. At the fair, promotors will be emphasizing eco-tourist destinations.
Promotors will also be emphasizing popular Colombian festivals including the Barranquilla Carnaval, the Ibero-American Theater festival of Bogota, the Feria of Cali, the Black and White carnival of Pasto and the annual flower festival of Medellin.
A photo exhibit will feature 40 photos of the parks, beaches, mountains and rivers of Colombia, and be open for the next month. Photos will highlight Colombian culture, colonial towns, indigenous peoples, and salsa. Tourists at the fair can also be photographed with a Jeep, a typical form of transportation in Colombia.
Folk ballet dancers from the Antioquia region will also be at the stands in traditional dress, and tickets will be raffled for a trip to the coffee triangle.
This exhibit is a continuation of the campaign “Colombia: The only risk is wanting to stay.”
Colombia enjoyed a 9% increase in tourism last year, while most of the world experienced a 6% decline.