Shopkeepers, bars, restaurants and hotels are ready for this long weekend that marks the start of the Harvest Festival, commemorating Pereira’s 161st anniversary.
August is, without a doubt, one of the key months for commerce, gastronomy and tourism in Pereira, as it marks the beginning of a crucial period in economic terms: the Harvest Festival. With the commemoration of the city’s 161st anniversary, a season is anticipated that will significantly boost these sectors. The strategy designed for the festivities foresees an economic impact that will exceed 48,000 million pesos, equivalent to more than 12 million dollars, and the generation of almost 8,000 jobs, of which 2,700 will be direct and more than 5,000 indirect.
According to the city’s Secretariat for Economic Development and Competitiveness, more than 80,000 visitors are expected to visit the festival during the scheduled events, which will increase hotel occupancy to more than 65%, with more than 13,000 beds occupied. In addition, 18,000 people are expected to eat daily at local restaurants, further benefiting the region’s economy.
According to Sebastián Restrepo, executive director of Fenalco Risaralda, they expect to have an increase in trade of 25% and 30%. “These festivals are a driving force for the economy so that people from the Coffee Belt and the North of the Valley and from other cities in the country come, who really see Pereira as a very good destination and with this promotion that has been done with the artists and the cultural and gastronomic offer that is being generated and the commercial strategies we expect the arrival of many people to the city of Pereira during this first long weekend and these two weeks.”
Likewise, Andrés Valencia, director of Asobares Risaralda, indicated that activities such as the Gastronomic Festival, Mobile Kitchens, participation in the Carnival and the extension of night hours until 5:00 am will be catalysts for this sector. “After the events, people will be able to visit the association’s bars, which are 10.”
Investment for deployment
The Pereira Mayor’s Office has invested around 9.150 million pesos in the deployment of these festivities, with the aim of positioning the city as a tourist and cultural reference at a national and international level. The administration, led by Mayor Mauricio Salazar and the Secretary of Economic Development and Competitiveness, hopes that these festivities mark a before and after in the history of Pereira, strengthening its economy and its cultural identity.
Expectations
The Secretariat for Economic Development and Competitiveness hopes, as do the entrepreneurs of ‘Made in Pereira’, ‘Made in Risaralda’, as well as the other businessmen who are part of the Harvest Festivals, that locals and tourists get to know all the tourist, fashion, gastronomic, artisanal and entertainment offerings that Pereira offers.
“We hope that the economy can really be strengthened. With Secretary Cristian Toro, we have worked very hard to position the city as a national and international reference in events and tourism, and that the Harvest Festivals really mark a starting point for the quality of events that can be held in the city and also show Pereira as a tourist center that really focuses on entertainment and the identity of Pereira,” said David Giraldo, Director of Competitiveness.
Craft Market Artisan Fair
The Craft Market Artisanal Fair, which will be open until August 25 at the Pereira Plaza Shopping Center, is consolidating itself as a multicultural meeting point in Pereira. With the participation of more than 60 entrepreneurs and businessmen, this fair not only highlights the best of local talent, but also brings unique products from different regions of the country and the world. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of crafts, textiles and jewelry from places as far away as Turkey, India and Pakistan.
Expocosecha Diversa Fair
In order to help the city’s diverse population grow economically, the Expocosecha Diversa fair was held in downtown Pereira in a single day. Supported by Evolution Café Bar, this event brought together 24 entrepreneurs who, through fashion, gastronomy and crafts, managed to participate in the Harvest Festivals. It is hoped that this strategy will continue to be implemented in the upcoming festivals.
Circunvalar Boulevard
Until Monday, from 5th Street to 12th Street, on Avenida Circunvalar, entrepreneurs from all regions of the country and the department will be present to showcase the highlights of national commerce. It will also feature the best of Calle del Café and the Beer Festival.
2024-08-17 05:17:11