The fortieth National Meeting of Regional Tourism Authorities was held at the Ágora Convention Center in Bogotá, an event organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism to highlight the role of this sector in the social and economic advancement of Colombia, and to coordinate the lines of work to continue strengthening it.
On this occasion, 280 delegates, including governors, mayors, secretaries of Tourism and Economic Development of the different local and regional administrations, participate to learn about the progress and projections of the programs and investments that have been carried out to consolidate a Productive and lasting tourism, in harmony with life.
As has been happening since 2000,when the first edition was held,this scenario has been consolidated as a space for dialog between representatives of the value chain and the national government to generate collective construction actions in terms of tourism planning. with a social focus.
During the opening of the meeting, the Vice Minister of Tourism (e), Juan Manrique Camargo, assured that “Colombia, The Country of Beauty, is doing enormous work to position community tourism and promote emerging destinations that are betting on the construction of peace.” through unique experiences. However, we have to be responsible in the dialogue with the communities to build models and methodologies that not only promote the sector, but also preserve traditions and natural resources.”
On the first day, angelina Martínez, representative of the Mancomunate Peoples of Oaxaca (Mexico) and international guest at this congress, explained the experience of community tourism in her country and how the model they have implemented is very similar to the Colombian one, since it is of a model focused on strengthening the capacities of communities so that they can undertake tourism.
How is community tourism being developed in Colombia,and what are its benefits for local communities?
Interview with Juan Manrique Camargo,Vice Minister of Tourism (e)
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Vice Minister Camargo. The recent 40th National Meeting of Regional Tourism authorities in Bogotá featured the role of tourism in Colombia’s social and economic advancement. can you elaborate on how this meeting aids in strengthening the tourism sector?
Juan Manrique Camargo: Thank you for having me. This meeting is crucial as it provides a platform for dialogue among regional authorities,local governments,and the national government. As its inception in 2000, we have used this forum to coordinate tourism planning with a social focus. it’s an possibility to present the progress we’ve made and outline future investments aimed at consolidating productive and sustainable tourism in colombia, which is essential for economic growth.
Editor: You mentioned a focus on community tourism and emerging destinations. Why is community tourism a priority for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism?
Juan Manrique Camargo: Community tourism is about engaging local populations in the tourism experience. This approach not onyl enhances economic opportunities for these communities but also plays a vital role in preserving their traditions and natural resources. We believe that by promoting community tourism, we can contribute significantly to building peace and social cohesion in colombia, especially in areas that are frequently enough overlooked by traditional tourism.
Editor: Angelina Martínez shared insights from the Mancomunate Peoples of Oaxaca on community tourism. What similarities and lessons can Colombia learn from Mexico’s model?
Juan Manrique Camargo: The model implemented in Oaxaca resonates deeply with our initiatives in Colombia. Both models prioritize strengthening the community’s capacities and fostering local entrepreneurship in tourism. By sharing best practices, both countries can elevate their tourism strategies. It’s essential that we listen to the community voices and tailor our approaches to their specific needs,ensuring tourism serves as a pathway for development rather than exploitation.
Editor: What challenges do you foresee in balancing tourism growth with the preservation of local cultures and environments?
Juan Manrique Camargo: One of the primary challenges is ensuring sustainable tourism practices. Rapid tourism growth can sometimes lead to environmental degradation or cultural dilution. We must be responsible in our dialogues with communities and commit to building frameworks that not only facilitate tourism but actively protect their heritage and ecosystems.utilizing models that emphasize sustainability is key to mitigating these risks.
Editor: with over 280 delegates attending the event, what are the next steps for these regional authorities to enhance tourism in Colombia?
Juan Manrique Camargo: The next steps involve implementing the strategies we discussed during the meeting and establishing accountability measures. Each region needs to tailor the insights gained to their specific contexts. We’ll focus on continuous training and resources to ensure that local governments have what they need to foster tourism developments that are in harmony with their communities and environments.
Editor: what practical advice can you offer to readers interested in supporting the growth of sustainable tourism in Colombia?
Juan Manrique Camargo: I encourage readers to seek out community-based tourism experiences when traveling. these experiences not only enrich their understanding of our diverse cultures but also provide essential economic support to local communities. Additionally, advocating for responsible tourism practices and being mindful of environmental impacts can help preserve our gorgeous country for future generations.
Editor: Thank you, Vice Minister Camargo, for sharing your insights on the transformative power of tourism in Colombia. We look forward to seeing how these efforts evolve in the coming years.
Juan Manrique Camargo: Thank you for having me. I am optimistic about the future of tourism in colombia and appreciate your support in spreading awareness about sustainable practices.