Colombia’s Congress has approved a modification to the country’s budget, allowing more resources to be allocated to the country’s increasing tourism industry, local media reported Tuesday.
The new law, which includes a budget reform, is expected to formalize tourism service providers, stop the illegal tourist industry, strengthen the environmental responsibilities of the tourism sector and facilitate funding initiatives for new projects.
The change was proposed by Senator Miguel Aguilar who said it was important to offer alternatives in order to increase the country’s tourism competitiveness and quality, as well as “to permit people, regardless of their economic status, to easily access tourism programs.”
According to the International Congress and Convention Association 2010 ranking report, Colombia moved up from number 50 in 2006 to 34 in the world, and fifth in Latin America, thanks to the several international conventions and events it has hosted.